Know the safety plan before somebody needs it.
For cardiac, heat, or lightning emergencies
- If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 911, begin CPR, and use an AED as soon as it is available, following your training and the device prompts.
- Stop activity for heat-illness symptoms. For confusion, collapse, loss of consciousness, or suspected heat stroke, call 911 and begin the venue’s trained rapid-cooling emergency plan immediately.
- When thunder is heard or lightning is seen, leave the field for a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle. Follow the venue plan and wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming.
Official sources
Check the current guidance.
Reviewed September 16, 2026
Rules, programs, and health guidance can change. Confirm the details that apply to your player with these primary sources.
- CDC HEADS UP concussion response (opens in a new tab)
- Washington concussion law: RCW 28A.600.190 (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Soccer Concussion Initiative (opens in a new tab)
- American Heart Association cardiac emergency planning (opens in a new tab)
- National Weather Service lightning safety for sports (opens in a new tab)
- CDC heat-stroke signs and first aid (opens in a new tab)
- Washington DCYF: report child abuse or neglect (opens in a new tab)
- U.S. Center for SafeSport: reporting and jurisdiction (opens in a new tab)