What happens to Kansas high school football games when there’s severe weather?

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The potential for severe weather could threaten some of Friday night’s high school football games in Kansas.

With storms moving into the state, athletic directors from schools hosting games, along with game officials, will decide what the protocol is for keeping fans and players safe if inclement weather hits.

KSN spoke with the assistant executive director for the Kansas State High School Athletic Association, who said safety is the priority for athletes, students and fans.

“We have a policy that if we hear thunder or see cloud-to-ground lightning, then that would be a case where we would want to suspend play,” Jeremy Holaday said. “So we would want to get the players off the field, get them into the locker room and clear the facility.”

Holaday also said they look to nearby facilities to try to provide shelter for fans. KSHSAA’s guidelines require games to be paused for at least 30 minutes for lightning delays.

KSHSAA requires at least a 30-minute delay, but if the game needs to be suspended or called off for the evening, schools try to reschedule as soon as possible.

“The next calendar day is going to be your makeup day,” Holaday said. “When it comes to football, it gets even a little more tricky because you can’t play two games in a row without at least three days of rest.”

In Pratt, USD 382 said the Pratt game against Larned is being delayed due to weather. The school district also said it is making some changes due to heat.

USD 382 said in a Facebook post both football teams will shorten their warmups and water breaks will take place during the first half as necessary. Pauses in play due to those water breaks will not incur a charged timeout for either team.

If lightning is detected, spectators will move to the PHS commons or return to their vehicles. Home and visiting cheerleaders will move to the commons area or cheerleaders room. The band will move to the PHS school band and vocal rooms.

Be sure to tune into KSN News for the latest updates about Kansas high school football.

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