All referees have been instructed about the Ontario Soccer Association lightning policy. The following is taken directly from this policy.

Ultimately, the referee has the final say over delaying or restarting a match due to weather. Waiting to stop play or not waiting to start play may result in a serious injury or loss of life. Referees are expected to act responsibly when dealing with such events during matches they are controlling. When lightning is detected, you can determine the distance of lightning in your area by counting the number of seconds between the flash and the first sound of the thunder and dividing by five (5). This will give you the distance in miles from your location. Remember, if you are in a higher elevation, the lightning can come upon you much quicker and your reaction time is greatly hindered.

If the referee stops the game because of lightning, the game will be considered to be completed and will not be re-started. The referee and coaches must ensure that everyone leaves the field of play as quickly as possible and that they seek proper shelter. Nets should not be removed from the goalposts during a thunderstorm and coaches should wait until it is safe to put away the equipment. A coach must respectfully inform the referee at the next stoppage of play if he or she hears thunder within 30 seconds of seeing lightning.