Quote:
Originally Posted by GarthB
Our association has adopted the 30/30 rule.
Once lightening is observed, we begin counting. If the thunder is heard within 30 seconds of counting, the game is suspended until 30 minutes after the last lightening has occurred.
Should there be additional lightening accompanied by thunder within 30 seconds before the 30 minutes are up, the 30 minute counts starts over
All umpires are instructed to follow this procedure so communication about the issue is not an issue.
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30 seconds means the lightning is 5 miles away. Even if a storm is moving at a slow 10 MPH it will be on you in 6 minutes. And a lightning bolt traveled from cloud to earth over a distance of maybe 4 miles or more, so 6 miles away ain't squat.
If I see a lightning bolt the game stops, regardless of what I hear or when I hear it. 30 minute rule applies as well. It is rare around my part of NC, to stop a game due to lightning and it get started back up. It would have to be some kind of tournament game where a 2 hour delay is better than waiting another day.