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Originally Posted by tibear
My question, what criteria do you use to judge whether it is too dark to continue the game? Given this situation should I have asked for new baseballs to simply appease the visiting manager? Call the game? Or let the game continue as I did?(It was over in 5 minutes)
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As Bob says this is a difficult decision because no matter what you decide "you will hear it" HOWEVER,
First and Foremost WE as umpires do not schedule games. If a field has no lights then the start time should be such that for the most part darkness will not be an issue.
Example: In my "neck of the woods" it gets dark this time of year around 8:20 - 8:40 depending upon the type of day.
Therefore, the game time should start at 5:15 - 5:30 PM
However, we have many a game that start at 6 PM. As mentioned that's not our problem that is the leagues problem.
Criteria used: If it gets dark at say 8:30. See where you are at 8 PM
What does this mean?
You will most likely get in one Complete inning so finish that innig and call it quits. If you start an inning at 8PM chances are that it will be around the 8:10- 8:20 mark when complete so it's a good time to stop.
If it's a REAL good game chances are darkness will not be an issue. If a game cannot be completed or near completion after 2/2.15 hours then use your best judgement before starting another NEW inning. If the game is longer then 2.15 hours it is not a very good game.
If the teams complain it's simple - Start the game earlier.
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