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The decision to call the game requires my partner and I to be aware of the surroundings (available light), honest (if you can't see the ball, tell your partner) and firm/professional in your decision to stop the game. Pete's post is pretty much the way to go. For most amateur games, you need about a 3 hour buffer before dark. Unlike a HS or NCAA game that usually moves along, amateur games take their sweet time. Even when you gently remind them that the sun won't wait, they still just mozy along.
So when it comes time to shut it down, make the decision and that's it! I get together with my partner and make the decision, call over the two managers, explain the situation and then exit. But again, as in Pete's post, if you know that your area gets dark quickly, you have to make the adjustment. Don't start that inning! Yes, you get $hitted on but in the long run, you won't have a player take one in the teeth, either.
"Hey Bob, Bill we think that it's about time to shut the game down for safety's sake."
"What, Bill? You have the key for the lights? Well fire 'em up and play on!"
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When in doubt, bang 'em out!
Ozzy
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