[Lonewolf986]

Ive had this situation a couple of times, and have only had to stop one game. Ive had to delay plenty of others though for 15- 30 minutes, depending on how many delays we give them.

I see flashes, I call a time, and warn the coaches of a situation that MAY come up.

I see actual streaks, I call everyone to sit INSIDE their dugouts...noone goes out...

we then follow the procedure for the games...

If I see that the streaks are right on top of it, I tell everyone to leave thier gear and wait in the cars or under the cement concession stand (and we go through a "2delay times" delay (meaning 30minutes)

Our coaches dont try and fight our decisions because they are 1) understanding 2) dont want to piss off the parents of thier "star players"

In Youth ball, parents are too quick to judge...and sometimes want thier kids off the field at the SIGHT of a flash...

I wait for streaks, and when I see that the streaks are almost on top of us, we shut down the entire park. (7 or 4 fields)..and I consult the other 12 umpires. If ONE umpire feels edgy (within reason) then we stop all the games.

We have pretty bad storms where we live, so alot of the guys who've lived here all our lives, we know when NOT to flirt with Mother Nature...

Even adults, I have found, to be AS afraid of the lightning. Though, at 18+ they are more aware of it, and when it IS a threat. So delays happen less often when I work with adults, as opposed to teenagers and kids.