Lightning guidelines

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

What are you talking about? Steve is correct, umpires "suspend" games until all the safety issues are resolved. Could that lead to postponement or cancellation? Sure could, but that is not the umpire's immediate concern.

Too many people hang on 30 minutes. It used to be 20. It used to be only lightning and then they added "hearing thunder". Too many people hang on that too.

You like to talk about common sense, then that is what this is. Too often in this world alleged "experts" come to a conclusion, put them to paper and people treat them like the ten commandments.

If you know the area is clear of danger, play on. I don't need a piece of paper and a watch to tell me when it is safe. Even the lightning guidelines allow for use of equipment. Personally, I have used certified weather observers and ATC to clear the games to continue and don't sit on my hands waiting on a clock to hit 30 minutes.

I hope you are not an ASA umpire because if you are you had better adhere to the 30 minute rules as listed in the ASA Rules Book. That standard is just about universally adopted by most governing bodies. The OhioHSAA and MichigaHSAA use the same rule as the ASA does for all of its outdoor sports.

MTD, Sr.