Lightning guidelines

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

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.

And if you read the ASA book like a good ASA umpire does, you will notice that ASA gave alternatives to the "30-minute" guideline in the 2012 book. They also encourage using common sense in judging weather issues.

In championship play in either 2010 or 2011, we suspended the 18U A winner's final due to a little rain, some thunder and lightning. After it stopped and the clouds started to break-up, my PU, who is an ATC and certified weather observer called the airport control tower 30 miles to the North of the field. The ATC to whom he was talking has a DD in softball and knew exactly where the field was.

With both coaches listening to the conversation with me (UIC), the ATC told us the storm had cleared the area, there was no more notable activity for more than 100 miles to the South. During the discussion, the ATC noted that they have already rerouted planes back into the area (something that wouldn't have happened had there been any danger).

Asked the coaches if they would be ready to go in 5 and they both agreed. The total time since the last thunder or lightning was less than 20 minutes.

In five, we were playing again. One parent got in my face telling me I could not start the game up again. Told her we were cleared to go by the highest authority in the area and if she wanted to talked to her child's coach, she should. She was screaming that lightning was hitting the ground. I told her that was pretty good since the airport told us the closest possible activity was 10 miles North of the airport which made it 40 miles away from us. She told me she was going to complain to ASA and I told her where to find the number. Both coaches disclaimed any association with this lady. Did I happen to mention that it was so clear, the stars were visible in every direction as far as you can see?

And if you have ever worked in Lakeland, they will stop games 5 minutes prior to the storm hitting the area and have you back on the field within 10 minutes after the storm has passed. These people are pros and know exactly what they are doing. A 30 minute clock is not going to make it any more dangerous or safer.

In no way am I endorsing or suggesting people taking any unnecessary chances with weather.