Lightning guidelines

[chapmaja]

My final comment on this topic.

WE, as umpires, have a duty to make sure the game is safe for all parties involved, including us as umpires, players, coaches and spectators. The single largest danger in outdoor sports is the weather.

No single weather phenomenon has the ability to cause quick and destructive damage to a softball game and everyone involved in it as that of a thunderstorm.

WE need to take the utmost care in dealing with these storms. The ASA's guidelines do allow for the return to play before 30 minutes when an advanced lightning detection system is in use. I understand that, but I personally still don't feel comfortable with allowing play to resume in less than 30 minutes even if a system is in use. The reason is that weather is too unpredictable. I have seen a storm develop right behind another storm too many times to think it won't happen. I have seen these advanced detection systems not sound and alarm when thunder and lightning are present in the area. I have seen too many storm related problems to trust that an electronic system will be able to protect people properly from storms.

I will always follow the guideline of 30 minutes even if the there is an electronic device that tells me it is safe. I would much rather get fired from working a tourney and have to fight to get paid than have someone get seriously injured or killed and have to fight a wrongful death lawsuit in court. Nobody's life is worth the risk of a few minutes of game time. There is way to much risk to getting going quickly and way to little reward.

I am glad that our local league has made it very clear that even in locations with an advanced detection system (2 of the many parks we use), we will not restart games until after the 30 minutes is up.