Drizzle tips...

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

So by that logic, we shouldn't play in cooler weather due to the fact that we don't have uniform-specific cold weather gear.

Well, there are cold-weather garments offered, at least by ASA. You know, things like Underarmor, long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, jackets, etc.

The all-encompassing Safety Awareness Guide only talks about calling the game due to dangerous conditions. It makes no mention of light mists or drizzle. I guess that means it's okay, right?

Actually, the SAG is nothing more than PC, BS posturing to avoid litigation, no matter how frivilous. This is something that would not factor into life if we lived in a democracy, but is almost demanded to satisfy our citizen's socialistic views and overbearing, overstepping cowardly judicial system. Of course, the latter simply being MPO.

For me, if the field conditions hold up just fine (no slick base paths, no standing water, etc.), I'm not going to delay a game. If I see things start to get slick, I will call it pretty darned quick. Faster than a lot of other umpires, it seems...

No real argument EXCEPT if you begin a game in those conditions, where do you draw the line? Since very few games involve cloth bases, there really isn't anything such as a non-slippery wet base in damp conditions. Standing water is an indicator, but it is an indicator that you waited too long. If you see standing water, that means a fair portion of the area around it is already saturated and dangerous. Take if from someone who lost a meniscus and eventually a knee to playing on a dangerous field. The sun was out and the grass was dry, but there were still areas where the infield was a bit mucky and, unfortunately, I stepped in that area. Body kept moving, my right foot, ankle and leg did not.

Another thing many umpires overlook is the outfield. Wet grass is just as dangerous as wet dirt, sand, clay, etc. If you walk out into the grass and as you step, a puddle rises next to your foot, that ground is saturated and probably too dangerous even with metal spikes.

Don't get me wrong, like everyone else, I've worked through slight drizzles and mists. I don't like it, but I do it. And I've seen TDs push tournament games in questionable conditions, but I have also stopped games when I knew we had to stop in spite of what a TD had to say about it. S/he isn't the one who will be using up the $5mm liability insurance and missing time from work and family in a courtroom and being asked, "doesn't your rule book give you the ultimate decision on field conditions once the game is started?"