Lightning Detectors
 

It is June in Georgia and conditions are ripe for thunderstorms.

Some parks have installed so-called lightning detectors that signal when all players must leave the field and then an all-clear signal indicating that it is safe to return to the field.

Twice now, at two different ball parks in the past three days, I have seen multiple lightning flashes and have suspended play; using a 20-minute countdown. If there is another lightning flash, I re-start the 20-minute countdown. If we go 20 minutes without another flash, pitchers may start warming up.

These high-tech devices have failed to recognize multiple lightning flashes; some of them being significant and vivid. Apparently, the devices simply detect that "conditions are right" for lightning and are not designed to detect lightning. HOOEY!!!!

Also, one of them gave the all-clear signal after only 10 minutes.

I have come to the conclusion that the parks got ripped off; and that if park officials think these things are infallible and rely on them as an override of commons sense, there is a disaster waiting to happen.:mad:

It's June everywhere else, too, even across that pesky International Date Line.

In all seriousness, why do they need a detector? If you can see it or hear it, it can hit you.

For the lightning that I may fail to see..

Detector or not, if I see lightning, I clear the field.
However, if I don't see lightning that doesn't mean it's not in the area and if a detector detects it, that's a good thing.

Actually ASA says to wait 30 minutes before resuming play.

Can you cite?

Page 182 of the 2011 ASA Umpire Manual.

Also on page 181 of said book.

I once saw an umpire clear the field from a flash from a camera.............;)

Joel

ASA Website: Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA)