Metropolitan Baseball Umpires Association Proudly Serving the Best Interest of Baseball Since 1920

Last Updated: Monday, January 9, 2006 11:17 AM

Lightning & Thunder Policy for MBUA Umpires

Procedures for suspending baseball games umpired by MBUA umpires in the event of lightning and/or thunder, are as follows:

1. If lightning and/or thunder can be seen or heard, STOP the game and have all participants and spectators seek protective shelter immediately.



2. In the event that either lightning and/or thunder should occur, allow THIRTY (30) minutes to pass after the last occurence of lightning and/or thunder before resuming the game.
• If a game is suspended because of lightning and/or thunder, it should be resumed the same day, if possible, at the discretion of the umpire(s) and (HS) host athletic director; or the umpire(s) and (rec) league coordinator, or in his absence agreement of both coaches. At some regional parks, the groundskeeper will determine if a suspended game may be continued that day or not. Umpires are encouraged to work with the groundskeeper in such cases.
• When a game has been suspended for more than 1 1/2 hours (cumulative time) due to inclement weather, the game shall be ended. For time limited games, use reasonable judgement when attempting to resume a suspended game. On all recreational baseball fields in Maryland, all play must stop by 11:00pm, regardless of when the game started or was previously suspended.

For High School games, postponement of baseball games because of adverse field conditions, inclement weather, or for any other reason is the responsibility of the host athletic director.

For Recreation League games, postponement of games because of adverse field conditions, inclement weather, or for any other reason is the responsibility of the league coordinator or, in his absence, the home team coach prior to the start of the game.