Wednesday, April 6 , 2005

by Erik Nilson
Contributing Editor

Rain Situations

Nilson, I have had a few rain situations already this season, and do not understand when to suspend play. Some partners I have had stop play as soon as the field gets wet, while others wait until the field is a swamp and both managers want to go home. Managers always tell me, "We've played in worse than this." What should I do? When do we stop the game?

Signed,
Wet Boy

Wet Boy, this is a very good question and I'm glad you asked. First of all, we need to know the factors to consider when stopping a game. There are certain things to look for, but there is no exact science we use. Weather situations are one of the many times we need to use our common sense. The teams often want to play, or one team will want to continue and the other will want to stop because of the score. We are the impartial party who uses common sense and thinks about safety, instead of finishing a game or getting a win.

The short answer to your question is to stop the game when the field or weather conditions are not safe for participants. A common indicator most umpires use is standing water on the field.   Usually when standing water can be seen, the field is too slippery to keep playing. However, consider where the water is. If it is just a small amount near the fence, it is not a big deal. If it is in a base path where runners round a base, it is much more important and dangerous.  Make sure to pay attention to the firmness of the field. If people can or do slip anywhere on the field, the area needs to be fixed. Walking around the field, mainly the dirt portions, and checking for slippery areas can find this. Do not start or continue a game when it is slippery, knowing you are just waiting for someone to slip in order to stop the game without an argument.

Other considerations are how much water the field has taken in the last day or two, what the weather is likely to do in the immediate future (clouds, wind, etc.), and whether the pitcher or other players can grip the ball and throw it under control.

Before a game starts, the decision is with the home manager. After the umpire has the home line-up, the decision belongs to the umpires. The game does not have to be started just because the home manager wants to. When it is decided a game should be stopped, it must be stopped immediately, even if it is during an at-bat. It is nice to finish between innings or at least between batters, but again, remember safety comes first. Do not be afraid to stop a game because some may disagree.   Do not consult or ask opinions of a manger; only consult with your partner.   Managers often consider the score and inning when they want to stop a game or continue, which is why stopping a game is our responsibility. When play is stopped, this is one of the only times you should go inside the dugout, the purpose being to keep dry. Stay with your partner during the delay and go to the same dugout or covered area.

If the field can be fixed, order the home team to fix it. The umpires are in charge of the grounds crew, who is usually the home manager.  With the rain we have in the Pacific Northwest, it is rarely possible to wait and let weather pass. The slow, steady rain here requires us to just play through the rain until the field is unsafe, then stop. Every rulebook requires we wait thirty minutes before suspending or calling the game. When it is obviously hopeless, still tell the managers you are willing to wait the required thirty minutes; however you will not stop them if they decide to leave. Keep in mind that trying to fix a wet field is often useless before the rain has stopped.

Once again, always consider the safety of the participants, with yourself included. If you know the field is unsafe but just want to finish a regulation game or everyone is having fun, you may have liability issues on your hands, or just a guilty conscience if someone gets hurt. Do not cater to pressure from the teams to either play or stop. When unsure, err on the side of safety and do not be afraid to stop a game.

College umpires must also be familiar with the halted game rule. Rule 5-9.

Rule references:

Pro 3.10, 4.01 (d)
FED 5-2-1
NCAA 5-8-c, 5-9

Erik Nilson answers your umpire rules, mechanics and other questions in "NAIL it!" as needs arise. Send your questions to eriknil@hotmail.com