This is the fifth in a series of 2018 season weekly softball umpire bulletins. We will cover issues pertinent to softball including, but not limited to, game issues, rule interpretations, etc. This issue will cover items of importance observed to date.
WEATHER RELATED ISSUES (Pg. 74 in the White Book): In recent weeks there have been a number of games suspended and/or terminated due to weather conditions. The following are a few reminders when a game(s) are affected by inclement weather:
- A “legal game” in softball is 4 ½ innings with the home team leading, or 5 full innings with the home team trailing in the score.
- If a game is terminated prior to it becoming a “legal game” it is considered a “no contest” and any replay will begin with the 1st pitch in the 1st inning.
- When a game is terminated after it has become a “legal game”, and a winner cannot be determined, the resumption of play at a later date will start at the point of interruption.
- In the event of a lightning delay, the game shall be halted for no less than 30-minutes after the last detected strike. NOTE: It is the responsibility of the host school to have a lightning detector available.
- In the event that play is suspended for any weather or unplayable field conditions, umpires may allow up to 2-hours of cumulative time before terminating the game. The 2-hour period does not include field preparation time.
- Opposing coaches may confer with the umpires, but the final decision to resume play is the responsibility umpire crew.
- The priority to reschedule lost games due to weather is; region games, Class A games, and Class 7A games.
POST-SEASON: As we near the beginning of region tournaments and the State Tournament please be aware of the following issues:
- Region tournament assignments will be sent out on Monday, September 17. Please insure that you contact the tournament director indicated on the assignment sheet immediately.
- It is the responsibility of each crew chief to report game results to the respective District Assignment Coordinator upon completion of the final game of the day.
- Due to the increased number of 1st and 2nd round State Tournament games, only schedule games that can efficiently be covered on a specific day. There is a 3-day window of opportunity to play each round and coaches need to be reasonable if they want to insure that their games can be covered as competently as possible.
- Crew members MUST contact each other prior to the game day to insure all the game information is correct. Each year we have one or two umpires/crews who go to the wrong school or arrive at the wrong time.
