NTBA Umpire Bulletins

Dangerous Weather Conditions

• If both coaches feel that it would be dangerous to play (e.g. due to weather or ground conditions), then the game should be called.
• If the coaches disagree on this point, you may be asked to make the call. Make the decision on the side of safety.
• The lightening 30-30 rule: (memorize this rule and apply it rigorously)
  1. Count the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder. If this time is less than 30 seconds, lightning is a potential threat. Seek shelter immediately. Nobody should be near metal dugouts.
  2. After the last lightning flash, wait 30 minutes before leaving the shelter. Half of all lightning deaths occur after the storm passes. Stay in a safe area until you are sure the threat has passed. It’s OK to keep playing in light rain, as long as the field does not get too slippery, which could cause an injury.