Yampa Valley Youth Baseball Association’s Lightning Policy:
Recreational League Practice and Games:
The coach in charge of the practice shall immediately suspend or cancel practice and players and coaches shall retreat to automobiles or a grounded, secure structure in the event of any of the following: (a) the sound of thunder; (b) the sight of lightning; or (c) the sound of the Lightning detector alarm.
At Emerald Fields, the sheltered picnic structure that contains the bathrooms is the best option other than automobiles.
No players will be permitted to remain on the field or in open dugouts for any reason. Coaches are urged to monitor weather conditions and to use their best judgment regarding adverse weather. A coach may postpone or cancel games or practice at any time that he or she believes that it is unsafe to continue for any weather related reason.
30/30 Rule: It is especially unsafe if thunder follows a lightning strike within 30 seconds. A game or practice may resume following suspension, at the discretion of the coach, if no thunder is heard and no lightning is observed for a period of 30 minutes.
Coaches are responsible for providing shelter to any members of the team who do not have a parent or other adult present at the field. Coaches should advise parents of this severe weather policy and should obtain contact information so that the coach can contact parents who leave their children at practice in the event of a suspension or cancellation. This policy is to the highest degree mandatory and shall be strictly enforced.
Game Policies in the case Lightning:
If thunder and/or lightning are present shelter must be taken for a minimum of 30 minutes from the time of the interruption before considering the resumption of play.
1. If thunder and/or lightning is observed at the site of an outdoor activity 30 or fewer minutes prior to the scheduled start of that activity, the official/coaches and the responsible school authorities shall not permit the contest to begin on that date until the inclement weather has cleared or the conditions become playable.
2. If thunder and/or lightning is observed during the playing of the outdoor activity, the official/coaches shall immediately cease play for a minimum of 30 minutes, have all participants and spectators seek *appropriate shelter and then re-evaluate the situation. This may also include suspending the game.
3. Any subsequent thunder and/or lightning after the beginning of the 30 minute count shall reset the clock and another 30 minute count shall begin.
*Appropriate shelter is defined as any sturdy, enclosed, substantial building that has plumbing and/or electrical wiring that acts to electrically ground the structure. This would include the picnic structure housing the bathrooms at Emerald Fields.
Tournament and Travel Team Games:
The Chief Umpire shall immediately suspend or cancel the game and players and coaches shall retreat to automobiles or a secure and grounded structure with walls and a roof in the event of any of the following: (a) the sound of thunder; (b) the sight of lightning; or (c) the sound of the Lightning Detector system alarm. (Apply the 30/30 rule as mentioned above) No players will be permitted to remain on the field or in open dugouts, for any reason. The Chief Umpire shall have the discretion to suspend or postpone play at any time that he or she believes that it is unsafe to continue for any weather related reason. A game may resume following suspension, at the discretion of the Chief Umpire, if no thunder is heard or lightning is observed for a period of 30 minutes. This policy is to the highest degree mandatory and shall be strictly enforced.