Unsure about the weather?

Barrie Minor Baseball does not cancel games unless fields are closed by the City of Barrie. ​The City has an inclement weather webpage for updating the status of ball diamonds, which is updated daily around 6:30 am and 3:00 pm.

https://www.barrie.ca/community-recreation-environment/outdoor-fields-courts-rinks/outdoor-fields

The problem is that weather often changes after 3:00 pm, but the hotline may not be updated again that day. Therefore we have to use common sense and judgement in regards to games and practices.

According to the City's wet field policy, sports fields will be considered unplayable if there is ponding of water on the surface of the field/diamond, OR water sponging up around your feet when walking on the field/diamond.

Lightning Safety

Baseball Ontario and Environment Canada guidelines are followed with respect to lightning safety:

If you can hear thunder, you can get hit by lightning. Take shelter immediately. If you cannot find a sturdy, fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing, get into a metal-roofed vehicle. Stay inside for 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder.

The 30-minute rule is in place for everyone's safety. Direct strikes are responsible for only 5% of lightning-related deaths and injuries. Two other types of hazardous phenomena are caused by lightning. Ground current and side flash account for 60 to 80% of lightning-related injuries and deaths. A ground current is set up when lightning hits the ground, spreads out and sends a current through a victim. Side splash occurs when lightning hits a tall object, travels partly down the object and then jumps to a nearby victim.

Some rules to go by:

1. When thunder roars, GO INDOORS! If there is thunder or lightning that lasts for a period of time, the game will be cancelled. If the storm passes, the skies have to be clear of thunder and lightning for 30 minutes before play can start or resume. If coaches and umpires decide to "wait and see", all players should be moved off the field and directed to take shelter immediately for at least 30 minutes. Remember to always put safety first.
2. If the website says the diamonds are closed, they are closed even if it looks beautiful and sunny at 6 pm. If the diamonds are closed, they are CLOSED and we are not permitted to use them under any circumstances.
3. If the website says the diamonds are open and it starts to pour rain at 6 pm and does not stop, we cannot use the diamonds.
4. If the website says the diamonds are open but it has rained and then cleared up, if the diamonds are under water, we cannot use the diamonds.
5. If the website says the diamonds are open but the weather does not look great or there is a storm watch/warning, it is best to continue to the diamond and have the coaches and umpires decide whether or not the game should be played. You don't want to risk forfeiting the game if the diamond is playable and the weather holds.
6. If you are in the middle of a game and the weather takes a turn for the worse, the umpire will either call a short break or call the game completely. In the younger divisions, coaches should make this decision. If there is any thunder or lightning, the 30-minute rule applies and the game will be on hold. Take shelter immediately as described above.

If you are unsure about the weather, it is best to go to the game. Check the website again before you go in case something has changed. Remember sometimes it is raining on one side of town but sunny on the other! Conditions at the Sports Complex can be very different than at the in-town diamonds and we do play in light rain.

House League plays from May right through to September, so games are not rescheduled due to inclement weather unless it is a playoff game and schedules permit for continuing/playing the game at another time.

Stay Informed!

Every effort is made to post weather announcements on Twitter @barriebaseball, which also updates our website home page. Use these resources for latest updates.