Spring Weather Policy & Make-up Scheduling

Weather Policy

The safety of our players and damage to fields should be primary concerns of all WYBSL participants for which our policy was developed:

IN CASE OF RAIN: Prior to a scheduled game, only the WYBSL Fields Director (or other Board Designee) has the authority to cancel a game.  If timing is possible, the WYBSL Weather Hot Line (614-523-6220) and Twitter page (@WYBSLalerts) will announce the day’s field conditions.  However, if conditions are marginal – or if rain occurs after one and one-half hours before game time, teams should go to their field.  At that point, and throughout the game, the authority to stop play rests with the umpires and WYBSL staff.  Games may be resumed at any time within 30 minutes of stoppage, if fields are playable.

IN CASE OF THUNDER and/or LIGHTNING: If thunder is heard or lightning is sighted:

1) By umpires in 10U, 12U, 14U and U17/18 games, the umpire will immediately clear the field, including the dugouts. If sighted by one umpire in a multiple diamond location, all fields will be cleared.  

2) In 8U and Tee-Ball games, the authority to stop play rests with a WYBSL Board member or Fall Ball Committee member (if applicable), if present, or with the coaches, in the absence of such a member. 

The Board, Committee member or coaches will immediately clear the field(s), including the dugouts. If sighted by a WYBSL Board member or Fall Ball Committee member (if applicable), and/or coach in a multiple diamond location, all fields will be cleared. 

Games may resume no less than 30 minutes after the last thunder and/or lightning occurrence, if fields are playable.

PLAYABILITY: If a game is stopped during play, players and fans should move to shelter or cars and wait for a notice from the umpire or WYBSL staff.  The final decision regarding playability rests with the umpires (in a multiple diamond location, umpires may consult each other if field conditions are marginal.)

IN THE CASE OF A PRACTICE OR SCRIMMAGE: Head Coaches are responsible for canceling the activity and for following this weather policy.

Weather Hotline & Notifications

The WYBSL uses several forms of communication channels to communicate game and event schedule changes (coaches are responsible for practice schedule decisions regarding the above policy).

Weather Hotline – (614) 523-6220

The Weather Hotline is updated on weeknights by 4:30pm, Saturdays by 8am and Sundays by 11am. Please note, field changes are sometimes necessary due to non-weather events. Generally, there will not be further updates on weekdays. On weekends, if conditions change and allow, additional alerts may be posted regarding later games.

Twitter – @WYBSLalerts

The league will also tweet schedule updates on the same schedule that the Weather Hotline is updated.

Make-up Weeks and Scheduling

Eight games are scheduled in Tee-ball, twelve in all other leagues. The WYBSL will reschedule as many make-up games as possible during the season. Make-up games are traditionally scheduled on Saturdays (starting at 10a) & Sundays (if necessary, after 12p) and will be posted on the league website generally on Friday mornings.

The “make-up week” is Friday thru Thursday. For example, a Thursday rain-out will be made up 2-3 days later on Saturday/Sunday. A Friday rain-out will be made-up 8-9 days later on the following Saturday/Sunday.