This is the fourth in a series of 2019 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.
WEATHER RELATED GAME SUSPENSIONS: The policy of postponing the 2nd game of a double header, when the first game is suspended due to weather conditions, only exists when the first game has been started and has exceeded the 2-hour time limit delay. If the first game is never started the 2nd game may be played with a delayed starting time when the field/weather conditions are determined to be safe
ARTIFICIAL NOISE MAKERS (Spectators): During outdoor events artificial noise makers are permitted as long as they do not conflict with any timing/sounding device used by game officials. As such, during softball games they are permitted to be used by spectators as long as they are not deemed to have a negative impact on the administration of the game.
PROFESSIONALISM/DRESSING: Year after year GHSA informs umpires they are not to dress/change for games in the public parking lot. Host schools are required to provide a location for the umpires to dress. WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE GAME SITE ASK. We just had a situation where an umpire not only dressed in the public lot but also decided to relieve himself. When he did so, students and teachers at the adjacent middle school witnessed it and also took pictures. This action by the umpire is clearly not only unprofessional but also an embarrassment to GHSA. Acts of this nature will be dealt with in a severe manner.
