Lightning/thunder

Question
I am a mom of a 12 year old girl playing community fastpitch softball.  Recently there was a game halted due to thunder, but girls were allowed to wander around on the field while waiting for the game to resume.  

I had a talk with the coach about this at the next practice, provided him with printed information about the dangers of this, and he laughed at me.

Today at practice, there was lightning and I called my daughter to get off the field and get in the car, while her team continued to practice.  In fact, there was a youth baseball game going on at the next field and that was not halted either.

Who, what, where, and how should I proceed to put a stop to this.  These children have put their trust into authority figures such as their coaches and umpires, and they're letting them down.  

Aside from the above question, is there a rule somewhere that puts this responsibility on the umpire's shoulders.

Chana

Answer
Hi Chana,

thunder and lightning.....oh yea....thunder and lighting.....sorry reminds me of a sound from long ago.

In ASA we have 2 pages that discuss lightning safety in the rule book.  It's mostly common sense but it errs on safety.  It states that if a t storm is imminent regardless if lightning is seen or thunder is heard, suspend play and not resume it until at least 30 min after it clears the area.  Of course if we have l and/or t time to get off right away.  The umpire suspends the game and should announce that all should seek safe shelter.  However I guess we can't make them do that.

The Umpire(s)(or TD in tournie play)has total authority re the game.

It seems your concerns are reasonable, you must have a league director or committee I would think, looks like it's time to go in that direction.

Mark