Weather delay and cancellation policy

Field Hockey is an outdoor sport, and although the elements may not make for an enjoyable playing, coaching or spectating event, every effort should be made to play a game as schedule, unless the conditions create an unsafe environment for the players, coaches, umpires and fans. Safety is of the utmost importance and should be the deciding factor in determining if a game should be cancelled. 

There may be weather events that are known in advance. Although these weather events are never guaranteed,  and thus we do not recommend always relying on such reports prior to game day, cancellations can take place prior to game day. These should follow the same process outlined below to ensure clear communication with all parties involved. 

In the event that weather moves in during or while warming up for a game, delays can be accommodated. Games should only stop in cases of lightning or substantial thunder. Again, player safety should dictate the determination of delays and cancellations. This determination is the responsibility of the umpire(s). The umpires may solicit feedback from the coaches; however, it is not the coaches decisions. A game may be delayed for 30 minutes to allow weather to pass. This 30 minute delay starts at conclusion of the dangerous elements being witnessed (i.e. sight of lightning, sounds of substantial thunder). If no further weather elements are witnessed within that delay period, play may resume. If however, another element takes place within the 30 minutes, the game will be cancelled. 

If a weather delay results in a game cancellation, subsequent games will remain scheduled as is, unless the weather shows no signs of changing for the remainder of the games. No more than 1 delay should be given, as this can significantly delay all games that follow. 

Any weather cancellations made 2 hours or less before game time, the home team will still be required to pay the umpires for the scheduled game. 

If inclement weather is presented on game day, the home team coaches should follow the below steps immediately: 

1. Contact the opposing team coach. All contact information for team coaches are provided via TeamSnap. 

2. Contact the umpires assigned to your game, as well as director of umpires. 

3. Upon agreement from all parties, the game will be cancelled and an email to the Baystate general email inbox to inform of the agreed upon cancellation and confirmation that all parties had been reached.  

Games cancelled within the classic program are not required to be made up. If each team would like to schedule a make-up game, the game will need to be done so independently while not interfering with other games that are already scheduled. 

Select games will be required to be made up prior to the end of the regular season to ensure inclusion into year end standings and playoffs.