Weather Issues and Rescheduling Games

Decision to Play Prior to Game Time

Making the decision to cancel games due to weather can be a difficult thing especially when it involves teams from other communities coming to Mahtomedi to play the game. MYBI wants coaches to make every effort to play games as scheduled, but in the event of rain during the day, coaches and the Umpire-In-Chief (UIC) should monitor the Community Ed Hotline (651-407-2020). If Community Ed cancels games because of rain they will make this decision by 4:00pm of that day. If games are cancelled by Community Ed there is no need to contact the UIC. At this point all games and umpires for that date will be cancelled. NO EXCEPTIONS.

If Community Ed does not cancel games then it becomes the coach’s decision to play or cancel the game. Do not call MYBI, MYAS or the UIC looking for advice. If the coach does end up canceling the game due to weather, the coach should contact the UIC immediately and the scheduled umpire will be notified of the cancellation. At the 1st and 2nd grade in-house levels, there is no need to contact the UIC as no umpires are provided for these games.

Travel coaches should also refer to the MYAS Coach’s Handbook for procedures for cancelling and rescheduling of games. As stated in the handbook, MYAS will not cancel games.

Mahtomedi fields can typically handle quite a bit of rain during the day and still be playable at game time (Quad 5 is the most problematic field with regards to standing water). Because of this coaches should make the decision to cancel a game as late as possible. Below are a few things to take into consideration when deciding to cancel a game:

* Amount of rain during the day

* Amount of rain the previous day

* What is the weather forecast for the rest of the day

* If possible have someone check the field for standing water

* Distance the visiting team is traveling

Traveling coaches, and coaches of teams in the NSBL, should take into consideration the time that visiting teams will need to leave their city in order to get to Mahtomedi for the game.

Decision to Play at the Field

Once teams and umpires are at the field it then becomes the umpire’s decision whether to start the game or to stop play once the game has started. Umpires are instructed to work with both coaches on this decision, but remember that the safety of players should be considered first and foremost.

Rescheduling Games on Mahtomedi Fields

Coaches should contact both the UIC (Umpire-In-Chief) and the Field Scheduler ASAP to let them know of non-rainout cancellations so as to avoid costs associated with umpires and field prep. For all rescheduled games (rainout or non-rainout), coach and Field Scheduler work to determine reschedule date and field. If both teams involved in the rescheduled game are Mahtomedi based (typically in-house levels), then head coaches from both teams should be included in all rescheduling communications with the field scheduler. If the game is played at a level where umpires are provided, we ask that you do not reschedule games for the same week as the UIC will need a weekend to schedule an umpire. MYBI understands that special circumstances may not allow for this(i.e. playoffs, field location changes) and will make every effort to accommodate these requests. Once a rescheduled game has been confirmed with the coach and field scheduler, the field scheduler will work with the UIC and Community Ed to ensure field prep and umpire coverage. Coaches will no longer receive confirmations from the UIC or Community Ed.

UIC Contact Information:
Jeff Malmer
First priority: e-mail: jmalmer@mmm.com
Second priority: cell phone 612-275-2760
Third priority: work phone 651-736-5610
Fourth priority: home phone 651-773-3970
Leave a short message on each. Do not assume that the message was heard or read unless you receive a confirmation call or message back from Jeff.

Field Scheduler Contact Information:
Herb Gibson
First priority: e-mail herbggibson@msn.com
Second priority: cell phone 612-419-1987
Leave a short message on each. Do not assume that the message was heard or read unless you receive a confirmation call or message from Herb