Several players have asked, or wondered about the decision-making process for canceling games due to weather.  There are factors that go into this decision, and the first think you should know is that we strongly try to avoid canceling games. There are some factors that go into these decisions:

1. The Acton Rec Department has a formal policy prohibiting use of fields in foul conditions.  While we often do our best to clean up fields before use, it dictates to us that in general we cannot use fields when they’re wet or muddy.  Read more…
2. Playing in wet conditions poses safety concerns, something we always need to factor in.
3. There are about 30-40 players that attend games, many coming from jobs requiring them to leave early, take trains, etc. When possible, it is beneficial to all to make a decision with enough notice to enable these players to arrive on time.  Usually, the decision is made by 3:30 or 4:00pm.
4. For playoffs, our paid umpires need to be notified at least 90 minutes before game time.
5. Showing up to games and having it cancelled at game time is more disrupting than canceling a game and having it become sunny and marginally playable.  Given that we are not meteorologists by trade, bad weather in the afternoon hours may lead us to consider canceling for this reason.
6. Not being able to visit the fields in the early afternoon is a problem.  While the Rec Dept can sometimes monitor fields, they cannot visit them multiple times a day.  Volunteer captains or players who do this for us definitely help.  Maybe we need a webcam to be positioned on the field so we can get real-time pictures on our website?!
7. Like many of you, I have a regular job that makes it difficult to be 100% softball, 100% of the time.

There are other factors too, but this is a quick glimpse into what we must consider on rainy days.  I would definitely welcome your feedback as we try to simplify the rainout ruling and decision-making policy for AASL.  Thanks!