NYBA In-House game status cancellations will be sent via email and posted on the Northfield Youth Baseball Association Facebook page.
NYBA Traveling Team game status will be determined by the Traveling Team Coach and/or Umpire. Traveling Team Coaches will communicate directly with the team members concerning the game status.
Inclement Weather. We will make every effort to play all of the games scheduled. Our first priority is the safety of everyone at the park. If the fields are judged unsafe or unplayable by the NYBA Board members, Coaches, Umpires or field staff, we will suspend, postpone, reschedule, or cancel games as needed. Weather related decisions will be made the day of the scheduled games. We will not make a decision prior to the day of the scheduled games.
Based on available information we will attempt to make a decision on In-House game weather cancellations by 4:00pm on weekdays (M-F) and 9:00am on Saturdays. Please understand that a number of factors go into making this decision - current conditions, forecasted conditions, duration/amount of rain throughout the day, field conditions, etc. - and is not always an easy call to make. We appreciate your understanding as we do our best to give players every chance possible to play while also keeping everyone's safety in mind and also look to prevent the fields from damage. Hindsight may be 20/20 but we will do our best!
If conditions deteriorate during the course of play we will rely on Field Supervisors, Umpires, Coaches and/or Board members at the fields to make the call to suspend or stop play. Our goal in making the decision ahead of time is to hopefully prevent this situation but we also know that weather can sometimes change quickly. The NYBA prefers to err on the side of caution when the safety of the players, coaches and fans are in question.
Please remember it is not always our decision on whether we are able to play or not, the City Parks Administrator can inform us that the fields are not playable at any time.
Lightning. If lightning is present during a game, the NYBA will use the same criteria as the Minnesota State High School League. An event should be postponed immediately for at least 30 minutes after the last visible lightning. The event can also be cancelled by the coach’s agreement. The Umpire or Field Supervisor should call postponement or cancel the event when lighting is seen. All fans and participants should seek shelter or return to their vehicle.
Heat Index Guidelines for Youth Sports – Northfield Youth Baseball Association has implemented the following guidelines to deal with extreme heat at all youth baseball games and practices. It is designed to provide participants with a standard for safe play in situations of extreme heat. The two values that the NYBA will take into account when modifying or canceling games/practices are air temperature and relative humidity. The combination of these two elements reflects the heat index. We will rely on the heat index reading that is updated hourly by the National Weather Service. The NYBA has defined five heat index zones. These zones are based on recommended guidelines published by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for participation in sports activities during periods of extreme heat. Because the heat index does not take into account wind and direct sunlight, two degrees will be added to the stated heat index on sunny and still days. Likewise, two degrees will be subtracted on cloudy and windy days.
White Zone Heat index of 65-80 degrees. In this range, the participant is in very little danger from heat and no special measures will be taken by the NYBA.
Yellow Zone Heat index of 81-98 degrees. In this range, coaches will be encouraged to take extra steps to protect their players by making sure they keep them hydrated and by encouraging frequent substitution during games and practices.
Orange Zone Heat index of 99-105 degrees. In this range, the NYBA will implement the following at games: all measures taken in the Yellow Zone; catchers will be allowed to catch only two innings in succession. If it is a practice day, coaches are instructed to keep players well hydrated and to take frequent breaks.
Red Zone Heat index ranging of 106 - 115 degrees. In this range, the the NYBA will implement the following for games: all measures taken in the Yellow and Orange Zones; and the length of games may be modified according to the discretion of both coaches. Cancellations are at the NYBA In-House President’s discretion as well.
If it is a practice day, coaches are instructed to reduce the time of practice, take frequent breaks and keep players well hydrated by having them drink water.
Black Zone Heat index above 115. In this range, the NYBA will cancel all games and practices until the heat index returns to 115 or below. Notification will be given on the NYBA website.