Game Cancellation Policy
All weather related cancellations will be made by a league board member on the day of the game. You may call the information hotline at 410-795-2782 or check out our website for updated game cancellation information. This information will be updated no later than 5:00 PM on weekdays and 1 hour before game time on Saturdays. Sometimes games will have to be canceled at the field due to changing weather and field conditions. The division coordinator, the umpire and/or the team managers and coaches (Grade 1-2 division only) will be responsible for deciding if the game will continue or be canceled. If field conditions are such that they are considered unplayable for games practices cannot be held on the fields at that time. All Play (game or practice) must be suspended at the first sight of lightening or the first loud thunder indicating lighting is nearby. Teams should remain in their cars at the fields for 30 minutes until it is determined if play can continue.
Games played at Freedom Park should follow the instructions provided by the Sykesville Community Baseball official at the trailer near field 1. An air horn is used to signify that play should be suspended. A Sykesville Community Baseball official will determine when play can be resumed or the games should be cancelled.
Bats
The use of double wall, triple wall, composite, titanium, or any mix there in of bats is prohibited for Freedom Optimist League play.Umpire Masks & Chest Protectors
Masks are available in the field boxes for all adult umpires.Helmets (Youth Programs)
A protective helmet with a chin strap must be properly worn at all times by players while batting and running the bases. A player intentionally removing the helmet during a live ball situation will be declared out. Repeated offenses will result in ejection of the player and team manager from the game. The catcher must wear a helmet, face mask, shin guards (Grade 3-12) and chest protector when a player is batting. All infielders and pitchers are required to wear a protective face mask while in the field.Weather
WEATHER & FIELD CONDITION HOTLINE: (410) 549-6296
Updated daily no later than 5:00 PM weekdays and 7:00 AM on the weekends regarding field status.
If the message states that fields are closed it means No Games or Practices are allowed on any of the fields - infields, outfields and/or parking lots. If Specific parts of the fields are closed or only certain fields or venues it will state this in the message. If it has rained or snowed within 48 hours of your game or practice you need to check the website or hotline for field status. Even if it is not raining it does not mean the fields are open.
THUNDER &LIGHTNING
Once observed or heard, all athletic fields and outdoor organized program areas must be cleared for a period of 30 minutes. If observed or heard again, the 30-minute period begins again.
WIND
When a high wind warning is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), outdoor activities shall not operate within close proximity of trees, power lines and other potential hazards. The NWS defines a high wind warning as sustained wind speeds of 40 mph or greater lasting for 1 hour or longer or 58 mph or greater for any duration of time.
HEAT
Approximately 30 minutes prior to the start of the activity, temperature and heat
index reading should be taken at the site or from www.weather.com or a comparable source. The following are recommended guidelines for coaches, program leaders andvolunteers to follow with regards to Department sponsored youth activities:
- Heat Index 80-89: Use caution, monitor athletes carefully for necessary action.
- Heat Index 90-104: Use extreme caution; remove helmets and other equipment if not involved in contact.
- Heat Index 105-129: Alter uniforms by removing items where feasible; practice time should be shortened with low intensity & limited conditioning.
- Heat Index 130 & above: No practice or games. Activities should be rescheduled for early/late in day or an alternative date when heat index is lower
- NOTE: Some discretion is granted to the volunteers in making this decision as programs may be occurring at sites with abundant shade, water & varying breezes. In all cases, once the heat index rises above 105, programs should allow for frequent cooling breaks, reduced activity levels and mandatory water breaks of 10 minutes in duration every 30 minutes.
AIR QUALITY (AQI Color), AirNow
Department sponsored activities:
- GREEN: Good, values of index, 0-50. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution posses little or no risk.
- YELLOW: Moderate, values of index 51-100. Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
- ORANGE: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, values of index 101-150. Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. For practices, take more breaks and do fewer intensive activities. Watch for symptoms and take action as needed.
- RED: Unhealthy, values of index 151-200. Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Take longer breaks or move activities inside. Watch for symptoms and take action as needed.
- PURPLE: Very Unhealthy, values of index 201-300. Health alert. The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. Move indoors or reschedule outdoor activities.
- MAROON: Hazardous, values of index 301and higher. Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected. Move indoors or reschedule outdoor activities.
EXTREME COLD TEMPERATURES
Department sponsored youth activities:
- Temperatures above 32 degrees: no restrictions
- Temperatures between 13 – 31 degrees: Indoor breaks every 20-30 minutes
- Temperature or wind chill is below 13 degrees: No outdoor activities; Wind chill may be calculated by entering temperature and wind speed at www.weather.gov/epz/wxcalc_windchill
SNOW
When schools are closed/close early due to inclement weather or if school
activities are closed due to inclement weather, all recreation and parks activities for that
day are cancelled. For weekend activities, if the snow emergency plan is in effect after 8
pm Friday or anytime Saturday, all Saturday activities are cancelled. If the snow
emergency plan is in effect after 8 pm Saturday or anytime Sunday, all Sunday activities
are cancelled. This includes activities that occur at school sites, nature centers, New
Windsor Community Room, South Carroll Senior & Community Center and the Robert
Moton Center.
activities are closed due to inclement weather, all recreation and parks activities for that
day are cancelled. For weekend activities, if the snow emergency plan is in effect after 8
pm Friday or anytime Saturday, all Saturday activities are cancelled. If the snow
emergency plan is in effect after 8 pm Saturday or anytime Sunday, all Sunday activities
are cancelled. This includes activities that occur at school sites, nature centers, New
Windsor Community Room, South Carroll Senior & Community Center and the Robert
Moton Center.