BBCL Rainout Protocols (2026)

1. Authority & Decision Process

  • Primary Judge: The neutral umpire (if present) is the final authority on whether the pitch/field is safe and playable.

  • Before Umpire Arrival:

    • The home team captain is responsible for inspecting the pitch and outfield by 8:00 AM on match day.

    • If unplayable, the home team must immediately notify the away team captain and the league board.

  • Disagreement:

    • If the away team disagrees with the home team’s call, both teams must still report to the ground.

    • The umpire will then make the final decision on-site.

2. Responsibilities

Home Team

  • Ensure the pitch and outfield are prepared and safe.

  • Communicate early with both umpire(s) and visiting team about ground conditions.

  • Provide basic equipment (covers, sawdust, super-sopper if available) to assist play.

Umpire(s)

  • Assess safety of pitch, outfield, and visibility.

  • Consider whether conditions allow a fair match (e.g., one side not at a severe disadvantage).

  • Apply overs reduction rules: for every 10 minutes lost due to weather, 1 over is deducted from each inning

  • Make the final call if teams disagree.

Visiting Team

  • Must be ready to play unless officially notified by the league/umpire.

  • Cannot demand abandonment unless the umpire confirms.

3. Timing & Match Adjustments

  • Pre-Match Rainout (before toss): If pitch is unplayable, the umpire/home team may declare the match washed out. Points split.

  • During Match:

    • If at least 5 overs of second innings are completed, the result will be based on Duckworth–Lewis or BBCL’s fixed D/W rule.

    • If less than 5 overs are bowled in the second innings, the match is considered No Result, and points split.

  • Overs Reduction:

    • Every 10 min delay → 1 over per innings lost.

    • Minimum match = 5 overs per side.

4. Fairness Principles

  • Safety First: No play if conditions risk injury (slippery run-ups, wet outfield near boundary, lightning).

  • Equal Burden: Overs must be reduced equally for both teams.

  • No Bias: Home team cannot unilaterally call a match “off” unless conditions are clearly unsafe (flooded pitch, lightning alerts).

5. Reporting

  • If match is abandoned, umpire must file a Rainout Report to league within immediately, stating:

    • Time of stoppage.

    • Overs completed.

    • Conditions observed.

    • Final decision (washout, reduced overs, no result).