Question Number: 27560

League Specific 6/26/2013

RE: Rep Adult

Debra of Bowmanville, Ontario Canada asks...

Lights out in city area, no lights on field for night game. First half played only. How long do teams wait before cancelling game?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Debra
There is no defined time limit set for this. The referee would take into account factors such as advice when power might be restored, travel distances. age of players, weather plus forecast etc.
As a rough rule of thumb 30/40 minutes would be a long enough wait. If little or no progress is being made after that time then an abandonment is acceptable.
If it was a travel game though with the opponents coming a very long distance the referee might give the situation every possible opportunity so that the game can be completed.

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

If there are no lights on the field, the referee should abandon the match when it is no longer safe to play. But, I assume your question involves lights that have failed.

Some leagues adopt a rule that specifies a waiting period. In the absence of a rule, the referee needs to use common sense. Is there someone at the field who can turn on the lights? At many public parks and recreation centers, the answer is 'no.' If no one can be found in 15 minutes, my experience is that the person won't be found at all. Ref McHugh also correctly notes that the distance traveled by teams affects how long to wait.