Who has the authority to suspend play due to weather delays?

• A. The head coach.
• B. The umpire.
• C. The team captain.
• D. The league commissioner.

Answer: (B)

The official on the field has the authority to suspend play when weather or unsafe field conditions occur. The umpire is responsible for starting, stopping, and delaying the game to protect players—so if lightning, heavy rain, or other hazards make the field unsafe, the umpire will suspend play and instruct everyone to seek shelter. This authority comes from being the game official in charge of safety and rules enforcement at that moment. While a head coach can request a delay, and a team captain can’t suspend, those requests aren’t binding. The league commissioner handles league-wide decisions and scheduling, not on-field safety decisions during a game. When conditions improve, the umpire will determine whether to resume.