Updated February 2016 0
Table of Contents Vision Statement.2 Responsibilities of NSIC Institutions..2 Conflict of Interest.2 Disciplinary Action 2 Gambling Policy...3 Definitions...3 Baseball.4 Football.5 Men s Basketball.7 Women s Basketball..9 Women s Soccer 11 Softball 13 Women s Volleyball 14 Financial Administration.16 Communication Guidelines 18 Scheduling...19 Resources..20 Appendix...21 1
General Information. Vision Statement. The NSIC strives to provide the highest quality officials to ensure a positive competitive environment for student athletes, coaches and fans. Responsibilities of NSIC Institutions. NSIC institutions shall provide the following for officials: 1. Accurate schedules. 2. A safe working environment. 3. A secure area (e.g., locker room) where officials can dress for competition, prepare for work and debrief after competition. 4. Honest and timely assessments through established reporting functions. Conflict of Interest. A conflict of interest is present in any instance in which the actions or activities of an individual, including members, volunteers, staff and affiliates representing or acting on behalf of the NSIC, could result in actual or perceived personal gain or advantage, and/or have an adverse effect on the interests, mission or integrity of the NSIC. Individuals who represent and serve the NSIC have a duty to disclose any financial interest or personal obligation that may actually or perceptually affect the independence of their judgment. Disciplinary Action. Officials who are subjected to the loss of previously scheduled game assignment(s) due to violations of policies or procedures will not be allowed to work elsewhere within the conference until the issue is resolved. Integrity of officials is paramount, the general character and general reputation of current and prospective officials will be carefully reviewed. The Conference Commissioner has the authority to impose additional disciplinary action on a case by case basis. 2
Gambling Policy. 1. Gambling or sports wagering on intercollegiate sports in any form, or providing information that could be useful to individuals involved in such activities, is strictly prohibited and will lead to termination. 2. Participating in any gambling activity that involves professional athletics, through any method employed by organized gambling, is strictly prohibited. 3. During the season, officials shall not enter any establishment at which organized gambling even gambling unrelated to sports takes place (e.g., casino, horse track, dog track, off track betting facility). Definitions. 1. Assigner. Assigns contests. (Softball) 2. Coordinator. Manages and educates assigners. (Baseball) 3. Supervisor. Educates, assigns and observes. (Football, Men s Basketball, Women s Basketball, Soccer and Volleyball.) 3
Job Descriptions. General Information. The NSIC assigns officiating crews for: baseball, football, men s basketball, women s basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball. For all other sport, it is the responsibility of the host institution to secure an officiating crew for each contest. Coordinator Baseball Coordinator of Umpires NSIC Sport Administrator Shawn Vellek Crystal Lanning svellek@generalsports.us lanning@northernsun.org 612/928 1764 952/500 8052 1. The Northwest Umpires Association (NWUA) is responsible for assigning twoman umpire crews for all NSIC baseball contests with minimum repeats during a season. The supervisor contracts surrounding associations to cover games outside of the geographic region of NWUA. 2. Assignments and Umpires Roster. Maintain roster of umpires and schedule of umpire assignments. Master roster shall contain umpire contact information (i.e., address, phone number). 3. Umpire Changes. Schedule of games with umpires will be provided to each institution. Schedule and changes are available through Arbiter Sports website. 4. Continuing Education. Coordinator will manage an annual meeting for umpires to review rule changes and interpretations. 5. Roster Growth. Coordinator will actively seek to grow the umpire roster through the identification of talent and development of up and coming umpires in the region. 6. Attend the annual in person meeting of head coaches. 4
Umpires 1. Umpires shall contact the head coach and/or an athletic administrator of the designated home team no later than 24 hours prior to the contest. The communication confirms assignment, time, date and location of the game. 2. Umpires shall master both the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner. 3. Umpires shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interaction with players, coaches, on site staff, colleagues, and the public. 4. Umpires shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately, and shall carry themselves in a manner consistent with the high standards of the profession. 5. Umpires shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all game assignments. 6. Umpires shall notify the coordinator of any ejections or suspensions by completing the game report immediately after the conclusion of the game. 7. To be eligible to work the NSIC tournament umpires must be skilled in 3 person mechanics in addition to taking and passing the NCAA test. 8. Participants, including players, coaches, staff and fans, expect and deserve that each umpire exert the best professional efforts in calling each game. 9. Direct communications with fans is discouraged. Supervisor Football Supervisor of Officials NSIC Sport Administrator Mike Nevin Erin Lind MNevin_FB@yahoo.com lind@northernsun.org 612/968 0723 952/500 8053 1. Make all assignments for NSIC games. 2. Communicate with NSIC referees throughout the season to ensure compliance with officiating policies and procedures. 5
3. Continuing Education. Supervisor will coordinate an annual meeting for officials to review rule changes and interpretations. 4. Roster Growth. Supervisor will actively seek to grow the roster through the identification of talent and development of up and coming officials in the region. 5. Rank all officials working in the NSIC and provide that ranking to the conference office. 6. Attend the annual in person meeting of head coaches. 7. Attend NCAA preseason clinic. 8. Coordinate and facilitate weekly teleconferences with the White Hats and Commissioner. 9. Coordinate the observation of officials, and provide written evaluations to the conference office. Crew Members 1. Officials shall contact the head coach and/or athletic administrator of the designated home team no later than 48 hours prior to the contest. The communication confirms assignment, time, date and location of the game. 2. Officials shall master both the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner. 3. Officials shall attend the NSIC annual preseason clinic. 4. Officials must take, and pass, the NCAA test. 5. Officials shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interaction with players, coaches, on site staff, colleagues, and the public. 6. Officials shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately, and shall carry themselves in a manner consistent with the high standards of the profession. 7. Officials shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all game assignments. 8. NSIC officials are required to view videos posted by the NSIC Coordinator. 6
9. The Referee will complete and submit an online game report within 24 hours of each contest and will report general observations, any unusual situations, as well as all penalties called in the game. The Referee should assume a leading role during the game and foster a high level of communication, consistency and control. 10. Each Sunday evening during the season, the designated White Hats shall participate in a teleconference with the Supervisor and Commissioner. 11. Participants, including players, coaches, staff and fans expect and deserve that each official exert the best professional efforts in calling each game. 12. Direct communications with fans is discouraged. 13. Officials must provide the conference office a signed copy of the Independent Contractor Agreement, in addition to maintaining an active refpay account. Supervisor Men s Basketball Big 10 College Officiating Consortium Supervisor of Officials NSIC Sport Administrator Rob Kueneman Erin Lind kueneman@northernsun.org lind@northernsun.org 701/793 3920 952/500 8053 1. Continuing Education. Supervisor will coordinate an annual meeting for officials to review rule changes and interpretations. 2. Assign three person crews for all conference games, making every effort to ensure that an official will not be assigned to the same game site consecutively or work games involving the same program twice in a sevenday period. 3. Attend the annual in person meeting of head coaches. 4. Attend NCAA preseason clinic. 5. Coordinate and attend the NSIC preseason official s clinic. 6. Roster Growth. Supervisor will actively seek to grow the roster through the identification of talent and development of up and coming officials in the region. 7
7. Communicate with referees throughout the season ensuring compliance with all officiating policies and procedures. Monitor day to day operations of officials (e.g., travel, weather, performance, injury). 8. Rank all officials working in the NSIC and provide a list annually to the conference office and notify each official of his/her ranking. 9. Conduct in season training teleconference will roster of officials in partnership with the College Officiating Consortium 10. Evaluate officials performance in person and via video throughout the season and attend the NSIC men s basketball championship as supervisor of officials. Officials 1. Officials shall contact the head coach and/or athletic administrator of the designated home team no later than three days prior to the contest. The communication confirms assignment, time, date and location of the game. 2. Officials shall master both the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner. 3. Officials shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interaction with players, coaches, on site staff, colleagues, and the public. 4. Officials shall attend the NSIC annual preseason meeting. 5. Officials must take, and pass, NCAA test. 6. Officials shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately, and shall carry themselves in a manner consistent with the high standards of the profession. 7. Officials shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all game assignments. 8. Participants, including players, coaches, staff and fans expect and deserve that each official exert the best professional efforts in calling each game. 9. Direct communications with fans is discouraged. 10. The Referee will complete and submit an online game report (https://bms.officiating.com) within 24 hours of each contest and will report general observations, any unusual situations, as well as all technical fouls called in the game. The Referee should assume a leading role during the game and foster a high level of communication, consistency and control. 8
11. The Referee shall call the coordinator after every game to discuss general observations, any unusual situations, as well as technical fouls called in the game. 12. NSIC basketball officials are provided one complementary game ticket upon request for the game that they are officiating. The request must be made via the NSIC Officials Communication form, which must be submitted electronically to home institution game management personnel no later than 48 hours prior to the competition. 13. NSIC officials are also mandated to review any videos posted by the NSIC Coordinator/Consortium staffer posted on the Blue Zebra website (http://nsic.officiating.com). 14. The Consortium s officiating clinics and conference calls are mandatory requirements for all officials. If for any reason attendance is problematic, the Consortium office must be notified ahead of time. Officials must also view all instructional videos produced by the Consortium. 15. Officials must provide the conference a signed copy of the Independent Contractor Agreement, in addition to maintaining an active refpay account. Supervisor Women s Basketball Supervisor of Officials NSIC Sport Administrator Vicki Davis Erin Lind davis@northernsun.org lind@northernsun.org 952/406 0813 952/500 8053 1. Continuing Education. Supervisor will coordinate an annual meeting for officials to review rule changes and interpretations. 2. Assign three person crews for all conference games, making every effort to ensure that an official will not be assigned to the same game site consecutively or work games involving the same program twice in a seven day period. 3. Attend the annual in person meeting of head coaches. 4. Attend the NCAA preseason clinic. 5. Roster Growth. Supervisor will actively seek to grow the roster through the identification of talent and development of up and coming officials in the region. 9
6. Communicate with referees throughout the season ensuring compliance with all officiating policies and procedures. Monitor day to day operations of officials (e.g., travel, weather, performance, injury). 7. Rank all officials working in the NSIC and provide a list annually to the conference office and notify each official of his/her ranking. 8. Evaluate officials performance in person and via video throughout the season and attend the NSIC women s basketball championship as supervisor of officials. Officials 1. Officials shall contact the head coach and/or an athletic administrator of the designated home team no later than three days prior to the contest. The communication confirms assignment, time, date and location of the game. 2. Officials shall master both the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner. 3. Officials shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interaction with players, coaches, on site staff, colleagues, and the public. 4. Officials shall attend the NSIC annual preseason clinic. 5. Officials must take, and pass, the NCAA test. 6. Officials shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately, and shall carry themselves in a manner consistent with the high standards of the profession. 7. Officials shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all game assignments. 8. Participants, including players, coaches, staff and fans expect and deserve that each official exert the best professional efforts in calling each game. 9. Direct communications with fans is discouraged. 10. The Referee will complete and submit an online game report (https://bms.officiating.com) within 24 hours of each contest and will report general observations, any unusual situations, as well as all technical fouls called in the game. The Referee should assume a leading role during the game and foster a high level of communication, consistency and control. 10
11. The Referee shall call the coordinator after every game to discuss general observations, any unusual situations, as well as technical fouls called in the game. 12. NSIC basketball officials are provided one complementary game ticket upon request for the game that they are officiating. The request must be made via the NSIC Officials Communication form, which must be submitted electronically to home institution game management personnel no later than 48 hours prior to the competition. 13. NSIC officials are also mandated to review any videos posted by the NSIC Coordinator on the Blue Zebra website (http://nsic.officiating.com). 14. Officials must provide the conference a signed copy of the Independent Contractor Agreement, in addition to maintaining an active refpay account. Supervisor Women s Soccer Supervisor of Officials NSIC Sport Administrator John Hagenstein Crystal Lanning hagenstein@northernsun.org lanning@northernsun.org 952/567 0277 952/500 8052 1. Maintain master roster of referees, schedules and assignments on gameofficials.net. 2. Attend the annual in person meeting of head coaches. 3. Use of only NISOA registered officials for all NSIC matches, conference and non conference, for which assignments are done. All conference games shall have a three person crew. 4. Assignment of appropriately qualified individuals with minimum repeats during a season. 5. Be responsive to requests by coaches and administrators regarding complaints, concerns and issues. 6. Recruit and select qualified officials for the NSIC. 7. Communicate with referees throughout the season ensuring compliance with all officiating policies and procedures. Monitor day to day operations of officials (e.g., travel, weather, performance, injury). 11
8. Organize and standardize evaluation system. Crew Members 1. Center official shall contact the head coach and/or an athletic administrator of the designated home team no later than three days prior to the contest. The communication confirms assignment, time, date and location of the game and provides contact information in case of any changes. 2. Center official is responsible for coordination of travel arrangements to the site of competition and to ensure a single consistent communication policy with the other members of the crew. 3. Officials shall master both the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner. 4. Officials shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interaction with players, coaches, on site staff, colleagues, and the public. 5. Officials shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately, and shall carry themselves in a manner consistent with the high standards of the profession. 6. Officials shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all game assignments. 7. Officials shall notify the supervisor of any red cards that were issued during a contest, immediately following the conclusion of the contest, using the approved reporting system. 8. Participants, including players, coaches, staff and fans, expect and deserve that each official exert the best professional efforts in calling each game. 9. Direct communications with fans is discouraged. Softball Assignor of Officials NSIC Sport Administrator 12
Assignor Les Novak Michelle Beck BestUmpLN@aol.com beck@northernsun.org 612/750 1340 952/212 8676 1. The ISS College Umpires (ISC) is responsible for assigning two person umpire crews for all NSIC softball contests with minimum repeats during a season and within reasonable mileage. 2. Attend the annual in person meeting of head coaches. 3. Assignor will coordinate an annual meeting for umpires to review rule changes and interpretations. 4. Assignor will request from the head coaches a list of their top 8 umpires prior to the start of each season. 5. Communicate with umpires throughout the season ensuring compliance with all officiating policies and procedures. Monitor day to day operations of officials (e.g., travel, weather, performance, injury). Crew Members 1. Umpires shall contact the head coach of the designated home team and/or an athletic administrator at the host institution not later than 24 hours prior to the contest. The communication confirms assignment, time, date and location of the game and provides contact information in case of any changes. 2. Umpires shall master both the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner. 3. Umpires shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interaction with players, coaches, on site staff, colleagues, and the public. 4. Umpires shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately, and shall carry themselves in a manner consistent with the high standards of the profession. 5. Umpires shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all game assignments. 6. Participants, including players, coaches, staff and fans expect and deserve that each umpire exert the best professional efforts in calling each game. 13
7. Direct communications with fans is discouraged. Supervisor Women s Volleyball Supervisor of Officials NSIC Sport Administrator Ross Erickson Crystal Lanning ross_erickson@hotemail.com lanning@northernsun.org 612/801 8521 952/500 8052 1. Serve as the initial point of contact and be responsive to all immediate officiating matters within the NSIC, and respond directly to all inquiries from the commissioner, head coaches, administrators and game management personnel. 2. Maintain a master roster of referees, schedules and assignments on arbitersports.com. 3. Attend the annual in person meeting of head coaches. 4. Ensure that all conference matches shall have a two person crew. 5. Assignment of appropriately qualified individuals with minimum repeats during a season. 6. Identify, hire, train and oversee officials for the NSIC. Participate in camps and clinics, performance analysis, postseason assessment and ratings and ongoing development of officials. 7. Communicate with referees throughout the season ensuring compliance with all officiating policies and procedures. Monitor day to day operations of officials (e.g., travel, weather, performance, injury). 8. Distribute a minimum of two bulletins during the volleyball season with timely updates. Crew Members 14
1. Up official shall contact the head coach of the designated home team and/or an athletic administrator at the host institution no later than three days prior to the contest. The communication confirms assignment, time, date and location of the game and provides contact information in case of any changes. 2. Officials shall master both the rules of the game and the mechanics necessary to enforce the rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner. 3. Officials shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interaction with players, coaches, on site staff, colleagues, and the public. 4. Officials shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and appropriately, and shall carry themselves in a manner consistent with the high standards of the profession. 5. Officials shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all game assignments. 6. Participants, including players, coaches, staff and fans expect and deserve that each official exert the best professional efforts in calling each game. 7. Direct communications with fans is discouraged. 8. Officials must provide the conference office a signed copy of the Independent Contractor Agreement, in addition to maintaining an active refpay account. 15
Financial Administration. General Information. In the sports of football, men s and women s basketball, soccer and volleyball payment is coordinated through the officiating websites used to manage assignments for the sports. The NSIC bills institutions at the beginning of each season for the estimated amount of officiating fees, and at the conclusion of the season either reimburses over charge or bill for additional payment. For all conference games and matches in these sports, institutions share costs equally. Nonconference games and matches that are assigned by the NSIC assignor are billed to the institution. In baseball and softball, institutions are responsible for paying umpires or the association directly. Baseball Single Game (nine innings) Northwest Umpires Association (CSP, MSU, SCSU, SMSU, UMD and WSU) Fargo Moorhead Baseball Umpires Association (UMC, BSU, UM, Minot, and NSU) $175 $140 plus mileage at a rate of 52 cents/mile. Doubleheader $275 $350 for a two person crew and $300 for a three person crew. Iowa Intercollegiate Umpires Association (UIU) Nebraska Umpires Association (AC, USF and WSC) $175 $150 $270 $275 The above shows rates based on a two person umpire crew. However, in the past University of Mary, Bemidji State University and Minot State University have used a three person crew. Conference consistency is preferred. ** In the 2017 season NSIC baseball will move to a flat fee of $350 per umpire per double deader. There will be no mileage or per diem. This was approved by AAC in the summer of 2015. 16
All Other Sports Current Effective Date Volleyball $150 match fee (R1 and R2) 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons 45 cents/mile round trip $50 per diem for backto back matches without returning home. Football $285 flat fee 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons Basketball (M & W) $325 flat game fee. 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons Bonus of $10/game for any official who worked 15 or more regular season NSIC games. Soccer $180 (referee) $135 (AR1 and AR2) $35 per diem for back toback games in a three day period. Mileage reimbursement: 51 99 mi. oneway=$25 100 199 mi. oneway=$50 200 299 mi. oneway=$75 Over 300 mi. oneway=$100 Softball $87.50 for single seveninning game. $175 for two seven inning games. Mileage reimbursement: More than 51 miles round trip=.35 cents per mile. 2016 and 2017 season, bonus will increase to $15 per game for any official who works more than 15 NSIC regular season games. 2016 and 2017 seasons 2014, 2015 and 2016 seasons 17
Communication Guidelines. General Information. Each sport specifies the pre contest communication expectation between officials and institutional personnel. As much as possible, advanced notice should be provided for any schedule adjustments to allow time to adjust assignments. Channels of Communication Coaches. Coaches should consistently provide timely and honest feedback through the established channel for the sport (e.g., online game report). Coaches should never directly contact an official. Coaches should contact the supervisor/coordinator/assignor directly with comments and concerns regarding officials. Channels of Communication Administrators. Administrators should encourage coaches to consistently provide timely and honest feedback through the established channel for the sport (e.g., online game report). Administrators should never directly contact an official to discuss an officials performance. Administrators should contact the supervisor/coordinator/assignor and/or the Commissioner directly with comments and concerns regarding officials. 18
Scheduling. General Information. Each sport supervisor is responsible for assigning officials to games for their sport. Assignments are completed well in advance of the first contest to provide time for adjustments. After schedules are entered into the respective officiating website, institutional personnel will approve the schedule prior to assignments being released for view by institutional personnel. Changes to the schedule shall be done in accordance with sport handbook guidelines, and provided to the conference office staff, assignor and all involved institutional personnel. 19
Resources. Arbiter Sports http://www.arbitersports.biz Football/Volleyball Blue Zebra https://nsic.officiating.com Men/Women s Basketball Game Officials http://www.gameofficials.net Soccer NCAA NSIC Refpay http://www.ncaa.org http://www.northernsun.org http://www.refpay.com 20
Appendix. NSIC Lightning Policy Unquestionably, the underlying basis for decisions related to the starting, suspension and resumption of athletics contests that may be affected by lightning and/or inclement weather is the safety and welfare of the student athletes and spectators. The following policies are for the purpose of providing general direction to administrators, coaches, athletic training staff, and game officials in making these decisions, particularly as it relates to issues of authority. Consequently, each individual institution is encouraged to develop more detailed policies and procedures specific to their institution s unique circumstances (e.g., field locations, personnel). Lightning While lightning is the most consistent and significant weather hazard that may affect an outdoor contest, other types of severe weather conditions (e.g. tornadoes) are not to be ignored. Education and planning are the keys to safely dealing with lightning and inclement weather. Staff members and game officials need to know the dangers and what their responsibilities are in the event lightning and/or inclement weather is evident. Institutions should establish plans for the safe and efficient evacuation of participants and spectators. Institutional policy of the host team/venue will be followed in all cases in NSIC competition. The NSIC policy should provide a guideline for the conference, and will be followed in the absence of institutional policy. In relation to decisions regarding the starting, suspension, or resumption of a contest due to lightning, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference states the following: The host institution s administration and/or athletic trainer must track storm fronts prior to taking the field by accessing the weather via the internet, http.//www.weather.com; or NOAA Weather Radio. Lightning awareness should be increased with the first flash of lightning, or the first clap of thunder, no matter how far away. Lightning and thunder activity should put athletics personnel and administrators on alert to begin monitoring the weather closely and planning for possible suspension of activities and safe evacuation of participants and spectators. The host institution s athletic trainer, or other person designated by the host administration who is not a game official or a coach, will be the designated spotter. A Spotter s Responsibilities: Monitor Weather Reports via the internet or weather radio Employ the Flash to Bang method to determine proximity of the storm Alert the host administrators and game officials of potentially unsafe weather development. 21
Prior to the start of a contest, decisions regarding whether a contest will begin rest with the host administration. The host administration should confer with the participating coaches, game officials, and administrator representing the visiting team (if present), and the athletic training staff of the host institution. Once a contest has begun, the decision to suspend and subsequently resume a contest is the responsibility of the game official(s). Game officials are expected to confer with the host administration, an administrator representing the visiting team (if present), participating coaches, and the athletic training staff of the host institution. When to stop play, seek shelter: When the flash to bang count is at or less than 30, the lightning is approximately 6 miles away and there is danger. When the count reaches 30, everyone should have left the area for safe shelter. Play that is suspended due to lightning, may be resumed 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder and last flash of lightning seen. Decisions regarding the starting, suspension, and resumption of a contest are to be made independent of consideration related to any team gaining a competitive advantage. Among the factors that should be considered are travel issues such as distance, expenses and missed class time, severity of weather conditions, immediate weather forecast and playing field conditions. In all cases, the safety and welfare of the student athletes and spectators is the single most important consideration. Weather related decisions involving conference championship events would typically be made by the designated tournament committee. The Flash to Bang method, described in the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook, is to be employed for estimating how far away lightning is occurring, however, institutions that utilize lightning detectors, etc. should follow their institutional policy. 22
Flash to Bang Ratio: Begin counting when lightning is sighted (flash or bolt) Counting stops when thunder is heard Divide the count by 5 to determine the distance from you to the lightning in miles. The minimum distance to game suspension is 6 miles. Play may resume 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning and sound of thunder. 23