How Decisions About Canceling Sports Games Are Made

When the weather gets bad, who decides whether a high school sports game gets canceled?

The athletic director of the host town, says Darien's athletic director, Michael Sullivan.

Although, theoretically, the athletic director of the visiting team could dispute the decision, which might result in a forfeited game. After the athletic director of the visiting school signs off on the decision, the cancelation is posted on the regional athletic conference's website and also appears on the Darien Public Schools website. Notice of a canceled game usually goes up on the websites by 1 p.m., Sullivan said.

The superintendent of schools can also cancel all after-school activities, which would include interscholastic sports, Sullivan said.

The artificial turf on Darien's baseball field drains very well (and the natural turf pitcher's mound and the dirt around Home plate are covered), so Darien is less likely than some schools to cancel a game, Sullivan said. Sometimes Darien will offer to host a game that would have been canceled when the other team's field is too wet, he said.

School transportation companies are often flexible enough to provide a bus on short notice, he said.

In the winter, cancellation decisions may be made days in advance, and snow in Danbury may lead to a canceled game in Darien if the roads aren't considered safe.