KBO to Decide on Game Cancellations by 1 P.M. Under Severe Heatwave Warnings

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced today (August 4) its detailed operational guidelines for baseball games during heatwaves, centered on canceling professional games when severe heatwave warnings are issued to prioritize safety.

The KBO has categorized operational standards based on meteorological warning stages to ensure the safety of spectators and players amid ongoing heatwaves.

The KBO decides whether to delay or cancel games based on the Korea Meteorological Administration's heatwave warning issuance criteria.

Currently, the Korea Meteorological Administration issues a heatwave advisory when the highest daily apparent temperature is expected to reach 33°C (91°F) or higher for two or more days, a heatwave warning when the highest daily apparent temperature is expected to reach 35°C (95°F) or higher for two or more days, and a severe heatwave warning when the highest daily apparent temperature is expected to reach 38°C (100°F) or the highest daily temperature 39°C (102°F) or higher.

First, if a heatwave warning or higher is issued for the region where the stadium is located, the KBO will allow games to start up to one hour later, reflecting the home team's opinion.

If a severe heatwave warning is issued, a decision to cancel the game can be made by 1 p.m. on the day of the game.

In particular, the KBO stated that if a severe heatwave warning is issued, it plans to cancel games with safety as the top priority.

However, if a severe heatwave warning is issued after spectators have entered the stadium or after the game has started, on-site conditions will be comprehensively considered. Furthermore, games cannot be canceled if a severe heatwave warning is issued in an adjacent area rather than the region where the stadium is located.

When a heatwave advisory is issued, games are held normally. According to KBO League regulations, game operations are decided by the KBO game operations commissioner by comprehensively considering the opinions of the club-designated game manager (or proxy game manager).

In addition, the game operations commissioner, umpires, and both clubs can consult before the game to extend inning-change times and cleaning times if necessary.

The KBO also requested each club to place sufficient cooling devices and beverages in the player areas to prevent heat-related illnesses and to periodically guide spectators on heatwave coping methods through electronic scoreboards.

It also ordered thorough heatwave preparations, such as preparing medical support personnel and supplies in preparation for emergency situations.
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.