Rain Delay Rules for Beginners: Complete 2026 Guide

Rain delays are a common part of outdoor sports, especially in games like baseball, cricket, and tennis. They occur when weather conditions—usually rain—make it unsafe or impractical to continue play. For beginners, understanding how rain delays work can make watching or following a game much less confusing.
A rain delay typically begins when officials decide that the playing surface has become too wet or slippery, or when visibility is reduced. The main priority is player safety and maintaining fair playing conditions. Once the delay is called, players leave the field, and grounds crews may cover the pitch or field to protect it from further damage.