Pre-Match

The first step to establishing and maintaining focus must start before the match. Talk to each other about what level of support and assistance you want during the day. Most umpires understand that your focus should be at a high level the moment you step onto the field. Try this approach to improving your focus.

• Understand that the nature of the job dictates that you will get distracted and upset from time to time. Pressure affects everyone and you are no exception. No one is perfect and no one ever will be. All umpires make mistakes – the better ones make considerably fewer and are always working towards “zero tolerance”.

• Start to understand and recognize the patterns of your anxiety. Combined with your personality type, seek to learn which circumstances are most likely to cause a loss of focus –e.g. excessive appealing, bowlers overstepping, sledging, weather conditions, physical fatigue etc.

• Start to practice skills to combat the cause of you losing focus. Positive self talk or relaxation exercises are two skills you can employ to stay focused when circumstances dictate otherwise.

• In the case of missed calls, realize and understand that you will possibly make mistakes. When you do, regroup quickly and acknowledge the mistake to yourself and let your emotions go. Refocus and deal only “in this moment” forgetting about the past over which you have no control and concentrate on the next ball.

The 3 + 3 Effect

There are 3 main reasons why umpires lose focus and if affects 3 different types of umpires. It depends solely on the personality of the umpire. Understand which type of umpire you are and be willing to make changes.

1) Querying Decisions: A player or Captain constantly querying decisions might distract the over assertive umpire. Protracted discussions take place with the umpire trying to get back “control” of the situation when in fact the source of the distraction was out of his control anyway. He is distracted in his concentration and focus thereby opening the door to the possibility of a poor decision.

2) The Missed Call: The perfectionist umpire will dwell on a missed call. Even the best umpires are not perfect so don’t feel you should be. Your pride may be dented but accept the mistake and get the rhythm back quickly.

3) Doesn’t Want To Upset Anyone: The “social umpire” might be too concerned with being liked by everyone and lose sight of the task at hand. Excessive appealing and constant pressure will rattle the social umpire and all he wants to do is get things over with resulting in a rash of poor decisions.

It is essential that you begin to understand what personality type you are and what goals and aspirations you have. It is important that you realize and understand what buttons get pushed in certain situations.

Why Officials Lose Focus

Outside pressures or personal life issues are a reality for all umpires and can certainly affect anyone’s mindset during a game. The better umpires are able to put all outside issues aside for the period of time necessary to do the job. Any umpires aspiring to that level of competence must be able to make themselves aware of the common things which happen during a game that can cause a lapse in focus. You can work 99 perfect overs out of 100 for the day and a lapse in concentration and focus in the final over can ruin not only your day but that of the players. Players resent the fact you were not “with it” on a vital decision. Strangely, most umpires are forgiven on a mistake at the start and it is quickly forgotten but the opposite happens at the business end of the game.

One pitfall that brings a lot of umpires undone is a relaxation together with the rhythm of a smooth game and he loses the edge that is necessary in a tight situation. A good golden rule to apply is to always use a smooth match as a reason to step up your concentration and focus thus eliminating the possibility of being caught by surprise in a tough situation.

Another (and possibly the most common) reason for loss of concentration and focus starts with a small scale lapse with far reaching consequences. For instance, your mind wanders for a moment causing you to be out of position for a run out. It’s a direct hit and the fielders are adamant it was out. You say not out and you may have got the call right. Reality tells you that you only had a 50/50 chance of being right, as you know you were out of position. This causes you to think too much about your lapse that leads to a loss of focus when the next appeal is made which could be as early as the next ball. The bottom line is not to allow anything that has occurred in the past effect your concentration and focus in the future.

Common Facts About Focus

COMMON FACT NO. 1: As soon as you lose concentration, that’s when something happens that calls for such focus.

This is the usual admonition, challenging you to maintain your focus constantly during a game. You caution yourself that, if you allow your attention to wander for an instant, something will happen to exploit your lapse. The truth is, this type of “happening” occurs throughout most cricket matches. The reason it seems that they happen only at bad times, (when something critical occurs), is because the other occasions are not noticed because nothing happens to call you into action. You have not been called upon to make a decision when you were in fact not ready to make that decision anyway.

COMMON FACT NO. 2: Normal game circumstances lead to abnormal mistakes.

Contrary to our beliefs, there is no magical force out to get you as an official even though it seems like it sometimes. Maintaining your concentration and focus at all times is important because when you lose it, common match circumstances lead to uncommon mistakes. A lapse in focus can cause you to be in poor position for a call or to interpret a Law incorrectly. Becoming uncomfortable and flustered when dealing with tension and pressure can also lead to a lapse in focus. Concentration and focus is foundational in that when it is lacking, the other skills an aspects of your umpiring will break down.

COMMON FACT NO. 3: The focus ability of the better umpires is at a different level.

The ability to put all other matters aside and focus entirely on the job at hand is what separates the elite umpires from the rest. These umpires are never in the wrong place, never surprised when the unexpected happens and never unprepared to deal with any situation that may arise even in the most tense of situations. Every game is different but the principles remain the same and flexibility in applying Laws and techniques is the key.

Because the last game involving the same teams was difficult and tense does not mean the next one will be the same. Umpires who go into a game with a preconceived set of ideas are not focused. Keep in the here and now.

COMMON FACT NO. 4: Focus must exist before the start or restart.

For the correct concentration and focus to be maintained throughout a match, it must exist prior to the commencement of the match. If you miss a call or get a decision wrong, players will assume you were not concentrating at that time. This perception by the players is often based on the fact they are told to focus on their particular part of the game. Quite often this conclusion is incorrect but you will be judged more harshly if they feel you had a lapse in concentration than for an error in judgment. Make sure you are prepared and focused from the time you walk onto the field, as it will be your best weapon to get through the day unscathed.

Concentration

FOCUS: “To concentrate attention or effort”

What is proper mindset of an umpire? Is it staring straight at an unobstructed view of play, ready and willing to make a decision as everything slows down and fractions of a second seem like full minutes? Now this umpire IS focused. Too bad you are watching on television and it’s only your dream and ambition to be out there making the split second decision that turns a Test Match.

What about the fact that the bowler “lives on the line”, it is 35 degrees, the pitch is up and down and it is session 3, day 5 of the deciding match in a 5 test series. What really happened before you saw the 5th replay from every conceivable angle?

This is the life of not only the International Umpire, but also every umpire officiating in any match on any given day of the year. Umpires jobs are hard enough given the multitude of Laws and Playing Conditions to remember, extensive techniques to perfect, diversity of personalities with which to interact and the challenge of the judgment calls they’re faced with every time they walk onto the field. Combine all these factors with the pressure of a game situation and even the most focused officials face a difficult task.

Regardless of how good you are in a natural sense with your experience and feel for the game, your performance will be diminished if you are not able to maintain your concentration and focus during a game.

Let The Players Play The Game

Use the Laws with commonsense

One of the best things an umpire can do to avoid conflict situations is to let players play the game. Umpires shouldn’t be looking for minor technical violations or any other circumstances just to show people they know the Law book backwards. With the new 2000 Code of Laws now firmly in place, umpires should look to use certain Laws as a deterrent rather than a solution. Always try to solve problems they occur.

Such situations may involve Penalty Runs for breaches like damaging the pitch or time wasting. Your proven techniques for dealing with past instances should not be discarded. Successful man management skills that have averted conflict situations need to be continued with minor adjustments. The powers that have been given to us by the strengthening of the unfair play Laws and awarding of Penalty Runs must be treated with care. The ultimate sanction of awarding Penalty Runs in some situations could be a poor reflection of your competence and capability.

For instance, the case of a batsman running on the pitch may not be considered as unfair play the first time it occurs. You will probably take many things into account and issue the quiet “unofficial” warning also adding a gentle reminder that penalty runs are a consequence of further breaches. Remember, the spirit and intent of this Law is not to penalize an accident or unintentional incident caused by a batsman or bowler changing direction to avoid injury/collision. Any pitch damage must be deliberate to be considered unfair. Ask yourself three questions:

(1) “Why did this particular player commit a particular act?”

(2) “Was it because the player wanted to gain an unfair advantage”

(3) “Did the player really know what he was doing?”

The same can be said of other situations like the wicketkeeper encroaching or a bowler getting in close to protected area of the pitch. Sometimes the nonstriker will be only too keen to point out a couple of footmarks made by the bowler. Let him know you are on top of the situation by saying something like “I’m keeping an eye on it”. A quiet word at the first instance will make the player aware of the possible infringement and alleviate a lot of animosity between players and umpires.

Use common sense when applying the Laws. One of the worst tags an umpire can get is that of being a “Law Book” umpire. Unfortunately, it’s a reputation that will stay with you for a long time.


Be complimentary

Good umpires know how to interact with players and there are many opportunities to do this during the course of the match. If the wicketkeeper removes the bails and then immediately replaces them, say “Thank you”. Your colleague at the bowlers end will indicate if the wicket is correctly aligned or not.

If you have cause to speak to the Captain about player behaviour, always finish your request with “Please”. After he has spoken to the player, always say “Thank you”. Remember, you are not trying to be their buddy, just showing simple courtesy. Whether this courtesy is returned or not is irrelevant and should not affect your future endeavours.

Conflict Situations

The handling of conflict situations requires special personnel management skills. Animosity on the field can arise from two sources – player vs player or player vs umpire.

Player vs player – in this situation it is very often wise to allow the players to have their say so that both know how they feel about each other. By jumping in too quickly here the umpire will only incur the wrath of both players. They will be intent on having their say anyway – but the umpire in control will allow it for a short time only and then step in with words like “You’ve made your feelings clear now let’s get on with the game”.

Some umpires have a dislike for getting involved whilst others may step in too quickly. If either of these paths is chosen, the umpire will quickly lose the respect of the players. A few important matters need to be considered. These include:

Never react too quickly. A disappointed bowler needs a little time to cool down. If the incident occurs during an over, consider waiting until the over is completed before saying anything. An astute Captain will realize his bowlers cannot perform to their optimum if they are rattled and will quite often speak to the player. If this happens, wait to see if it produces the desired effect. If not, you should have a quiet word saying something like “Come on mate, don’t let things get too heated out here”. This is a non-threatening way of defusing a potential problem further into the match. If the bowler shows no interest in improving his behaviour, involve the Captain immediately and request him to take action.

Player vs umpire. Often the fielding team will feel aggrieved over a decision. To show that the umpire is in control and of good temperament, he should stand by his decision and reject any feelings of guilt. You may need to show you are in control by saying, “It’s obvious we disagree on what has happened but the decision has been made so let’s get on with the game”. If an error has been made, umpires must never try to even up as two mistakes over the one incident leads to a loss of respect.

Player Conduct Reports. In the first instance, request the Captain to control his players in accordance with The Spirit of Cricket. Should you need to speak to a player, never walk towards him in an aggressive manner or point fingers in an animated way. Always involve the Captain and your fellow umpire so that all concerned will know what was said. Any reports emanating must be made together with your colleague even if you have not heard what was said. You will know by the reaction of the player that there was a problem and your input into the report will be crucial when a hearing takes place.

Any comment or dissent by a player should be evaluated by you and if in your opinion it was a spur of the moment reaction, or of a minor nature, then you should ignore it or handle it in a low key way. However, if you deem it of a serious nature, or if the player’s behaviour was abusive or intimidatory towards you, then deal with it in accordance with Law 42.18.

Umpires must expect, due to the nature of their decision-making role, (i.e. making decisions that have implications for others), that conflict or dissent will occur at times. Umpires must not be daunted by this. Rather they should have developed strategies to enable them to meet such a challenge in a positive and confident manner.

Never think that being an umpire gives you immunity from having to take a little criticism. It’s part of umpiring so plan on it happening. Successful umpires know how much to take before acting under the code of conduct.

Answering Questions From Players About Decisions

• Umpires should never offer explanations for decisions or enter into heated post mortems. It is acceptable however to answer a reasonably asked question at the end of the over provided you do not get into a protracted discussion. Indeed the Captain is within his rights to seek a clarification on some decisions or aspects of the Laws. The modern game is increasingly demanding on umpires and there is pressure to give some explanation on nearly every decision.

• It is important that you be seen as a good listener and have a genuine concern for the Laws and their application. This type of interaction and communication between umpires and players can only be good in fostering acceptance and respect. Sometimes a query such as “What was wrong with that one?” could be answered with a simple “It cannot pitch outside leg stump” or “the ball must hit him in line with the stumps”. This type of answer can alleviate further animosity and indeed further futile appeals. A different degree of detail can be used as you build up a rapport with Captains and players. This takes time and experience to develop fully.

• It is usually best to deal with all queries such as this at the end of the over. This has a twofold effect by allowing aggression to dissipate and not affecting your concentration. Always answer with an even voice, be unhurried and show complete confidence. Never volunteer information or try to justify a decision if you are not asked. Remember there is a huge difference between answering a simple query and justifying your every decision.

• If the player becomes rude or abusive during any conversation, remind him of the reason for the discussion which is to clarify what in your opinion, you have seen and heard, not what he would have liked to happen. Be firm but relaxed.

• Never admit to making a mistake or offer apologies for errors. If you do make a mistake, learn from it and move on. Do not compound a mistake with another one.

• Never, ever contemplate “evening up” as two wrongs do not make a right and you will lose the respect of the players.

Ground, Weather and Light

Should rain interrupt play, involve the Captains and use the Laws and Playing Conditions to get as much play as possible. If they disagree the following guidelines may be helpful:

Ball or grass wet and slippery – there should be no delay in starting or suspension of play just because the ball or grass is wet and slippery. Always carry a small towel and ensure sawdust is available during the day. (This should have been one of the pre-match requests so the groundsman).

Reasonable footholds – if the bowlers have reasonable footholds, the fielders (within 30 metres) have the power of free movement and the batsmen can play their strokes and run between wickets, then there should be no suspension or delay in restarting the match. Similarly, small areas of surface water in the outfield should not hold up play.

Bowler’s run ups – notwithstanding that the bowler’s footholds in his delivery stride may be acceptable, the area of the bowler’s run up to a distance of 10 to 15 metres from the stumps should be dry enough to run on without slipping or sliding. Again, ensuring sawdust is available will help keep the game going.

Wet pitch – particular care and attention must be paid to the pitch area. If the whole pitch is damp there is a possibility that play could take place providing the factors above are taken into account. In all likelihood the pitch will play consistently. If however there is a mixture of very wet and dry patches the umpires should take extra care not to start play when there could be an obvious and foreseeable risk to the safety of any player or umpire. As a general rule, if you can easily push your thumb about 1.27cm (½ in.) into the pitch, it will be unfit for immediate play. In those situations you should be making frequent inspections to monitor both the drying of the pitch and any improvement in weather conditions. Whilst it is not primarily the umpires’ duty to decide how the pitch will play, we need to be fully aware of our duty of care to the participants. Also there should be no pressure on the umpires to ensure that conditions are the same for both sides. Your only decision is as to whether it is safe for play to take place.

Showery conditions – umpires must be willing to persevere through showery conditions. If there is a possibility of the shower passing over, umpires should endeavour to play on even though it might get heavy for a minute or so. Consultation with your partner will be necessary to ensure that conditions do not get so slippery that bowlers and batsmen have difficulty in keeping their feet.

Obviously the onset of a thunderstorm or heavy rain will see an immediate cessation of play and it may be the best option to try to get the pitch covered quickly so that play may resume at a later stage. With regard to a restart of play in very light rain after an interval – umpires should consider whether in the same conditions they would have suspended play. If not, they should make every effort to commence after the interval in the same conditions.

Bad light – light conditions can be governed by background, trees, buildings, sightscreens etc. and can also vary quite radically from one end of the pitch to the other. Conditions that may have been satisfactory when a slow bowler is on need not necessarily be considered satisfactory when a fast bowler is operating and vice versa. It is impossible to lay down a general standard but to err on the side of caution is the better alternative. Law 3.9 requires careful study and the umpires have been given a duty of care to protect the players of both sides. The safety of umpires is also a consideration. You should consider conferring during an over which may give the fielding Captain a hint on your thoughts. This could bring about more cricket being played with the introduction of slower bowlers.

Finally in evaluating the conditions of ground, weather and light the state of the game is irrelevant in arriving at a decision.

Both Umpires

• Watch the crease, not the bat or the stumps in the case of close run outs or stumpings. Your peripheral vision will show you the wicket being broken. In the case of the quick single and a direct hit, again focus on the crease. You will hear the wicket being struck. If in any doubt about the wicket being put down fairly, you must consult with your colleague.

• When the strikers end wicket needs remaking, always check the alignment with your partner prior to moving back into position. If the bowlers end wicket is remade during an over, wait at the end of the over and ask your colleague to check it when he walks into position.

• Keep a notebook for all necessary information like, players leaving the field, batsman on strike and who bowled the last over before an interval and the multitude of penalty runs and unfair play situations. Also note runs scored off overthrows etc. so you can check with the scorers at the next interval.

• Bowling Injury Prevention: It is also important to keep a record of Under 19 and Under 17 bowlers on the number of overs each are allowed to bowl consecutively and the maximum number of overs they can bowl per day. All notes should be kept until the conclusion of the match.

Positioning - Striker's End Umpire

• Stand no more than 20 metres deep, closer for a slow bowler or when no fielders are located near you. Move further back if asked by a fielder but try never to be more than 25 to 30 metres away. Stand with one leg either side of the line and your eyes in a direct line with the popping crease.

• When the batsmen start to run, move in a few paces so that you will be no more than 15 metres from the wicket. This has a twofold effect of being closer to any possible action and is a good concentration cue to ensure you are in the best possible position at all times. It will also save time crossing over when left and right-handed batsmen are at the crease.

• Should a close fielder be positioned so that your view of the crease, stumps and flight of the ball to the wicketkeeper or slips could be obscured in any way, move to the off side. You must put yourself in the best possible position at all times to see the ball.

• When an injured striker is batting, stand on the off side and place the runner at square leg. Prior to the match beginning you should have asked the ground staff to make a crease 15 to 20 metres out. If this has not been done, the runner will want to scratch a mark where he thinks the crease is. If he does so, confer with him and let him know the mark is for a guide only and that you will be judging the line as an extension from the center of the popping crease. It may be prudent to get him to make the mark a short distance behind the line to ensure he touches down correctly each time.

• When not on strike, the injured striker is to be placed behind you at square leg unless he may possibly obstruct a fielder in which case he may stand in front of the crease. In exceptional circumstances such as glare from the sun, both the umpires and injured striker may move to the off side. Again your over riding consideration will be to put yourself in the best possible position to see the ball.

• Always watch for hit wicket and never be in a big hurry to follow the ball into the outfield. The time taken to ensure the wicket has not been broken will not impinge on what you need to see in the outfield and can save an embarrassing moment if there is an appeal. A good adage to remember is: when the striker plays forward – look for a stumping. When playing back, look for hit wicket.

• Be ready to give assistance to your colleague with short pitched or full pitched bowling. Use the background as a guide for shoulder height and waist height, something like the top of the boundary fence. You will continually need to adjust your guide mark to cater for the different height of batsmen.

• Watch for catches carrying and batsmen crossing. Signal to partner if required.

• Cross to off side if sun or glare makes conditions unsatisfactory. Always inform the captain and batsmen.

• When crossing for left/right handed batsmen, anticipate the need to change and begin walking in while the ball is still in play. This will allow you to be in position without having to rush by the time the bowler begins his run up.

• Be watchful of fieldsmen behind you and always check for possible leg side infringement. If there is a deep field very square behind you, move over to point.

• Stand side on to the stumps to watch both the ball and the running batsmen with quick sideways glances. Never crouch down or totally take your eye off the ball. Only turn back to face square on to the wicket when the ball has been returned past you. This will eliminate any chance of being hit by the ball if you take your eyes off it.

Positioning - Bowler's End Umpire

Bowler's end umpire

• Stand in line with middle stump so that you have a clear view of the popping crease. Work with the bowler on where to stand if he requests you to be further back or closer than you normally feel comfortable. When standing back, if you have to look through the stumps at the crease, adjust your position slightly so that you see the bowler’s heel between the stumps. You will always be able to find an acceptable position and learn to feel comfortable in it.

• Always approach the bowler to take his cap or sweater. This saves time and helps with your relationship with the bowler.

• Watch the bowler return to his mark and as he turns, face the striker and switch on to full concentration. Take up your preferred position and do not leave it until the ball has been delivered and played into the field.

• Be ready and willing to work with the bowler if he wishes to know where his front foot is landing. Establish a consistent approach to advising bowlers in this way and do it for both teams. Be proactive if he is gradually creeping on the line. Rapport with the bowlers is a vital ingredient in an umpire’s ability to handle a match effectively.

• Never move your head. Initially you should focus on the base of the stumps at the batsman’s end and as the bowler runs past you, move your eyes only down to the bowling crease. As soon as the foot lands move your eyes up to pick up the flight of the ball.

• An alternative technique is to “let the ball come into view”. Whilst it is important to judge any movement of the ball through the air, this will only be when the ball is fairly new or later in the innings it may begin to “reverse swing”. You will be able to see whether the ball does swing by using your peripheral vision. Letting the ball “come into view” will allow you to judge where the ball pitches and any movement off the pitch will be clear and evident. This method is often a better option and can reduce fatigue as the day goes on.

• Give guard to a new batsman by moving up over the stumps. This gives the batsman the impression you are giving him your full attention and concentration. Should the batsman ask for confirmation of his guard at any later time, it is OK to confirm that guard from your normal position.

• Know the terminology, one leg (leg stump), two legs (middle and leg – half way between middle and leg). If the batsman shows you the full face of the bat and asks for “two please” he effectively wants two legs and the bat should cover both the middle and leg stump. You will rarely be asked for “middle to leg” (covering leg stump from the top to middle) or “leg to leg” (covering leg stump from the top of leg stump at your end). Always repeat back to the batsman what guard he asked you for – e.g. “that’s middle stump there”.

• After the ball is struck into the field, most umpires move to the same side as the ball. A clear view of the stumps being broken is the major consideration here. This aspect of technique is a personal thing and you should always feel comfortable about where you place yourself. You may decide you will always go to the opposite side the ball is played. Once the decision has been made on each ball and you are committed, never change and try to get to the other side. In any situation, always be aware of the fielders in “the arc” between extra cover and mid-wicket. If you place yourself between the ball and the stumps, you may possibly obstruct or impede a fielder in his attempt to field the ball or have a clear throw at the wicket. On these occasions you must train yourself to move to the opposite side. Anticipation is the key as is the constant noting of where the fielders in the arc are placing themselves. Remember these fielders will usually be the quickest getting to the ball so your positioning time will diminish considerably. On all occasions, keep the ball in view – never turn your back on the play. Should there be a problem seeing if the wicket has fairly broken at any time you must always consult with your colleague. 

• When a batsman with a runner is on strike, always move to the same side as your partner. It is a good idea for the umpires to confer as soon as the runner enters the field to confirm your intentions. Remember the golden rule – look for your partner and head for him.

• When the batsmen are running, stand side on with quick glances back and forth to detect short runs or a boundary. Never turn your back on the play when moving into position.

Decision Making

• All decision making must be unhurried. The impression must be given to the players that your decision has been objectively considered on the facts known to the umpire.

• It is important to note that decision making occurs on every ball, not just when an appeal is made. Consistent decision making is essential to the effective conduct of the game. Consistent judgment of wides, no balls, leg byes etc. will have a bearing on how well your performance is rated by the Captains.

• LBW : Always have the basics in mind. In judging the height it is a good idea to have doubts about any ball (except a full toss) that hits the batsman above the roll on the pad. When a left hand batsman is on strike to a right arm over the wicket bowler, you would like a short of a length ball to straighten either in the air or off the pitch to give earnest consideration for an out decision. The same principles apply for a right hand batsman facing a left arm over the wicket bowler. Always take into account how far the ball has to travel after impact before it would reach the stumps. Always try to pay attention as to whether the batsman is making a genuine effort to play at the ball with the bat. Take your time to weigh up all the possibilities and give your decision confidently.

• Caught behind, bat/ pad catches: Consider your decision from where you are standing. Do not move away from the stumps before or after giving your decision. This gives the impression that you are unsure or have not given the decision due thought.

• Wait a moment or two for the appeal to finish and make eye contact with the batsman if you give him out. If he turns his back, make sure you hold your hand up until he looks at you. Similarly, unless there is a need to follow the ball further, make eye contact with the bowler when giving a not out decision. Always be confident and certain when giving decisions.

• Wides: Umpires are instructed to apply a very strict and consistent interpretation in regard to this Law in order to prevent negative bowling wide of the wicket. Any offside or leg side delivery that, in the opinion of the umpire, does not give the batsman a reasonable opportunity to score, shall be called a wide. A ball that passes clearly above head height of the batsman that prevents him from being able to hit it with his bat by means of a normal cricket stroke shall be called a wide by the umpire at the bowlers end. In limited over matches, lines shall be drawn on the popping crease parallel with the return crease measured 75cm from the off stump on both sides of the wicket. These lines shall extend back towards the bowling crease and forward from the bowling crease and be 30cm long.

• Front foot no balls: Keep your head still and only move your eyes from the foot to pick up the ball in flight. Establish a consistent approach to each consideration for no balls. For example, if the bowler has been OK with his foot placement and he then lands right on the edge of the line, rather than trying to judge a no ball by a millimeter, ask the bowler to come back. If the foot lands clearly over the line, even if it is the first time, no ball must be called.

• Runs or leg byes: Invoke established signal with your partner but remember, at all times, take responsibility for your own decision. If you receive a signal that is in conflict with your opinion, always go with your own view. When judging whether to allow leg byes, consider the position of the bat in relation to the pad. If the bat is well behind the pad, leg byes should be disallowed. Remember the batsman should not be allowed to just “show” the bat. Look for the bat either beside or in front of the pad.

• Short run or boundary: Stand side on to watch both the ball and the running batsmen with quick glances either way. If the ball is close to the boundary and a batsman is about to touch down for a run, watching for the boundary takes precedence, as does a catch.

Signals and Calls

• Make all necessary signals in accordance with the Laws. Signals requiring a call should be delivered in a clear voice to be at least audible within the square and to fielders in the ring. Finish the boundary four signal with your arm across the chest. How many times you wave is up to you. Be an individual with your signals but stick to the basic requirements of the Laws.

• Ensure you work as a team in all signaling procedures. Confer at the end of an over if there is a possibility that something could have been misunderstood.

• Call “play”, “time” and “over” clearly when appropriate. The call of “play” should be made with confidence. On most occasions, it will be the first time the players have heard you speak so the call should convey the message, “I know what I am doing, and I am ready for anything”. Note that “time” should be called for all drinks intervals but it is not necessary to remove the bails.

• Deliver combination calls in the sequence they occur – i.e. no ball, byes or leg byes, boundary, penalty runs.

• Deliver relevant signals side on to scorers – e.g. leg byes, no balls etc. Ensure you position yourself so that the players do not obstruct the scorers view.

• Some signals require the call and signal to be made while the ball is in play such as no ball and wide. Signals and calls are made in the first instance to the players only. Repeat the signal to the scorers when the ball becomes deal. Never signal to scorers while the ball is in play.

• Do not allow the game to proceed until the scorers acknowledge all signals.

• Once established, signals to your partner must be continued for the duration of the match. Ensure clear understanding on what is required. Point of fact; did the ball carry? Did the batsmen cross? Was the wicket broken correctly?

• Get into the habit of signaling from square leg all the time. If something is clear-cut and your partner is not requiring confirmation at least make eye contact. This is a good way of keeping your concentration at a high level.

Before the Match

• Read the Laws the night before and familiarize yourself with Playing Conditions. Most umpires will be officiating under different playing conditions, sometimes on consecutive days.

• Check and pack gear and have an early night. This is a personal choice always remembering that optimum performance can only be achieved if you arrive at the ground refreshed, prepared and able to give yourself the best chance of umpiring a full day.

• Leave in plenty of time to allow for contingencies (traffic etc) and arrive at least one hour prior to scheduled start time.

• Meet partner, establish rapport and together check pitch area and seek out the groundsman. It is unlikely the ground staff will be in attendance all day so ask questions about the prevailing weather conditions and as to whether the ground absorbs water quickly.

• Ascertain if there are any other characteristics of the ground that would be helpful later in the day. Is sawdust available for bowler’s run-ups and batsmen’s stance position? What options are available for using the covers effectively and who will be responsible for laying them? How can the ground best be dried out after a sudden storm? This information could prove vital.

• Make sure the stump holes are moistened to allow easy re-making of the wickets during the day. This may sound a minor matter but a great deal of time can be saved if the wickets can be quickly and easily remade.

• Check all other markings, set up wickets and choose or decide on ends.

• Check outfield for any obstructions or hazards, boundaries and local customs.

• If your partner arrives late, it is O.K. to check out the ground alone but never make any comment to players about your opinion on the condition of the ground – remember this is a decision for the umpires to “agree together”. Generally it is best to wait until your colleague arrives. Umpires being seen working together before play begins is a positive sign to all concerned.

• Together meet and speak to Captains before toss, make sure team lists are exchanged and collected. Discuss any matters arising from ground inspection.

• Establish signals to be used with your partner, their timing and the co-ordination of your work together – two to go, catch carrying, leg byes, issue of warnings, fast short pitched bowling, high full pitches etc.

• Meet with scorers, note their position, check on established signals to be used and check timepiece and backup clock.

• Obtain match ball and inform teams you are going onto the field 5 minutes prior to start, wish them well and tell them to enjoy the game. Walk out together.

Laws of Cricket Appendix D: Definitions and Explanations

The Toss is the toss for choice of innings.

Before the toss is at any time before the toss on the day the match is expected to start or, in the case of a one day match, on the day that match is due to take place.

Before the match is at any time before the toss, not restricted to the day on which the toss is to take place.

During the match is at any time after the toss until the conclusion of the match, whether play is in progress or not.

Conduct of the game includes any action relevant to the match at any time on any day of the match.

Implements of the game are the bat, the ball, the stumps and bails.

The field of play is the area contained within the boundary edge.

The square is a specially prepared area of the field of play within which the match pitch is situated.

Inside edge is the edge on the same side as the nearer wicket.

Behind in relation to stumps and creases, is on the side further from the stumps and creases at the other end of the pitch. Conversely, in front of is on the side nearer to the stumps and creases at the other end of the pitch.

A batsman's ground – at each end of the pitch, the whole area of the field of play behind the popping crease is the ground at that end for a batsman.

In front of the line of the striker's wicket is in the area of the field of play in front of the imaginary line joining the fronts of the stumps at one end; this line to be considered extended in both directions to the boundary.

Behind the wicket is in the area of the field of play behind the imaginary line joining the backs of the stumps at one end; this line to be considered extended in both directions to the boundary.

Behind the wicket-keeper is behind the wicket at the striker's end, as defined above, but in line with both sets of stumps, and further from the stumps than the wicket-keeper.

Umpire – where the word 'umpire' is used on its own, it always means 'the umpire at the bowler's end', though this full description is sometimes used for emphasis or clarity. Otherwise, the phrases the umpire concerned, the umpire at the striker's end, either umpire indicate which umpire is intended.

Umpires together agree applies to decisions which the umpires are to make jointly, independently of the players.

Fielder is any one of those 11 or fewer players currently on the field of play who together compose the fielding side. This definition includes not only both the bowler and the wicket-keeper but also any legitimate substitute fielding instead of a nominated player. It excludes any nominated player absent from the field of play, or who has been absent from the field of play and who has not obtained the umpire's permission to return. A player going briefly outside the boundary in the course of discharging his duties as a fielder is not absent from the field of play nor, for the purposes of Law 2.5 (Fielder absent or leaving the field), is he to be regarded as having left the field of play.

Delivery swing is the motion of the bowler's arm during which normally he releases the ball for a delivery.

Delivery stride is the stride during which the delivery swing is made, whether the ball is released or not. It starts when the bowler's back foot lands for that stride and ends when the front foot lands in the same stride.

The ball is struck/strikes the ball unless specifically defined otherwise, mean 'the ball is struck by the bat'/'strikes the ball with the bat'.

Rebounds directly/strikes directly and similar phrases mean without contact with any fielder but do not exclude contact with the ground.

External protective equipment is any visible item of apparel worn for protection against external blows. For a batsman, items permitted are a helmet, external leg guards (batting pads), batting gloves and, if visible, forearm guards. For a fielder, only a helmet is permitted, except in the case of a wicket- keeper, for whom wicket-keeping pads and gloves are also permitted.

Clothing – anything that a player is wearing that is not classed as external protective equipment, including such items as spectacles or jewellery, is classed as clothing, even though he may be wearing some items of apparel, which are not visible, for protection. A bat being carried by a batsman does not come within this definition of clothing.

The bat – the following are to be considered as part of the bat

– the whole of the bat itself.

– the whole of a glove (or gloves) worn on a hand (or hands) holding the bat.

– the hand (or hands) holding the bat, if the batsman is not wearing a glove on that hand or on those hands.

Equipment – a batsman's equipment is his bat, as defined above, together with any external protective equipment that he is wearing. A fielder's equipment is any external protective equipment that he is wearing.

Person – a player's person is his physical person (flesh and blood) together with any clothing or legitimate external protective equipment that he is wearing except, in the case of a batsman, his bat. A hand, whether gloved or not, that is not holding the bat is part of the batsman's person.

No item of clothing or equipment is part of the player's person unless it is attached to him.

For a batsman, a glove being held but not worn is part of his person.

For a fielder, an item of clothing or equipment he is holding in his hand or hands is not part of his person.

Focus on Law 42: Fair and Unfair Play

1. Fair and unfair play – responsibility of captains

The responsibility lies with the captains for ensuring that play is conducted within the spirit and traditions of the game, as described in The Preamble – The Spirit of Cricket, as well as within the Laws.

2. Fair and unfair play – responsibility of umpires

The umpires shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play. If either umpire considers an action, not covered by the Laws, to be unfair, he shall intervene without appeal and, if the ball is in play, shall call and signal Dead ball and implement the procedure as set out in 18 below. Otherwise the umpires shall not interfere with the progress of play, except as required to do so by the Laws.

3. The match ball – changing its condition

(a) Any fielder may

(i) polish the ball provided that no artificial substance is used and that such polishing wastes no time.

(ii) remove mud from the ball under the supervision of the umpire.

(iii) dry a wet ball on a towel.

(b) It is unfair for anyone to rub the ball on the ground for any reason, interfere with any of the seams or the surface of the ball, use any implement, or take any other action whatsoever which is likely to alter the condition of the ball, except as permitted in (a) above.

(c) The umpires shall make frequent and irregular inspections of the ball.

(d) In the event of any fielder changing the condition of the ball unfairly, as set out in (b) above, the umpires after consultation shall

(i) change the ball forthwith. It shall be for the umpires to decide on the replacement ball, which shall, in their opinion, have had wear comparable with that which the previous ball had received immediately prior to the contravention.

(ii) inform the batsmen that the ball has been changed.

(iii) award 5 penalty runs to the batting side. See 17 below.

(iv) inform the captain of the fielding side that the reason for the action was the unfair interference with the ball.

(v) inform the captain of the batting side as soon as practicable of what has occurred.

(vi) report the occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and team concerned.

(e) If there is any further instance of unfairly changing the condition of the ball in that innings, the umpires after consultation shall

(i) repeat the procedure in (d)(i), (ii) and (iii) above.

(ii) inform the captain of the fielding side of the reason for the action taken and direct him to take off forthwith the bowler who delivered the immediately preceding ball. The bowler thus taken off shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.

(iii) inform the captain of the batting side as soon as practicable of what has occurred.

(iv) report this further occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and team concerned.

4. Deliberate attempt to distract striker

It is unfair for any member of the fielding side deliberately to attempt to distract the striker while he is preparing to receive or receiving a delivery.

(a) If either umpire considers that any action by a member of the fielding side is such an attempt, at the first instance he shall

(i) immediately call and signal Dead ball.

(ii) warn the captain of the fielding side that the action is unfair and indicate that this is a first and final warning.

(iii) inform the other umpire and the batsmen of what has occurred.

Neither batsman shall be dismissed from that delivery and the ball shall not count as one of the over.

(b) If there is any further such deliberate attempt in that innings, by any member of the fielding side, the procedures, other than warning, as set out in (a) above shall apply. Additionally, the umpire at the bowler's end shall

(i) award 5 penalty runs to the batting side. See 17 below.

(ii) inform the captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action and, as soon as practicable, inform the captain of the batting side.

(iii) report the occurrence, together with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players concerned.

5. Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman

In addition to 4 above, it is unfair for any member of the fielding side, by word or action, wilfully to attempt to distract or to obstruct either batsman after the striker has received the ball.

(a) It is for either one of the umpires to decide whether any distraction or obstruction is wilful or not.

(b) If either umpire considers that a member of the fielding side has wilfully caused or attempted to cause such a distraction or obstruction he shall

(i) immediately call and signal Dead ball.

(ii) inform the captain of the fielding side and the other umpire of the reason for the call.

Additionally,

(iii) neither batsman shall be dismissed from that delivery.

(iv) 5 penalty runs shall be awarded to the batting side. See 17 below. In this instance, the run in progress shall be scored, whether or not the batsmen had crossed at the instant of the call. See Law 18.11 (Runs scored when ball becomes dead).

(v) the umpire at the bowler's end shall inform the captain of the fielding side of the reason for this action and, as soon as practicable, inform the captain of the batting side.

(vi) the ball shall not count as one of the over

(vii) the batsmen at the wicket shall decide which of them is to face the next delivery

(viii) the umpires shall report the occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players concerned.

6. Dangerous and unfair bowling

(a) Bowling of fast short pitched balls

(i) The bowling of fast short pitched balls is dangerous and unfair if the umpire at the bowler's end considers that by their repetition and taking into account their length, height and direction they are likely to inflict physical injury on the striker, irrespective of the protective equipment he may be wearing. The relative skill of the striker shall be taken into consideration.

(ii) Any delivery which, after pitching, passes or would have passed over head height of the striker standing upright at the crease, although not threatening physical injury, shall be included with bowling under (i) both when the umpire is considering whether the bowling of fast short pitched balls has become dangerous and unfair and after he has so decided. The umpire shall call and signal No ball for each such delivery.

(b) Bowling of high full pitched balls

(i) Any delivery, other than a slow paced one, which passes or would have passed on the full above waist height of the striker standing upright at the crease is to be deemed dangerous and unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker.

(ii) A slow delivery which passes or would have passed on the full above shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the crease is to be deemed dangerous and unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker.

7. Dangerous and unfair bowling – action by the umpire

(a) As soon as the umpire at the bowler’s end decides under 6(a) above that the bowling of fast short pitched balls has become dangerous and unfair, or, except as in 8 below, there is an instance of dangerous and unfair bowling as defined in 6(b) above, he shall call and signal No ball and, when the ball is dead, caution the bowler, inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side and the batsman of what has occured. This caution shall continue to apply throughout the innings.

(b) If there is any further instance of dangerous and unfair bowling by the same bowler in the same innings, the umpire at the bowler’s end shall repeat the above procedure and indicate to the bowler that this is a final warning. Both the above caution and final warning shall continue to apply even though the bowler may later change ends.

(c) Should there be any further repetition by the same bowler in that innings, the umpire shall

(i) call and signal No ball.

(ii) direct the captain, when the ball is dead, to take the bowler off forthwith. The over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled the previous over nor be allowed to bowl the next over. The bowler thus taken off shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.

(iii) report the occurrence to the other umpire, the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side.

(iv) report the occurrence, with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and bowler concerned.

8. Deliberate bowling of high full pitched balls

If the umpire considers that a high full pitch which is deemed to be dangerous and unfair, as defined in 6(b) above, was deliberately bowled, then the caution and warning prescribed in 7 above shall be dispensed with. The umpire shall

(a) call and signal No ball.

(b) direct the captain, when the ball is dead, to take the bowler off forthwith.

(c) implement the remainder of the procedure as laid down in 7(c) above.

9. Time wasting by the fielding side

It is unfair for any member of the fielding side to waste time.

(a) If the captain of the fielding side wastes time, or allows any member of his side to waste time, or if the progress of an over is unnecessarily slow, at the first instance the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball if necessary and

(i) warn the captain, and indicate that this is a first and final warning.

(ii) inform the other umpire and the batsmen of what has occurred.

(b) If there is any further waste of time in that innings, by any member of the fielding side, the umpire shall either (i) if the waste of time is not during the course of an over, award 5 penalty runs to the batting side. See 17 below.

or (ii) if the waste of time is during the course of an over, when the ball is dead, direct the captain to take the bowler off forthwith. If applicable, the over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled the previous over nor be allowed to bowl the next over. The bowler thus taken off shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.

(iii) inform the other umpire, the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

(iv) report the occurrence, with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and team concerned.

10. Batsman wasting time

It is unfair for a batsman to waste time. In normal circumstances the striker should always be ready to take strike when the bowler is ready to start his run up.

(a) Should either batsman waste time by failing to meet this requirement, or in any other way, the following procedure shall be adopted. At the first instance, either before the bowler starts his run up or when the ball is dead, as appropriate, the umpire shall

(i) warn the batsman and indicate that this is a first and final warning. This warning shall continue to apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform each incoming batsman.

(ii) inform the other umpire, the other batsman and the captain of the fielding side of what has occurred.

(iii) inform the captain of the batting side as soon as practicable.

(b) if there is any further time wasting by any batsman in that innings, the umpire shall, at the appropriate time while the ball is dead

(i) award 5 penalty runs to the fielding side. See 17 below.

(ii) inform the other umpire, the other batsman, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

(iii) report the occurrence, with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the batting side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players and, if appropriate, the team concerned.

11. Damaging the pitch – area to be protected

(a) It is incumbent on all players to avoid unnecessary damage to the pitch. It is unfair for any player to cause deliberate damage to the pitch.

(b) An area of the pitch, to be referred to as 'the protected area', is defined as that area contained within a rectangle bounded at each end by imaginary lines parallel to the popping creases and 5ft/1.52m in front of each and on the sides by imaginary lines, one each side of the imaginary line joining the centres of the two middle stumps, each parallel to it and 1ft/30.48cm from it.

12. Bowler running on the protected area after delivering the ball

(a) If the bowler, after delivering the ball, runs on the protected area as defined in 11(b) above, the umpire shall at the first instance, and when the ball is dead,

(i) caution the bowler. This caution shall continue to apply throughout the innings.

(ii) inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side and the batsmen of what has occurred.

(b) If, in that innings, the same bowler runs on the protected area again after delivering the ball, the umpire shall repeat the above procedure, indicating that this is a final warning.

(c) If, in that innings, the same bowler runs on the protected area a third time after delivering the ball, when the ball is dead the umpire shall

(i) direct the captain of the fielding side to take the bowler off forthwith. If applicable, the over shall be completed by another bowler, who shall neither have bowled the previous over nor be allowed to bowl the next over. The bowler thus taken off shall not be allowed to bowl again in that innings.

(ii) inform the other umpire, the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

(iii) report the occurrence, with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and to any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and bowler concerned.

13. Fielder damaging the pitch

(a) If any fielder causes avoidable damage to the pitch, other than as in 12(a) above, at the first instance the umpire shall, when the ball is dead,

(i) caution the captain of the fielding side, indicating that this is a first and final warning. This caution shall continue to apply throughout the innings.

(ii) inform the other umpire and the batsmen of what has occurred.

(b) If there is any further avoidable damage to the pitch by any fielder in that innings, the umpire shall, when the ball is dead,

(i) award 5 penalty runs to the batting side. See 17 below.

(ii) inform the other umpire, the batsmen, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

(iii) report the occurrence, with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players concerned.

14. Batsman damaging the pitch

(a) If either batsman causes avoidable damage to the pitch, at the first instance the umpire shall, when the ball is dead,

(i) caution the batsman. This caution shall continue to apply throughout the innings. The umpire shall so inform each incoming batsman.

(ii) inform the other umpire, the other batsman, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side.

(b) If there is a second instance of avoidable damage to the pitch by any batsman in that innings

(i) the umpire shall repeat the above procedure, indicating that this is a final warning.

(ii) additionally he shall disallow all runs to the batting side from that delivery other than the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable. The batsmen shall return to their original ends.

(c) If there is any further avoidable damage to the pitch by any batsman in that innings, the umpire shall, when the ball is dead,

(i) disallow all runs to the batting side from that delivery other than the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable. The batsmen shall return to their original ends.

(ii) additionally award 5 penalty runs to the fielding side. See 17 below.

(iii) inform the other umpire, the other batsman, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

(iv) report the occurrence, with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the batting side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players concerned.

15. Bowler attempting to run out non-striker before delivery

The bowler is permitted, before entering his delivery stride, to attempt to run out the non-striker. The ball shall not count in the over.

The umpire shall call and signal Dead ball as soon as possible if the bowler fails in the attempt to run out the non-striker.

16. Batsmen stealing a run

It is unfair for the batsmen to attempt to steal a run during the bowler's run up. Unless the bowler attempts to run out either batsman – see 15 above and Law 24.4 (Bowler throwing towards striker's end before delivery) – the umpire shall

(i) call and signal Dead ball as soon as the batsmen cross in any such attempt.

(ii) return the batsmen to their original ends.

(iii) award 5 penalty runs to the fielding side. See 17 below.

(iv) inform the other umpire, the batsmen, the captain of the fielding side and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for the action taken.

(v) report the occurrence, with the other umpire, as soon as possible to the Executive of the batting side and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players concerned.

17. Penalty runs

(a) When penalty runs are awarded to either side, when the ball is dead the umpire shall signal the penalty runs to the scorers as laid down in Law 3.14 (Signals).

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Law 21.6 (Winning hit or extras), penalty runs shall be awarded in each case where the Laws require the award. Note, however, that the restrictions on awarding penalty runs in Laws 26.3 (Leg byes not to be awarded), 34.4(d) (Runs permitted from ball struck lawfully more than once) and Law 41.4 (Penalty runs not to be awarded) will apply.

(c) When 5 penalty runs are awarded to the batting side, under either Law 2.6 (Player returning without permission) or Law 41 (The fielder) or under 3, 4, 5, 9 or 13 above, then

(i) they shall be scored as penalty extras and shall be in addition to any other penalties.

(ii) they shall not be regarded as runs scored from either the immediately preceding delivery or the following delivery, and shall be in addition to any runs from those deliveries.

(iii) the batsmen shall not change ends solely by reason of the 5 run penalty.

(d) When 5 penalty runs are awarded to the fielding side, under Law 18.5(b) (Deliberate short runs), or under 10, 14 or 16 above, they shall be added as penalty extras to that side's total of runs in its most recently completed innings. If the fielding side has not completed an innings, the 5 penalty extras shall be added to its next innings.

18. Players' conduct

If there is any breach of the Spirit of the Game by a player failing to comply with the instructions of an umpire, or criticising his decisions by word or action, or showing dissent, or generally behaving in a manner which might bring the game into disrepute, the umpire concerned shall immediately report the matter to the other umpire.

The umpires together shall

(i) inform the player's captain of the occurrence, instructing the latter to take action.

(ii) warn him of the gravity of the offence, and tell him that it will be reported to higher authority.

(iii) report the occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the player's team and any Governing Body responsible for the match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player or players, and, if appropriate, the team concerned.

Focus on Law 41: The Fielder

1. Protective equipment

No member of the fielding side other than the wicket-keeper shall be permitted to wear gloves or external leg guards. In addition, protection for the hand or fingers may be worn only with the consent of the umpires.

2. Fielding the ball

A fielder may field the ball with any part of his person but if, while the ball is in play he wilfully fields it otherwise,

(a) the ball shall become dead and 5 penalty runs shall be awarded to the batting side. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs). The ball shall not count as one of the over.

(b) the umpire shall inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side, the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of what has occurred.

(c) the umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and any Governing Body responsible for the match who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and player concerned.

3. Protective helmets belonging to the fielding side

Protective helmets, when not in use by fielders, shall only be placed, if above the surface, on the ground behind the wicket- keeper and in line with both sets of stumps. If a helmet belonging to the fielding side is on the ground within the field of play, and the ball while in play strikes it, the ball shall become dead. 5 penalty runs shall then be awarded to the batting side. See Laws 18.11 (Runs scored when ball becomes dead) and 42.17 (Penalty runs).

4. Penalty runs not to be awarded

Notwithstanding 2 and 3 above, if from the delivery by the bowler the ball first struck the person of the striker and if, in the opinion of the umpire, the striker neither (i) attempted to play the ball with his bat, nor (ii) tried to avoid being hit by the ball, then no award of 5 penalty runs shall be made and no other runs or penalties shall be credited to the batting side except the penalty for a No ball if applicable. See Law 26.3 (Leg byes not to be awarded).

5. Limitation of on side fielders

At the instant of the bowler's delivery there shall not be more than two fielders, other than the wicket-keeper, behind the popping crease on the on side. A fielder will be considered to be behind the popping crease unless the whole of his person, whether grounded or in the air, is in front of this line.

In the event of infringement of this Law by the fielding side, the umpire at the striker's end shall call and signal No ball.

6. Fielders not to encroach on the pitch

While the ball is in play and until the ball has made contact with the bat or person of the striker, or has passed the striker's bat, no fielder, other than the bowler, may have any part of his person grounded on or extended over the pitch. In the event of infringement of this Law by any fielder other than the wicket-keeper, the umpire at the bowler's end shall call and signal No ball as soon as possible after the delivery of the ball. Note, however, Law 40.3 (Position of wicket-keeper).

7. Movement by fielders

Any significant movement by any fielder after the ball comes into play and before the ball reaches the striker is unfair. In the event of such unfair movement, either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball. Note also the provisions of Law 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker).

8. Definition of significant movement

(a) For close fielders anything other than minor adjustments to stance or position in relation to the striker is significant.

(b) In the outfield, fielders are permitted to move in towards the striker or striker's wicket, provided that 5 above is not contravened. Anything other than slight movement off line or away from the striker is to be considered significant.

(c) For restrictions on movement by the wicket-keeper see Law 40.4 (Movement by wicket-keeper).

Focus on Law 40: The Wicketkeeper

1. Protective equipment

The wicketkeeper is the only member of the fielding side permitted to wear gloves and external leg guards. If he does so, these are to be regarded as part of his person for the purposes of Law 41.2 (Fielding the ball). If by his actions and positioning it is apparent to the umpires that he will not be able to discharge his duties as a wicket-keeper, he shall forfeit this right and also the right to be recognised as a wicketkeeper for the purposes of Laws 32.3 (A fair catch), 39 (Stumped), 41.1 (Protective equipment), 41.5 (Limitation of on side fielders) and 41.6 (Fielders not to encroach on the pitch).

2. Gloves

If, as permitted under 1 above, the wicketkeeper wears gloves, they shall have no webbing between the fingers except joining index finger and thumb, where webbing may be inserted as a means of support. If used, the webbing shall be
(a) a single piece of non-stretch material which, although it may have facing material attached, shall have no reinforcement or tucks.
(b) such that the top edge of the webbing (i) does not protrude beyond the straight line joining the top of the index finger to the top of the thumb. (ii) is taut when a hand wearing the glove has the thumb fully extended.

3. Position of wicketkeeper

The wicketkeeper shall remain wholly behind the wicket at the striker's end from the moment the ball comes into play until

(a) a ball delivered by the bowler either (i) touches the bat or person of the striker or (ii) passes the wicket at the striker's end or (b) the striker attempts a run.

In the event of the wicketkeeper contravening this Law, the umpire at the striker's end shall call and signal No ball as soon as possible after the delivery of the ball.

4. Movement by wicketkeeper

It is unfair if the wicketkeeper standing back makes a significant movement towards the wicket after the ball comes into play and before it reaches the striker. In the event of such unfair movement by the wicketkeeper, either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball. It will not be considered a significant movement if the wicketkeeper moves a few paces forward for a slower delivery.

5. Restriction on actions of wicketkeeper

If, in the opinion of either umpire, the wicketkeeper interferes with the striker’s right to play the ball and to guard his wicket, Law 23.3(b)(vi) (Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball) shall apply.

If, however, the umpire concerned considers that the interference by the wicketkeeper was wilful, then Law 42.4 (Deliberate attempt to distract striker) shall apply.

6. Interference with wicketkeeper by striker

If, in playing at the ball or in the legitimate defence of his wicket, the striker interferes with the wicketkeeper, he shall not be out, except as provided for in Law 37.3 (Obstructing a ball from being caught).

Focus on Law 39: Stumped

1. Out Stumped

(a) The striker is out Stumped if (i) he is out of his ground and (ii) he is receiving a ball which is not a No ball and (iii) he is not attempting a run and (iv) his wicket is fairly put down by the wicket-keeper without the intervention of another member of the fielding side. Note Law 40.3 (Position of wicket- keeper).

(b) The striker is out Stumped if all the conditions of (a) above are satisfied, even though a decision of Run out would be justified.

2. Ball rebounding from wicket-keeper's person

(a) If the wicket is put down by the ball, it shall be regarded as having been put down by the wicket-keeper if the ball

(i) rebounds on to the stumps from any part of his person or equipment, other than a protective helmet

or (ii) has been kicked or thrown on to the stumps by the wicket-keeper.

(b) If the ball touches a helmet worn by the wicket-keeper, the ball is still in play but the striker shall not be out Stumped. He will, however, be liable to be Run out in these circumstances if there is subsequent contact between the ball and any member of the fielding side. Note, however, 3 below.

3. Not out Stumped

(a) If the striker is not out Stumped, he is liable to be out Run out if the conditions of Law 38 (Run out) apply, except as set out in (b) below.

(b) The striker shall not be out Run out if he is out of his ground, not attempting a run, and his wicket is fairly put down by the wicket-keeper without the intervention of another member of the fielding side, if No ball has been called.

Focus on Law 38: Run Out

1. Out Run out

(a) Either batsman is out Run out, except as in 2 below, if at any time while the ball is in play (i) he is out of his ground and (ii) his wicket is fairly put down by the opposing side.

(b) (a) above shall apply even though No ball has been called and whether or not a run is being attempted, except in the circumstances of Law 39.3(b) (Not out Stumped).

2. Batsman not Run out

Notwithstanding 1 above, a batsman is not out Run out if

(a) he has been within his ground and has subsequently left it to avoid injury, when the wicket is put down.

(b) the ball has not subsequently been touched again by a fielder, after the bowler has entered his delivery stride, before the wicket is put down.

(c) the ball, having been played by the striker, or having come off his person, directly strikes a helmet worn by a fielder and without further contact with him or any other fielder rebounds directly on to the wicket. However, the ball remains in play and either batsman may be Run out in the circumstances of 1 above if a wicket is subsequently put down.

(d) he is out Stumped. See Law 39.1(b) (Out Stumped).

(e) he is out of his ground, not attempting a run and his wicket is fairly put down by the wicket-keeper without the intervention of another member of the fielding side, if No ball has been called. See Law 39.3(b) (Not out Stumped).

3. Which batsman is out

The batsman out in the circumstances of 1 above is the one whose ground is at the end where the wicket is put down. See Laws 2.8 (Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has a runner) and 29.2 (Which is a batsman's ground).

4. Runs scored

If a batsman is dismissed Run out, the batting side shall score the runs completed before the dismissal, together with the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable. Other penalties to either side that may be awarded when the ball is dead shall also stand. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs).

If, however, a striker with a runner is himself dismissed Run out, runs completed by the runner and the other batsman before the dismissal shall not be scored. The penalty for a No ball or a Wide and any other penalties to either side that may be awarded when the ball is dead shall stand. See Laws 2.8 (Transgression of the Laws by a batsman who has a runner) and 42.17(b) (Penalty runs).

5. Bowler does not get credit

The bowler does not get credit for the wicket.

Focus on Law 37: Obstructing the Field

1. Out Obstructing the field

Either batsman is out Obstructing the field if he wilfully obstructs or distracts the opposing side by word or action. It shall be regarded as obstruction if either batsman wilfully, and without the consent of the fielding side, strikes the ball with his bat or person, other than a hand not holding the bat, after the ball has touched a fielder. See 4 below.

2. Accidental obstruction

It is for either umpire to decide whether any obstruction or distraction is wilful or not. He shall consult the other umpire if he has any doubt.

3. Obstructing a ball from being caught

The striker is out should wilful obstruction or distraction by either batsman prevent a catch being made. This shall apply even though the striker causes the obstruction in lawfully guarding his wicket under the provisions of Law 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once).

4. Returning the ball to a member of the fielding side

Either batsman is out under this Law if, without the consent of the fielding side and while the ball is in play, he uses his bat or person to return the ball to any member of that side.

5. Runs scored

If a batsman is dismissed under this Law, runs completed by the batsmen before the offence shall be scored, together with the penalty for a No ball or a Wide, if applicable. Other penalties that may be awarded to either side when the ball is dead shall also stand. See Law 42.17(b) (Penalty runs).

If, however, the obstruction prevents a catch from being made, runs completed by the batsmen before the offence shall not be scored, but other penalties that may be awarded to either side when the ball is dead shall stand. See Law 42.17(b) (Penalty runs).

6. Bowler does not get credit

The bowler does not get credit for the wicket.

Focus on Law 36: LBW

1. Out LBW

The striker is out LBW in the circumstances set out below.

(a) The bowler delivers a ball, not being a No ball and (b) the ball, if it is not intercepted full pitch, pitches in line between wicket and wicket or on the off side of the striker's wicket and (c) the ball not having previously touched his bat, the striker intercepts the ball, either full pitch or after pitching, with any part of his person and (d) the point of impact, even if above the level of the bails either (i) is between wicket and wicket or (ii) is either between wicket and wicket or outside the line of the off stump, if the striker has made no genuine attempt to play the ball with his bat and (e) but for the interception, the ball would have hit the wicket.

2. Interception of the ball

(a) In assessing points (c), (d) and (e) in 1 above, only the first interception is to be considered.

(b) In assessing point (e) in 1 above, it is to be assumed that the path of the ball before interception would have continued after interception, irrespective of whether the ball might have pitched subsequently or not.

3. Off side of wicket

The off side of the striker's wicket shall be determined by the striker's stance at the moment the ball comes into play for that delivery.

Focus on Law 35: Hit Wicket

1. Out Hit wicket

(a) The striker is out Hit wicket if, after the bowler has entered his delivery stride and while the ball is in play, his wicket is put down either by the striker’s bat or by his person as described in Law 28.1(a)(ii) and (iii) (Wicket put down) either (i) in the course of any action taken by him in preparing to receive or in receiving a delivery,
or (ii) in setting off for his first run immediately after playing, or playing at, the ball,
or (iii) if he makes no attempt to play the ball, in setting off for his first run, providing that in the opinion of the umpire this is immediately after he has had the opportunity of playing the ball,
or (iv) in lawfully making a second or further stroke for the purpose of guarding his wicket within the provisions of Law 34.3 (Ball lawfully struck more than once).

(b) If the striker puts his wicket down in any of the ways described in Law 28.1(a)(ii) and (iii) (Wicket put down) before the bowler has entered his delivery stride, either umpire shall call and signal Dead ball.

2. Not out Hit wicket

Notwithstanding 1 above, the batsman is not out under this Law should his wicket be put down in any of the ways referred to in 1 above if

(a) it occurs after he has completed any action in receiving the delivery, other than in 1(a)(ii), (iii) or (iv) above.

(b) it occurs when he is in the act of running, other than in setting off immediately for his first run.

(c) it occurs when he is trying to avoid being run out or stumped.

(d) it occurs while he is trying to avoid a throw-in at any time.

(e) the bowler, after entering his delivery stride, does not deliver the ball. In this case either umpire shall immediately call and signal Dead ball. See Law 23.3 (Umpire calling and signalling Dead ball).

(f ) the delivery is a No ball.

Focus on Law 34: Hit the Ball Twice

1. Out Hit the ball twice

(a) The striker is out Hit the ball twice if, while the ball is in play, it strikes any part of his person or is struck by his bat and, before the ball has been touched by a fielder, he wilfully strikes it again with his bat or person, other than a hand not holding the bat, except for the sole purpose of guarding his wicket. See 3 below and Laws 33 (Handled the ball) and 37 (Obstructing the field).

(b) For the purpose of this Law, 'struck' or 'strike' shall include contact with the person of the striker.

2. Not out Hit the ball twice

Notwithstanding 1(a) above, the striker will not be out under this Law if

(i) he makes a second or subsequent stroke in order to return the ball to any member of the fielding side. Note, however, the provisions of Law 37.4 (Returning the ball to a member of the fielding side).

(ii) he wilfully strikes the ball after it has touched a fielder. Note, however, the provisions of Law 37.1 (Out Obstructing the field).

3. Ball lawfully struck more than once

Solely in order to guard his wicket and before the ball has been touched by a fielder, the striker may lawfully strike the ball more than once with his bat or with any part of his person other than a hand not holding the bat. Notwithstanding this provision, the striker may not prevent the ball from being caught by making more than one stroke in defence of his wicket. See Law 37.3 (Obstructing a ball from being caught).

4. Runs permitted from ball lawfully struck more than once

When the ball is lawfully struck more than once, as permitted in 3 above, only the first strike is to be considered in determining whether runs are to be allowed and how they are to be scored.

(a) If on the first strike the umpire is satisfied that

either (i) the ball first struck the bat

or (ii) the striker attempted to play the ball with his bat

or (iii) the striker tried to avoid being hit by the ball then any penalties to the batting side that are applicable shall be allowed.

(b) If the conditions in (a) above are met then, if they result from overthrows, and only if they result from overthrows, runs completed by the batsmen or a boundary will be allowed in addition to any penalties that are applicable. They shall be credited to the striker if the first strike was with the bat. If the first strike was on the person of the striker they shall be scored as Leg byes or No ball extras, as appropriate. See Law 26.2 (Leg byes).

(c) If the conditions of (a) above are met and there is no overthrow until after the batsmen have started to run, but before one run is completed,

(i) only subsequent completed runs or a boundary shall be allowed. The first run shall count as a completed run for this purpose only if the batsmen have not crossed at the instant of the throw.

(ii) if in these circumstances the ball goes to the boundary from the throw then, notwithstanding the provisions of Law 19.6 (Overthrow or wilful act of fielder), only the boundary allowance shall be scored.

(iii) if the ball goes to the boundary as the result of a further overthrow, then runs completed by the batsmen after the first throw and before this final throw shall be added to the boundary allowance. The run in progress at the first throw will count only if they have not crossed at that moment; the run in progress at the final throw shall count only if they have crossed at that moment. Law 18.12 (Batsman returning to wicket he has left) shall apply as from the moment of the final throw.

(d) If, in the opinion of the umpire, none of the conditions in (a) above have been met then, whether there is an overthrow or not, the batting side shall not be credited with any runs from that delivery apart from the penalty for a No ball if applicable. Moreover, no other penalties shall be awarded to the batting side when the ball is dead. See Law 42.17 (Penalty runs).

5. Ball lawfully struck more than once – action by the umpire

If no runs are to be allowed, either in the circumstances of 4(d) above, or because there has been no overthrow and (a) if no run is attempted but the ball reaches the boundary, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball and disallow the boundary.

(b) if the batsmen run and

(i) neither batsman is dismissed and the ball does not become dead for any other reason, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball as soon as one run is completed or the ball reaches the boundary. The batsmen shall return to their original ends. The run or boundary shall be disallowed.

(ii) a batsman is dismissed, or if for any other reason the ball becomes dead before one run is completed or the ball reaches the boundary, all the provisions of the Laws will apply except that the award of penalties to the batting side shall be as laid down in 4(a) or 4(d) above as appropriate.

6. Bowler does not get credit

The bowler does not get credit for the wicket.

Focus on Law 33: Handled the Ball

1. Out Handled the ball

Either batsman is out Handled the ball if he wilfully touches the ball while in play with a hand or hands not holding the bat unless he does so with the consent of the opposing side.

2. Not out Handled the ball

Notwithstanding 1 above, a batsman will not be out under this Law if

(i) he handles the ball in order to avoid injury.

(ii) he uses his hand or hands to return the ball to any member of the fielding side without the consent of that side. Note, however, the provisions of Law 37.4 (Returning the ball to a member of the fielding side).

3. Runs scored

If either batsman is dismissed under this Law, any runs completed before the offence, together with any penalty extras and the penalty for a No ball or Wide, if applicable, shall be scored. See Laws 18.10 (Runs scored when a batsman is dismissed) and 42.17 (Penalty runs).

4. Bowler does not get credit

The bowler does not get credit for the wicket.

Focus on Law 32: Caught

1. Out Caught

The striker is out Caught if a ball delivered by the bowler, not being a No ball, touches his bat without having previously been in contact with any member of the fielding side and is subsequently held by a fielder as a fair catch before it touches the ground.

2. Caught to take precedence

If the criteria of 1 above are met and the striker is not out Bowled, then he is out Caught, even though a decision against either batsman for another method of dismissal would be justified. Runs completed by the batsmen before the completion of the catch will not be scored. Note also Laws 21.6 (Winning hit or extras) and 42.17(b) (Penalty runs).

3. A fair catch

A catch shall be considered to have been fairly made if

(a) throughout the act of making the catch

(i) any fielder in contact with the ball is within the field of

(ii) the ball is at no time in contact with any object grounded beyond the boundary.

The act of making the catch shall start from the time when a fielder first handles the ball and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control both over the ball and over his own movement.

(b) the ball is hugged to the body of the catcher or accidentally lodges in his clothing or, in the case of the wicket-keeper, in his pads. However, it is not a fair catch if the ball lodges in a protective helmet worn by a fielder. See Law 23 (Dead ball).

(c) the ball does not touch the ground, even though the hand holding it does so in effecting the catch.

(d) a fielder catches the ball after it has been lawfully struck more than once by the striker, but only if the ball has not touched the ground since first being struck.

(e) a fielder catches the ball after it has touched an umpire, another fielder or the other batsman. However, it is not a fair catch if the ball has touched a protective helmet worn by a fielder, although the ball remains in play.

(f) a fielder catches the ball in the air after it has crossed the boundary provided that

(i) he has no part of his person touching, or grounded beyond, the boundary at any time when he is in contact with the ball.

(ii) the ball has not been grounded beyond the boundary. See Law 19.3 (Scoring a boundary).

(g) the ball is caught off an obstruction within the boundary, provided it has not previously been decided to regard the obstruction as a boundary.

4. Fielder within the field of play

(a) A fielder is not within the field of play if he touches the boundary or has any part of his person grounded beyond the boundary. See Law 19.3 (Scoring a boundary).

(b) 6 runs shall be scored if a fielder

(i) has any part of his person touching, or grounded beyond, the boundary when he catches the ball.

(ii) catches the ball and subsequently touches the boundary or grounds some part of his person over the boundary while carrying the ball but before completing the catch. See Laws 19.3 (Scoring a boundary) and 19.4 (Runs allowed for boundaries).

5. No runs to be scored

If the striker is dismissed Caught, runs from that delivery completed by the batsmen before the completion of the catch shall not be scored, but any penalties awarded to either side when the ball is dead, if applicable, will stand. Law 18.12(a) (Batsman returning to wicket he has left) shall apply from the instant of the catch.

Focus on Law 31: Timed Out

1. Out Timed out

(a) Unless Time has been called, the incoming batsman must be in position to take guard or for his partner to be ready to receive the next ball within 3 minutes of the fall of the previous wicket. If this requirement is not met, the incoming batsman will be out, Timed out.

(b) In the event of protracted delay in which no batsman comes to the wicket, the umpires shall adopt the procedure of Law 21.3 (Umpires awarding a match). For the purposes of that Law the start of the action shall be taken as the expiry of the 3 minutes referred to above.

2. Bowler does not get credit

The bowler does not get credit for the wicket.

Focus on Law 30: Bowled

1. Out Bowled

(a) The striker is out Bowled if his wicket is put down by a ball delivered by the bowler, not being a No ball, even if it first touches his bat or person.

(b) Notwithstanding (a) above he shall not be out Bowled if before striking the wicket the ball has been in contact with any other player or with an umpire. He will, however, be subject to Laws 33 (Handled the ball), 37 (Obstructing the field), 38 (Run out) and 39 (Stumped).

2. Bowled to take precedence

The striker is out Bowled if his wicket is put down as in 1 above, even though a decision against him for any other method of dismissal would be justified.

Focus on Law 29: Batsman out of his Ground

1. When out of his ground

A batsman shall be considered to be out of his ground unless his bat or some part of his person is grounded behind the popping crease at that end.

2. Which is a batsman's ground

(a) If only one batsman is within a ground

(i) it is his ground.

(ii) it remains his ground even if he is later joined there by the other batsman.

(b) If both batsmen are in the same ground and one of them subsequently leaves it, (a)(i) above applies.

(c) If there is no batsman in either ground, then each ground belongs to whichever of the batsmen is nearer to it, or, if the batsmen are level, to whichever was nearer to it immediately prior to their drawing level.

(d) If a ground belongs to one batsman then, unless there is a striker with a runner, the other ground belongs to the other batsman irrespective of his position.

(e) When a batsman with a runner is striker, his ground is always that at the wicket-keeper's end. However, (a), (b), (c) and (d) above will still apply, but only to the runner and the non-striker, so that that ground will also belong to either the non-striker or the runner, as the case may be.

3. Position of non-striker

The non-striker, when standing at the bowler's end, should be positioned on the opposite side of the wicket to that from which the ball is being delivered, unless a request to do otherwise is granted by the umpire.

Focus on Law 28: The Wicket is Down

1. Wicket put down

(a) The wicket is put down if a bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps, or a stump is struck out of the ground by

(i) the ball.

(ii) the striker's bat, whether he is holding it or has let go of it.

(iii) the striker's person or by any part of his clothing or equipment becoming detached from his person.

(iv) a fielder, with his hand or arm, providing that the ball is held in the hand or hands so used, or in the hand of the arm so used.

The wicket is also put down if a fielder pulls a stump out of the ground in the same manner.

(b) The disturbance of a bail, whether temporary or not, shall not constitute its complete removal from the top of the stumps, but if a bail in falling lodges between two of the stumps this shall be regarded as complete removal.

2. One bail off

If one bail is off, it shall be sufficient for the purpose of putting the wicket down to remove the remaining bail, or to strike or pull any of the three stumps out of the ground, in any of the ways stated in 1 above.

3. Remaking the wicket

If the wicket is broken or put down while the ball is in play, the umpire shall not remake the wicket until the ball is dead. See Law 23 (Dead ball). Any fielder, however, may

(i) replace a bail or bails on top of the stumps.

(ii) put back one or more stumps into the ground where the wicket originally stood.

4. Dispensing with bails

If the umpires have agreed to dispense with bails, in accordance with Law 8.5 (Dispensing with bails), the decision as to whether the wicket has been put down is one for the umpire concerned to decide.

(a) After a decision to play without bails, the wicket has been put down if the umpire concerned is satisfied that the wicket has been struck by the ball, by the striker's bat, person, or items of his clothing or equipment separated from his person as described in 1(a)(ii) or 1(a)(iii) above, or by a fielder with the hand holding the ball or with the arm of the hand holding the ball.

(b) If the wicket has already been broken or put down, (a) above shall apply to any stump or stumps still in the ground. Any fielder may replace a stump or stumps, in accordance with 3 above, in order to have an opportunity of putting the wicket down.