On the previous edition of “How’s that” we looked at some of the duties of an umpire before the match begins. In this edition, we will be looking at the “Duties of an umpire during play.” These duties will be broken up into some of the Bowler’s end umpire duties and the Striker’s end umpire duties.
Bowler’s end umpire:
- Calls Play the start of the match and on the resumption of play after any interval or interruption.
- Counts the number of balls in the over.
- Watches bowler’s feet placement during delivery.
- Watches close fielders for pitch encroachment and other fielders for unfair movement.
- Judges whether balls are fast short pitched deliveries or high non –pitching deliveries.
- Calls and signals No balls within his/her jurisdiction; calls and signals Wide balls.
- Watches for, calls and signals Short runs at his/ her end.
- Signals all penalties to the scorers.
- Answers appeals for Bowled, Caught, Hit the ball twice, LBW, Obstructing the field, Times out and run out (at his / her end).
- Calls and signals Dead ball when appropriate.
- Satisfies him/herself that the score is correct throughout.
- Calls Over at the specified time.
- Signals to the scorers when the new ball is taken and when the last hour begins.
- Makes decisions as to the fitness of the conditions for play.
- Calls Time at the start of any interval or interruption and at the end of the match.
- Finds out the reason for departure of fielder; gives permission for return.
Striker’s end umpire:
- Counts the number of balls in the over as a check to support colleague.
- Watches all the action of play, to be ready to assist the other umpire at all times.
- Observes bowler’s arm action for fairness of delivery.
- Checks the number of onside fielders behind the popping crease at the instant of delivery.
- If applicable, checks number of fielders inside/ outside fielding restriction circles.
- Watches for, calls and signals Short runs at his/ her end.
- Checks position of wicket- keeper from ball coming into play until it comes into contact with striker, or passes wicket, or striker attempts run.
- Observers the position of the runner for injured batsman.
- Observes position of batsmen with regard to crossing on each run , particularly when the action indicates a possible run out at the other end , or when his/ her colleague may have to adjudicate on some other dismissal such as Caught.
- Answers appeals for Hit Wicket, Stumped and when is it at His/ Her end, Run out.
- With other umpire speaks to the Captains about disciplinary issues and reports s necessary to team Executive and Governing Body.
- Makes decisions as to the fitness of the conditions for play.
- Satisfies him/herself that the score is correct throughout.
Source: Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring
Interested in learning more about the Laws of Cricket? Please feel free to join the North Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association of Trinidad and Tobago. Training classes utilize a combination of power point presentations, verbal discussions, quizzes and on field demonstrations when the laws of cricket are being taught. Training classes are free of charge and persons male or female and of any age are welcome to join. For more information please contact (868)464-8005.
