In this edition of “How’s That” we will be looking at how the Covid 19 Pandemic has forced some changes in the way in which the game is officiated.
In the hundreds of years cricket has been played the umpires have customarily held the bowler’s cap or sweater. However umpires are encouraged to not hold items for the players such as sweaters, caps or even sunglasses. It is recommended that these personal items be given to other players or these items should be left off the field of play.
In addition, given the fact Covid -19 is an airborne respiratory infection and is highly contagious, it is being mandated that no saliva is to be used to polish or clean the ball. It is recommended that only sweat can be used if needed. This means umpires will need to pay particular attention during the game to ensure that no saliva is used.
Finally, to ensure good hygiene umpires are encouraged to have on them a bottle of hand sanitizer which is to be used as often as the umpires deem necessary.
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)752-3572.
