Umpires’ Forum notes

An Umpires’ Forum was held at Wivelsfield Green Village Hall, Eastern Road, Wivelsfield Green on Sunday 13 May at 10am to discuss any issues related to umpiring stoolball.

Umpires and players present were welcomed by John Fitzpatrick, who was chairing the forum. He was assisted by Kelvin Speirs (Sussex County Umpires’ Association) and John and Kay Price (National Stoolball Association (NSA)).

Those present in addition to the above:

• Edward Keates (Kent)
• Colin Batchelor
• John Holmes (Central Division, SCSA)
• Colin Mouland, Daphne Hunt and Les Coppard (Mid Division, SCSA)
• Simon Cottingham, Carol Browne, Keith and Doris Younger, Mike Scott (North Division, SCSA)
• Chris Moon and Georgina Moon (West Division, SCSA)

The umpires’ role

In order to command the respect of fellow umpires and players, an umpire must be smartly dressed with a white coat and long trousers, and must:

• make an early call for wides, no-balls etc
• make signals in a positive manner
• make correct interpretation of the rules of the game
• be prepared to read through the rules regularly to refresh their knowledge of the game
• inspire confidence through knowledge
• keep a few essential items in their car: screwdriver, measuring tape and can of spray paint for pitch and wicket repairs

Health and safety issues

Health and safety issues are set out in the rule book.   A pregnant player plays with the consent of her doctor and at her own risk.

Pitch inspection

Having made a pre-match inspection of the pitch and wicket, instruct the players to point out any other issues that may arise during the course of a match, so that they can be dealt with efficiently, eg dog excrement on the field of play or spectator car windscreens reflecting the sun and causing problems for the batting team.

Check that a first aid kit is visible.

Correct marking of wicket

Wicket preferably on a north/south axis and wickets standing upright.

Check that wicket is correct length and that the bowling returns are at right angles to the wickets.

Importance of rules knowledge

It is essential that every umpire has a good grasp of the rules.

Umpire’s stance at wicket

• Stand where you can see the face of the wicket, preferably to the side of the wicket but definitely not behind it.
• Establish which side of the wicket you want to stand, but also be prepared to move to get a better view if, for instance, you feel that a bowler is overstepping the bowling crease.
• Be prepared to move quickly to get in the best position to give a run-out decision.
• Be ready to duck if the ball is hit past the bowler and the umpire is in danger of being hit.
• Be prepared to tutor an inexperienced umpire to help them become more confident in the decision making process.
• Co-operate with your square leg umpire, eg by counting balls in each over or confirming wides and no-balls if queried by the bowler’s umpire. Teamwork is very important.

Correct signalling and calls

Wides and no-balls: signal and call out “wide” and “no-ball”. These are the most used signals, it is important to learn the correct signal. However, having called an “extra”, do not rush to make your signal or you could miss what is happening on the pitch, eg short runs, obstruction by the fielders etc.

Byes: signal when the batsmen have finished running.

Wait until the scorer has acknowledged your signals before continuing the game.

Team working

Umpiring is a shared team activity.

Impartiality

Impartiality is paramount.

Dangerous/unfair bowling

Use a common sense approach.

Where a batsman is standing in front of the wicket, advise the player what could happen if they are hit on the upper part of the body.

If you have any worries about the legality of the bowling, discuss them with your umpiring colleague, and if necessary warn the bowler.

Injury procedure

If a player is injured during the course of play, call “dead ball” immediately and attend to the injured player. Unless you are a qualified first-aider, it is advisable not touch or move the player. See earlier regarding a first aid kit.

Cancelling matches

A “cancelled” match is one that is cancelled before the game starts and the teams have not arrived on the ground.

One of the umpires’ duties is to ensure that the ground is not dangerous prior to the start of the game. Once a game is started and the conditions have worsened, it can then be “abandoned”.

Rules queries

Discussion on the new catch ruling. This will be reviewed at the end of the 2008 season.

Insurance

Civil liability:Â Meeting advised about the consequences of decision making in controversial situations, particularly, in relation to inclement weather.

Personal accident insurance: Identified a need to have the age range of the insurance policy extended beyond 75. Edward Keates reported that this is commonplace in cricket. There is a policy that if you are fit and able to umpire/score/play, you should be able to do so.

NSA Umpires’ Association

There followed a discussion on whether it would be appropriate to form a national umpiring body. The suggestion was welcomed by Kent, but it was felt that more feedback was need from affiliated members of the NSA.

A vote of thanks was given to Barbara Fitzpatrick and her helpers for providing refreshments for the meeting.

Kay Price, 30 May 2007

Tags: meetings, umpires