Laws, Regulations and Competition Rules
As umpires we are concerned with applying the Laws Of The Game but we must also work within any specific rules of the competition in which we are umpiring.
Every competition has its own rules or regulations which may modify the Laws Of The Game, for example the number of overs a bowler is allowed to bowl, or legside wides. It is, therefore incumbent, on umpires to be fully conversant with the rules of the specific competition under which their match is being played. Study the competition rule book carefully each season and whenever necessary during the season. Have it with you, at every game, alongside your pocket law book. Players expect that you know the Laws of the Game and the competition rules.
Complications and misunderstandings can occur on the field of play when players are not aware of these differences. These may arise especially from a players watching of televised cricket. International and domestic cricket is played according to specific regulations which have significant differences from recreational cricket.
Examples
Runners: in international cricket runners for injured batsmen are no longer allowed; in all other cricket runners are allowed.
Above head high balls: the most obvious difference comes with the ball which bounces above head height. In international cricket a ball which bounces above head high is called a wide, usually by the umpire at square leg. In recreational cricket such a ball is a no ball and may be subject to further action by the umpire. You may have to answer questions on the field of play regarding such situation.
Players having seen incidents on television may ask why you have called no ball when on televison a similar delivery was called wide. This is not dissent by the players but confusion, and queries should be treated courteously and accurately.