Law 3 the Umpires
Key Points
1 Two umpires – one at each end, not each team
2 Impartiality of umpires
3 Not to be changed unless ill, injury, exceptional circumstances
4 If a change replacement will stand at the striker’s end only, unless both captains agree otherwise.
5 Need full knowledge of playing conditions, competition rules etc before match begins;
· Hours of play
· Intervals
· Balls to be used
· Boundaries and allowances, including any obstacles within the field of play.
· Special conditions.
6 Agree on what clock / watch shall be used (and back up)
7 Consult with scorers and inform them of all conditions:
· Timings
· Intervals
· Boundaries etc.
8 Before the toss is made, and throughout the match, umpires must satisfy themselves that:
· Wickets correctly placed
· Crease correctly marked
· Boundary markings correct
· Game is conducted in accordance with the laws and spirit of the game
· Implements and equipment used comply with the laws of the game
9 Umpires are sole judges of what is fair / unfair play.
10 Umpires are the sole judges as to the fitness of the ground, light, weather.
11 May take into consideration the wishes of the captains if they think conditions are unfit. If both captains wish to play in unsuitable condition play can take place provided the conditions are not unreasonable or dangerous.
12 Captains may appeal against the conditions after play has begun in unsuitable conditions. Umpires shall suspend play if the conditions have not improved.
13 Umpires shall take the opinions of the captain of the batting side (or batsmen at the wicket) when considering the light. But not the fielding captain.
14 If, in poor light, the batting side opt to play on 12 applies.
15 If the umpires believe conditions to be dangerous or unreasonable, or there is a foreseeable risk of injury, they shall suspend play immediately.
16 If play is in progress at the start of an interval it shall continue at the end of the interval unless condition have deteriorated
17 Umpires can suspend play in exceptional circumstances.
18 Stand where
· they can best see any act they may need to decide upon
· Bowler’s end umpire should not impede the bowler (subject to above).
19 Striker’s end umpire may stand on offside:
· Must inform batsmen
· Fielding side
· Colleague
20 Change ends after both sides have completed one innings
21 Consult as necessary (teamwork)
22 Make appropriate signals at appropriate times, and repeat them when necessary.
23 Wait for all signals to be acknowledged before allowing play to continue.
24 Consult scores on any point where there is a doubt.
25 Be satisfied as to the correctness of the scores throughout the game:
· runs
· wickets
· overs, etc
these should be checked at least at every interval other than drinks and at the end of the match.
26 Be present at the ground at least 45 minutes before the scheduled start of play.
27 Have a duty of care towards the players.
See also Spirit of the Game, Appeals, Duties, Scorers, Positioning.