Umpires' Positioning

Umpires’ Positioning During the Game

Stand where you can best see the action in order to adjudicate accurately and fairly, but not where you will interfere with play.

Ideal positioning for the umpire at the bowler's end as displayed by former colleague, the late, Keith Lamb in the Cropwise Cup Final at Beverley (Brandesburton v Hull YPI, 2000). (photo by M G Free)

Bowler’s End Umpire

Bowler’s end umpire should stand where he does not interfere with the bowler’s run up or the striker’s view.

Essential that:

You can see where the bowler’s feet (both) land in the delivery stride.

You are in direct line between wicket and wicket

You are able to able to pick up the line of the ball after delivery without moving your head:

· to adjudicate on LBW, caught;

· see movement of ball – vertical and lateral;

· high full pitch; wide;

· is the batsman attempting to play the ball

you enable a round the wicket bowler to pass between you and the stumps

you are able to move quickly into position after the ball is played usually to the side where the ball is played, except when there is a runner or you impede fielders, or such a move places you in danger.

Striker’s End Umpire

Usually at square leg in line with popping crease but may stand on the offside of the pitch in order to get a better view:

· fielders in way

· low sun or glare

· view bowler’s action

· runner

· always inform fielding captain, batsmen and colleague (and wicket-keeper) if you move

Essential that you can see:

· line of popping crease and back line of crease

· wicket keeper’ s position and actions

· the bowler’s arm in the delivery swing

· fielders behind square on the leg side

· position of striker

· the wicket if it is put down

· runner(s)

Both umpires must be in a position to see:

· the completion of each run

· that the wicket is put down fairly

· the batsmen cross

· what is happening on the field

· see and hear each other.