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Ask the Umpire

Welcome to ask the Umpire section. This section is all about providing an opportunity to ask any questions you may have of the Umpire. Every effort will be made to answer all questions and to display the responses here.

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Question: Does the 12th man have to have qualified for this weekend ? An example is a guy has been injured and only played 4 games but I would like him to be 12th man this week as he has been great around the team environment all year

Answer: Rule 76 (e).
Persons called upon to act as “substitutes” MUST be registered players of this Association. A player acting as a substitute need not have played the required qualification games in order to act as a substitute in finals, however a player may not act as a substitute in a grade more than two grades lower than the grade in which he last played in during the current season.
The umpires and opposition captain must be advised of your substitute player before the game and he should be included on your team sheet.

Last Updated: Mon 18th Mar 2013

Question: UPDATED ANSWER

In H-K Grade in a 70 over game do you have to bowl the 7 bowlers 2 overs each per day (35 overs) or just use the 7 bowlers over the 70 overs

Answer: Corrected Answer See the answer dated Tue. 20 November 2012.
As per the current senior rules it is 7 bowlers per match (70 Overs), not split that must bowl a minimum of 2 overs each.

Last Updated: Thu 24th Jan 2013

Question: Is the mnakad rule being used in 2013, if so, what is the rule?

Answer: Law 42 (Fair and Unfair Play) Clause 15 states:
“The bowler is permitted, before entering his delivery stride, to attempt to run out the non-striker. Whether the attempt is successful or not, the ball shall not count as one of the over.
If the bowler fails in an attempt to run out the non-striker, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball as soon possible.”

Last Updated: Wed 23rd Jan 2013

Question: If in a 1 day game you bowl the opposition out for 120 and you pass them with 10 overs to spare and are only 2 down, can you bat your allocated overs or is it game over and you pull up stumps ?

Answer: Rule 83 (ii) (c) says " At all times the game shall conclude when the team batting second is dismissed or declares its innings closed."
Rule 83 (ii) (d) says "In limited / extended over matches captains may agree to conclude the match once a decision is reached."
Teams batting second are entitled to bat their overs and if captains cannot agree then the game continues.
Common sense suggests that if you have 10 overs to play then you could agree to play 'X' more overs allowing the bowling side to give others a bowl or the batting side to retire current batsmen and give those who usually do not get a bat to have go.
If one team leaves the ground without an agreement being reached then this should be reported to the RDCA Senior Secretary, through your club secretary.
To leave a game without agreement between the captains is prima face forfeiting the game.

Last Updated: Sun 20th Jan 2013

Question: I've had a look through the playing handbook and can't find any info on this. What (if any) are the penalties in grades H-K for not bowling 7 bowlers for 2 overs each? Also, while 13 players are allowed to be named, but only 11 to bat, are all 13 entitled to bowl? The handbook seems to indicate that only 11 are allowed to bowl...

Answer: The penalties would be a warning for breaching the rules (first offence), a $100.00 fine (second offence), loss of game (third offence). Scorers could advise fielding captains when 10 overs remain how many bowlers have been used and captains should be checking with scorers during the game if they are not sure.
Of the 13 named players any 11 can bat, only 11 can field at the same time, all 13 players can bowl. In a second innings you can bat a different combination of 11 players.

Last Updated: Mon 14th Jan 2013

Question: How should lower grade umpires rule on LBW's when the batsman bats outside the crease and takes a stride forward. Does the distance down the wicket become a saviour for the batsman?

Answer: Given umpires must be 100% sure that (having satisfied all other LBW criteria) a ball will hit the stumps, the further the point of impact from the stumps, the more doubt will be cast.
Remember: the batsman always should receive the benefit of any doubt.

Last Updated: Sun 13th Jan 2013

Question: If the opposition only has 10 players week 1 and names 11 on the teamsheet and bats 1 short by declaring when they are 9 down. Is that player allowed to bowl the following week ?

Answer: If he is named on the team sheet, there is no reason why he can’t bowl.

Last Updated: Sun 16th Dec 2012

Question: During Saturday's game there was a ball hit that hit the fence on the full, The opposition claimed it was four as it did not hit the fence higher than halfway up, please confirm or deny this rule as they followed to call it for four.

Answer: The bottom of the fence (or formed gutter) or line between boundary markers forms the boundary.

Any ball hitting any part of the boundary on the full shall be deemed six (6) runs.

Last Updated: Mon 10th Dec 2012

Question: If I smash my bat in a game, after I get out, off the field, how many weeks should I get suspended for?

Answer: This action is defined as 'equipment abuse' and if reported to the senior committee secretary under Rule 45 or 79 a minimum 4 week suspension is applicable.

Last Updated: Mon 10th Dec 2012

Question: An earlier question is asking about a Bowler that isnt on the field for X time cant bowl for X time !! Is this rule the same for a Batsman

Answer: There is no such rule applicable to batsmen in the RDCA.

Last Updated: Sun 9th Dec 2012

Question: If only 9 players are available at a junior T20 game how do we make up the overs with a 2 over limit to each bowler?

Answer: In this case two bowlers would have to bowl one extra over each.

Last Updated: Sun 9th Dec 2012

Question: In under 12 1s if a bowler is capable of bowling a bouncer can he bowl it ?and is there any rules regarding these deliveries ,if so what are they ?

Answer: 19. BOWLING OF SHORT-PITCHED DELIVERIES

(a) In all matches (except as varied in Junior Rule 19(b)), a fast ball that in the opinion of either umpire passes the striker at greater than shoulder height of the striker in the upright standing position, shall be called a No Ball.

(b) In two-day games only, Under 14-1, 14-2, 15, 16 and 18 bowlers may bowl a maximum of one short-pitched delivery per over (including a No Ball or Wide) that in the opinion of either umpire passes the striker at greater than shoulder height of the striker in the standing position. The umpire shall immediately inform the bowler and the other umpire that the bowler has bowled the one permitted short-pitched delivery for that over. Any further such deliveries in that over are to be deemed dangerous and unfair shall be called a No Ball by either umpire.

(c) If a second short pitched delivery is bowled in the over, the umpire shall warn the bowler and signal No Ball and tell the Team Manager/Captain that this is the players first warning and if it happens again the umpire would again signal No Ball and inform the Team Manager/Captain and the

Last Updated: Sun 9th Dec 2012

Question: Re Law 2.5 - Fielder absent or leaving the field. Has this rule changed in the past few years? I recall getting advice from RDCA that allowed a player to bowl immediately upon entering the field for the first time that day. ie if someone arrived 1hr late, then they could bowl straight away without waiting 1hr.

Answer: No change to the Laws of Cricket.

Law 2.5 states that “if a fielder fails to take the field with his side at the start of the match or at any later time, or leaves the field during a session of play” and is absent for 15 minutes or more, “he shall not be permitted to bowl thereafter….until he has been on the field for at least the length of playing time for which he was absent”.

However, such restriction does not carry over to a new day’s play.

Last Updated: Sun 9th Dec 2012

Question: In the lower grades with 13 a side (11 batting, 13 bowlers) what is the bowling restrictions when it comes to players rotating on and off the field ie. if the 12 or 13th team member has been off for 10 overs , do they have to wait another 10 overs to bowl?

Answer: The Senior Executive have decided that there will be no restrictions (other than for under age bowlers).

Last Updated: Sun 9th Dec 2012

Question: During todays match, it was rain moderatly and there was thunder and lightning. our team was batting and wanted to leave but the opposition captain refused to leave and said we would be declaring if we left. should the game have been stopped and would we have declared if we left?

Answer: Rule 90 (a), in part states: In the event of active thunderstorm activity in the immediate vicinity of the playing area, all play is to cease immediately and all players, umpires and officials are to find a safe place to shelter without delay.
As a guide to the 'immediate vicinity', the number of seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder indicates the distance in miles from the playing area. (A rough guide).
In these circumstances, anything less than 5 seconds is probably too close and leaving the field would be advised.
If no official umpire is in attendance, captains cannot agree and one is concerned for the safety of his players, he should take his players from the field and call the emergency Saturday contact number to obtain a ruling(front of Match handbook).
When player safety is involved, there would be no question that the innings is declared.
Play should resume, if at all possible, once the lightning front has passed.

Last Updated: Tue 4th Dec 2012

Question: With the rain last Saturday we still had some overs left to bat. Do we get them this week plus 80 more to bowl at opposition until 7 pm. Or is it only 80 overs total for the day ?

Answer: The answer is YES you can bat out the remaining overs on day 2 and then have until 7pm to bowl 80 overs? [Rule 83(i) (b)]. (160 (140 in lower grades) overs in total for a 2 day game)

Should they be unable to get through 160 overs for the match by 7.00 pm on the 2nd day, and a first innings result is not attained, then the match is deemed a draw.

Last Updated: Tue 4th Dec 2012

Question: Is there a rule regarding how long a player must wait to bowl if they are off the field. For example, If I had to attend work and arrived one hour late to the second day, would I have to wait to bowl, or can I immediately come on the field and bowl?

Answer: Law 2.5 states, inter alia, that if a player fails to take the field at the start of play (or leaves the field during play) and is absent for 15 minutes playing time or longer, he shall not be eligible to bowl thereafter until the time spent on the field matches that spent off the field e.g. if coming on to the field at 2.00 pm; would not be able to bowl until 3.00 pm.

Last Updated: Wed 28th Nov 2012

Question: In the split innings grades in two day games do you still have to use 7 bowlers or has it changed this season ?

Answer: No, this has not changed. 7 bowlers must be used in the game which each bowler bowling a minimum of 2 overs. No bowler may bowl more than 7 overs in a split.

Last Updated: Tue 20th Nov 2012

Question: What, if any are the bowling restrictions in seniors for 16 to 19yos who don't play junior cricket?

Answer: Whether they play Junior Cricket is irrelevant.

The rule for underage bowlers in Seniors is as follows:

Max. Overs each bowler - per afternoon U/17 - 16 overs U/19 - 20 overs

- per spell U/17 – 8 overs U/19 – 10 overs

Break between spells U/17 & U/19 - twice the number of overs

Last Updated: Tue 20th Nov 2012

Question: Is there a rule regarding "Beam Balls". How many full tosses over waist height is a fast bowler allowed to bowl per over/spell/innings before being removed?

Answer: Law 42.6 (b) states (inter alia) that any ball, other than a slow paced one, which passes or would have passed above the batsman’s waist standing in an upright position shall be deemed unfair and called a “No Ball” no matter whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker. A slow paced ball above the shoulder shall be similarly dealt with.

When the ball becomes dead, the bowler is cautioned and batsmen, fielding captain and other umpire advised of the caution which shall apply throughout the innings.

Should it happen a second time from the same bowler in that innings the same procedure applies and all are advised that this is the bowler’s final warning.

Should a third instance occur, the bowler is to be immediately suspended from bowling for the remainder of that innings.

Law 42.8 covers deliberate bowling of a “beamer”.

Should the umpire consider that the action was deliberate, he shall take action as above and direct the captain of the fielding side to suspend the bowler forthwith from bowling for the remainder of the innings.

In cases where a bowler is suspended from bowling, a report of the incident must be submitted to RDCA executive.

Last Updated: Sun 18th Nov 2012

Question: In Under 12 1,s what is the ruling on how many times the ball can bounce in delivery before its a no ball ?

Answer: By the laws of Cricket a ball that bounces more than two times when being bowled is called a no ball.

Last Updated: Sun 18th Nov 2012

Question: There seems to be some confusion among under 12 coaches/umpires regarding LBW decisions. What are the rules and the rule no for this clouded area of decision making.

Answer: The LBW rule is a law of Cricket and as a result is applicable for all grades (Under 12-4 through to Over 50's). See page 13 of the Team Managers Manual for more information.

Last Updated: Wed 7th Nov 2012

Question: I would like to have clarified the minimum number of bowlers in a one day game 30 overs a side in U16/1s please is it 5 bowlers with 6 over maximum ea? I was led to believe that a maximimum of 6 overs is correct but there was some conjecture as to how many bowlers should bowl.

Answer: In a one day match there is no set minimum bowlers, however if you bowl the allocated overs then a minimum of five (5) bowlers will need to have bowled as no bowler can bowl more than six (6) overs.

Last Updated: Wed 7th Nov 2012

Question: So today I was umpiring at square leg and as I ducked a player jumped on my back and caught the ball is that still out?

Answer: Yes

Last Updated: Tue 30th Oct 2012

Question: Can we still use runners in the RDCA and if so under what circumstances?

Answer: Law 2 states, in effect, that a substitute may be used – as a runner of fielding substitute - at any time provided the umpire(s) are satisfied that a nominated player has become injured or ill since the nomination of players for the match.

The umpires have the discretion to allow a substitute for “other wholly acceptable reasons” whether the play is in progress or not.

Opposing captains have no right to object to the use of a substitute in the above circumstances nor where the substitute shall field (except cannot act as wicket keeper).

Last Updated: Thu 25th Oct 2012

Question: I need to complete my umpire report from Saturday's game and I would like to know how i go about this?

Answer: First thing is you will need a username and login to MyCricket, your club secretary will be able to arrange this.

Once you login to my cricket, ensure you are in Team mode (shows in top right hand corner of page)

Select Matches Menu then Enter Captains Report option

Once opened, select the Season, Round and Grade

Check that the correct match is displayed and then enter your ratings and comments for each umpire.

When completed, click on the submit button at the bottom of the screen.

A confirmation message will be displayed.

Last Updated: Mon 22nd Oct 2012

Question: Having bowled 37 overs last saturday in the rain the ball was like a sponge and had started to split. When the ball does split are we entitled to a ball of the same standard but not split or a ball that had been used for 37 overs under normal conditions i.e. shiny

Answer: Law 5.5 states – “If the umpire(s) agree that (the ball) has become unfit for play through normal use, (it shall be replaced) with a ball which has had wear comparable with that which the previous ball had received before the need for replacement”.

In the instance cited, the umpire(s) need not wait until the ball has split before replacing it with a dry ball with comparable wear if, in their opinion, the ball had become unfit for play due to it being too wet and slippery.

Last Updated: Wed 10th Oct 2012

Question: If you are not out overnight, and for whatever reason (work committments, family reasons, broken down car etc) can you retire hurt on the second day and then resume your batting after you get to the ground (after a wicket has fallen naturally)? Or are you timed out if you are not at the ground at the start of play to resume your innings?

Answer: Law 2.9 covers this question where it states, A batsman may retire at any time during his innings. The umpires, before allowing play to proceed, shall be informed of the reason for a batsman retiring.
(a) If a batsman retires because of illness, injury or any other unavoidable cause, he is entitled to resume his innings subject to (c) below. If for any reason he does not do so, his innings is to be recorded as “Retired – not out”.
(b) If a batsman retires for any reason other than as in (a) above, he may only resume his innings with the consent of the opposing captain. If for any reason he does not resume his innings, it is to be recorded as “Retired – out”.
(c) If after retiring a batsman resumes his innings, it shall only be at the fall of a wicket or the retirement of another batsman. In the circumstances given, an unavoidable incident has caused the not out batsman to be unable to resume his innings on the second day of the match. All the batting team needs to do is to inform the officiating umpires of the reason and the player can resume at the fall of a wicket or retirement once he arrives at the ground. In these circumstances the opposing captain has no say in proceedings although it would be a courtesy to explain the reasons to him.
A match starts from the call of “Play on Day 1. So, even though day 2 is 7 days later, the match is considered to be in progress for the week. Hence any incident that happens during the week that impacts on the capacity of a player to continue in the match is considered to be part of the match.

Last Updated: Tue 6th Apr 2010

Question: under 16 playing seniors, how many over can he bowl

Answer: As per Senior Rule 84 part 8 U.17 players are restricted to 16 overs per day and U.19 players to 20 overs per day. U.17 and U.19 bowlers cannot bowl more than half the allowed overs in any one spell. After each spell they must have a break of at least twice the number of overs that they bowled in their previous spell.

Last Updated: Tue 23rd Feb 2010

Question: Can a bowler bowl with his bowling hand taped up to protect a so called injury ?

Answer: Law 41 The Fielder – Section 1 states “No member of the fielding side other than the wicketkeeper shall be permitted to wear gloves or external leg guards. In addition, protection for the hands or fingers may be worn only with the consent of the umpire.” The onus is therefore on the umpires to satisfy themselves as to the nature of the injury, that any bandaging on the bowling hand is not a distraction to the striker and that any bandaging on the fingers does not assist the bowler to impart rotation on the ball. Several players at the elite level wear bandages on their fingers whilst fielding but remove them to bowl. The umpires would be quite within their rights to ask the bowler to remove bandaging from the bowling hand when he came on to bowl. Naturally the bowler would say, “Of course Mr Umpire. You are only enforcing the rules of the game and I am happy to comply”

Last Updated: Tue 16th Feb 2010

Question: When a batsman is given out stumped off a wide, is one run still added to the score for the wide?

Answer: The simple answer is “Yes”, even if it is the 10th wicket of the innings because a ball is deemed to be wide from the instant it is bowled, not the instant it passes the stumps which is where an umpire judges.

Last Updated: Mon 15th Feb 2010

Question: When a batsment is provided a runner, is he allowed to change runners during his innings or must he stick with the same on all the way through? Is a batsmen using a runner allowed to say, 'I feel better, i don't need a runner any more'?

Answer: Good question. There is nothing in the Laws to say that the batsman cannot change his runner. To be fair, the same runner should be at the crease for the duration of the injured batsman’s innings. However, consider this. The Law states that the runner should have batted previously in the innings. However, the opener pulls a muscle while running. He is legitimately provided with a runner, say the Number 7 batsman. Wickets fall at the other end. It is necessary to change the runner because the Number 7 batsman is required to bat after the fall of the next wicket. Hence, one would expect that within the spirit of the game, the same person would run for the injured batsman for his entire innings unless extenuating circumstances intervened. In my experience as an umpire, no team has ever asked to change a runner. In answer to the second part of your question, the batsman can dispense with the runner if he so desires. As an umpire I would be reluctant to allow a runner the second time if the batsman decided he wanted the runner again.

Last Updated: Mon 15th Feb 2010

Question: What ruling do you give to Umpires regarding calling No Balls against a Bowler for a Throw?
Should the main umpire call this ? or should he be looking at the front foot and square leg be the one to call it(if it is a throw)
What action is taken.

Answer: The Laws Of Cricket state that is primarily the responsibility of the Square Leg umpire to call “No Ball” if he deems the ball to have been deliberately thrown. However, the umpire at the bowler’s end is also empowered to make such a call. If the umpires consider that the bowler has a suspect action, they should report it to the governing body who will follow certain evaluation procedures, These being
There is nothing in the RDCA rules re suspect actions. So here goes.
Question: How are RDCA umpires instructed to deal with a bowler that They think has an illegitimate action and how should a club umpire treat the Matter.
If an umpire believes that the ball has been deliberately thrown, he will call and signal No Ball and inform all and sundry. If this “throwing” occurs three times in an innings , the bowler is out of the attack for the rest of that particular innings. Read Law 24 parts 2, 3 and 4 for full details.
A suspect action is another matter. In glancing through RDCA playing conditions, I can find no reference to this situation. Hence we follow Cricket Victoria’s (CV) protocols which are very thorough and involved. A CV umpire is only required to report to the governing body the fact that he considers the action of a particular player to be suspect. The governing body informs the club to take any remedial action required. Should a second report be made, the bowler is required to have his action evaluated by an advisory group. A report is made to the player and club. Where remediation is required an 8 week period of intervention where the player undergoes remediation and can still play. Instructions are given to the officiating umpires as to the status of the player. If there is a third incidence, the player is banned from bowling for 8 weeks and for a fourth report, the player is banned from bowling for a year. Further incidences - the one year ban applies automatically. The reports are cumulative so the first report may be in October 2007 and the second in February 2010.
Long and the short of it – the umpires report suspect actions. The governing bodies and clubs work together to resolve the issues. For full details of CVs policy and protocols read page 93 of their current handbook. The onus should be on clubs to make sure that the actions of their players are beyond reproach. Professional coaches should be trained in the mechanics of bowling and should be able to rectify problems before they get onto the field.

Last Updated: Wed 27th Jan 2010

Question: A question arose on Saturday which nobody could definitely confirm or deny. I am under the impression that a ball in any grade is legally allowed to bounce twice before being called a No Ball. I am fairly sure that I had read this in either the RDCA rule book or in the Laws of Cricket. This was a hypothetical scenario after somebody had been misinterpreted, but thought it interesting that most people believed a ball bouncing twice is a No Ball. Can you please give confirmation of the rule?

Answer: Law 24.6 is quite clear – “The umpire at the bowler’s end shall call and signal No Ball if a ball which he considers to have been delivered, without having previously touched the bat or person of the striker either
(i) Bounces more than twice - or
(ii) Rolls along the ground - before it reaches the popping crease.”
Therefore, the ball can bounce twice and still be legal because the Law says “more than twice”. If the ball pitches and roll along the ground- it is also a “No Ball” I am fairl sure this interpretation was introduced to cover the underarm incident in the early 80s.

Last Updated: Tue 19th Jan 2010

Question: Can a bowler bowl with his cap on if it is Red in colour.

Answer: There is nothing in the Laws Of Cricket to say that a bowler cannot bowl with his hat on. Provided the cap is a club cap, there is no logical reason why the bowler should be asked to remove it. The bowler would be an absolute genius if he could keep the path of the ball within the confines of his hat. These sorts of complaints are usually part of an exercise in gamesmanship designed to unsettle people. My advice would be – suck it up and get on with the game.

Last Updated: Tue 19th Jan 2010

Question: Can Saxon T20 games be shortened due to rain? If so, what is the minimum overs to be played?

Answer: 20/20 Competition Rules and Playing Conditions: (4) Delayed or interrupted matches. Time lost during the first innings for adverse weather or other unforeseen circumstances will result in both innings being reduced by 1 over for each 6 minutes, or part thereof, lost.

Last Updated: Thu 14th Jan 2010

Question: A team batting first is nine wickets down, and off the first ball of an over a no-ball is bowled which turns into a run out (or a wide into a stumping). Has the over deemed to have been bowled when calculating remaining overs for the opposition to bat, considering there is still six balls remaining in the over?

Answer: The over has commenced, all be it with a No Ball or Wide, hence even though there are six balls remaining, the over is considered to be bowled for calculation purposes. Very good question.

Last Updated: Tue 1st Dec 2009

Question: In the juinors on staruday the umpire for the other team told me that i was cheating by leving my crese when backing up. His explaination was" If they cna't mancad ou can't go out of your crease". I have beeen doing this for almost 5 years now and during rep cricket is he wrong or right?

Answer: He is wrong. If you leave your crease before the bowler enters his delivery stride, you can be run out. "Entering his delivery stride" is defined as the time the bowler lands his back foot in preparation for the delivery of the ball. The rewriting of this Law was done to stop bowlers baulking the batsmen - that is, pretending to deliver the ball then attempting to run out the non-striker. Under the new Law, the non-striker gets a better start for a run but is more prone to be run out when hot, straight drives are deflected onto the stumps. Leaving your ground too early and by too far is fraught with danger.

Last Updated: Tue 1st Dec 2009

Question: how many overs are taken off the total days overs in seniors for change over(change over of innings)?

Answer: RDCA playing condition 83 (i) 2 does not allow overs to be deducted from the daily total of 80 for a change of innings. Only if 5 or less overs remain in the first day’s play can the team due to start its innings forfeit the balance of the overs remaining for the day and start its inning fresh on Day 2. In first class cricket and in matches controlled by Cricket Victoria, 3 overs are deducted for a change of innings.

Last Updated: Tue 24th Nov 2009

Question: if a players turns up late to a game can he bowl strait away or does he have to wait the same amount of overs as he missed,is it the same as when a bowler leaves the ground then comes back say 10 overs later he has to wait 10 overs to bowl again

Answer: Law 2-5 covers this scenario. If a player arrives later than 15 minutes after the start of play, he cannot bowl immediately. He must be on the field for the time he was absent before he can bowl. So, if he was 20 minutes late, he would wait for 20 minutes before bowling. If he was an hour late, he would have to be on the field for an hour before bowling.
Similarly, if a player leaves the field and is off for more than 15 minutes, then upon his return he cannot bowl until he has been on the field for at least the same period of time for which he was absent.

Last Updated: Tue 24th Nov 2009

Question: When you appeal for an LBW shout and the umpire tells you not out - why cant the bowler ask for his reasoning????in a respecfull way Simple Umpire + Player relations are built on the ability to talk to each other For an Umpire to just turn around an say i dont need to tell you why, is not the right way of doing this relationship. Not that hard to say sorry missing Leg Also Umpires should be forced to wear name tags - Yes the Captain knows the Ump but the other 10 players dont

Answer: I agree that the relationship between umpires and players is built on a good relationship involving good communication and mutual respect. It is because of the lack of respect by some, not all, players that causes an umpire to refuse to explain his decision. If an umpire were to state his reasons for saying “not out”, then it is up to players to accept that explanation. Too often players challenge the umpire’s ruling with statements such as “You’ve gotta be kidding!!” or “It has only got to hit one of the stumps you know.” Such statement constitute dissent are clearly against the Spirit Of Cricket which can be found in the preamble to the Laws. Dissent is reportable.
Umpires are human and will make errors of judgement. Challenging their decisions does not help anyone. It gets players in the bad books with umpires and makes umpires anxious.
A polite strategy that works is to suggest to the umpire what could have been his reasoning. Eg. “Was that going down leg?” “Too high?” “Well forward do you think?” “Just outside off?” “Pitched outside leg?” “Two sounds?” “Hit it do you think?” Any reasonable umpire would assist with an explanation in these circumstances.
On name tags – a good idea. Perhaps the Executive of the Umpires’ Association could take this on board.

Last Updated: Tue 24th Nov 2009

Question: im in under 12/1's and yesterday in the 2nd last over the umpires said "over" when it had only been 5 balls and then the scorers said "1 to go" the ringwood umpire said lets do it but our umpire said thats a rule once the umpires have called it it's over?

Answer: Law 22 covers “The Over”. Part 5 umpire Miscounting states, “if the umpire miscounts the number of balls, the over as counted by the umpire shall stand.” In the case outlined in the question, the umpire was correct to insist that once over has been called, rightly or wrongly, it is “over” and the count stands. With professional umpires, it is standard practice for the umpires to communicate “two to go” by signalling to each other after four balls have been bowled. In this way, any problems with the count can be resolved on the spot or reference can be made to the scorers for clarification. Miscounts are minimised using this strategy

Last Updated: Thu 19th Nov 2009

Question: hi,the amount of times fielders in close to the batsmen calling yes to a run, trying to make a run out happen, is on the increase.Is this against the rules or part of the now defunked Spirit of cricket.

Answer: The answer to this is covered in Law 42.5 – deliberate distraction or obstruction of the batsmen. If either of the umpires consider that the distraction is deliberate, he is empowered by the Laws to intervene by calling and signalling “Dead Ball” and inform the Captain of the fielding side and his colleague of the reason for making such a call. Further, no batsman can be dismissed and the ball does not count as one of the over. The batsmen choose who is to face the next ball. The umpires should report the incident to the governing authority. There is a capacity under the Laws to award 5 penalty runs but these provisions are not part of RDCA playing conditions. Under the Spirit of Cricket contained in the “Laws of Cricket”, Point 5 indicates that it is against the spirit of the game to “seek to distract an opponent either verbally or by harassment with persistent clapping or unnecessary noise under the guise of enthusiasm and motivation of one’s side.”
In a nutshell, the practice you describe is outside the Laws and spirit of the game and should be stopped. The responsibility for the conduct of the players on the field is that of the Captain whose integrity should be such that immediately such practices start, he intervenes and brings it to a halt.

Last Updated: Mon 26th Oct 2009

Question: In our chandler game on the weekend, the umpires called anything outside the "one day markers" outside the off-stump a wide. Is this correct for both one and two day cricket?

Answer: Theoretically the marks are placed on the pitch as a guide for the umpires in a one day game. They bear little relevance to a two day game where the Laws of Cricket should apply. Unlike turf wickets, the lines cannot be removed from hard wicket surfaces so they must remain but could still be used by the umpires as a guide to assessing “Wides”. Perhaps the balls were not only wide, but well wide of the lines and hence should have been called “Wide”. If the umpires on the day administered their interpretation consistently then, whilst their interpretation may be considered harsh, players would at least know what to expect if the ball was directed outside these lines. The obvious answer is “Don’t bowl there because you know what will happen.

Last Updated: Sat 17th Oct 2009

Question: Two questions: I am in 'K' grade this season. Why is anything down leg a wide? - one day game- and a full toss above waist is it a no ball? or at this grade should it be overlooked?

Answer: Bowling down the leg side is considered to be negative bowling at the best of times because it limits the shots available to batsmen. With the ball pitched outside his pads, a batsman can only play through the leg side. Any reasonable captain can cover all the shot available on the leg side and hence limit the scoring. When one day games were first played, probably in England, it was standard practice to fire one or two deliveries down the leg side for the sole purpose of denying the batsman the opportunity to score.
When the one day game became international, it was primarily for entertainment. People would not go to see games where the bowlers attacked the leg side. The first attempt at writing the law stated that any ball pitching outside the line of the stumps then veering further down the leg side was to be called “Wide”. The definition of “veering” was contentious. “Veering” to most means “changing direction” so an off break that pitched outside leg stump , turned and went down leg side was a “Wide” whereas a leg break that pitched outside leg and didn’t turn or merely straightened was not a “Wide”. Further, a big spinner of the ball E.g.. Murali, could pitch in line and spin the ball to pass well down the leg side and not be called “Wide”.

Last Updated: Sun 11th Oct 2009

Question: Is a player out if he hits the ball and it goes for six but in the process of playing the shot he loses his balance (hook shot) and attempts to step over the stumps and knocks off the bail. The bail was hit after the ball had smacked into the steps over the fence.

Answer: From the evidence given, I would suggest that the batsman is out, Hit Wicket because the writer states “in the process of playing his shot”. The Law states that if the wicket is put down by the striker by his bat or any part of his person (includes his hat/helmet should it be dislodged)
(i) In the course of any action taken by him in preparing to receive or in receiving a delivery
(ii) In setting off for his first run immediately after playing or playing at the ball
I would suggest that in the scenario given, the batsman has lost control of his balance in playing the shot and has dislodged a bail. I would suggest that his action forms part of the batsman receiving the delivery and hence he is out. Hit Wicket falls into the domain of the square leg umpire and ultimately it is his decision to make.
However, The bail is said to have been dislodged after the ball crossed the boundary. Once the ball reaches or crosses the boundary, it is Dead. Hence the bail was dislodged when the ball was dead. So, theoretically, the batsman is not out. I would be of the opinion that the batsman would have completed receiving the ball long before it crossed the boundary but, the question is a very interesting WOTIF.

Last Updated: Sun 11th Oct 2009

Question: Any new rules for 2009-10?

Answer: MAJOR RULE CHANGES FOR 2009/10
* Chandler Shield, Wilkins Cup and Newey Plate will each comprise of 12 teams.
* Rule 34(i)-(i) - Senior Committee Secretary is the primary club contact person for all day to day matters emanating from the playing of matches within the Senior Competition."
* Old rule numbers 56-66 have been renumbered 61-71 respectively.
* Rule 63(b) - (was Rule 58b) - Following sentence has been added "Players selected in Association Representative Teams will be unavailable for selection in any club team scheduled to play on the same day"
* Rule 76(e) - Following sentence has been added "A player acting as a substitute need not have played the required qualification games in order to act as a substitute in finals, however, a player may not act as a substitute in a grade more than two grades lower than the grade in which he last played during the current season."
* Rule 83(i)-(g) - The penalty calculation part now reads "penalised 20 runs per over not bowled. An over in progress shall be regarded as a completed over. This penalty will be deducted from the runs earned by the bowling side for the purposes of calculating team percentages ONLY and will be awarded to the other team as compensation for overs not played.
* Rule 83(ii)-(g) - Application to play games on a Sunday (in lieu of Saturday) - add new sentences "Approval may not be forthcoming if the proposed date of the game clashes with that of a scheduled Association representative match. Clubs requesting a change of fixture must be aware of player availability under Rule 63 (b)"
* Rule 84 - Chandler, Wilkins, Newey, "A", "B" and "C" grades will have 80 overs of play per day. Limited Overs Matches for each of these grades will be 40 overs per team.
* Rule 90(a)-(2) - Contact number for checking temperature has changed as follows: "In determining the current temperature, reference is to be made to the Bureau of Meteorology temperature reading at their Scoresby weather station by telephoning 1900 926 121 (Care! call charges apply)"

Last Updated: Sun 6th Sep 2009

Question: How long does a naming of a player carry on for.

Answer: Rule 79 applies here. A 'naming' is used by umpires when he umpire believes that the player has breached the Code of Conduct but does not believe that a formal Report is warranted. Two 'namings' in a season leads to an automatic suspension of 2 RDCA games for the player. 'Namings' apply only within the season in which they are made, except for 'namings' made in finals where those 'namings' carry over to the next season.

Last Updated: Sun 9th Aug 2009

Question: Can you get a runner for cramp ?

Answer: We have had this one before so I went to Cricket Victoria for an answer.
A runner is allowed for an injured batsman. Cramping is a conditioning problem. If a muscle is cramped then the cramp would be alleviated by stretching, fluids, electrolytes etc. Once the cramp is alleviated the batsman concerned should continue unassisted and should not be supported by a runner just because the cramp may return. The batsmen has the option of retiring hurt and continuing his innings later if the cramping is too bad or frequent and is probably the most advisable course in hot conditions.
Having said that, there is no hard and fast rule as to what constitutes injury and umpires are not doctors. Each case should be judged on its merit and should the umpire deem that a runner is appropriate under the circumstances, then his decision should be supported. Fielders whingeing could be deemed to acting against the spirit of the game. Likewise, batsmen looking for an unnecessary rest could also be deemed to be acting in this way. These are matters for the umpires alone to decide.

Last Updated: Sun 22nd Feb 2009

Question: Law re: hot weather. Playing in 4ths Sat 31st Jan 09, need to know where thresholds are and when/who makes decision whether play to start/be cancelled, thanks Ross

Answer: The Heat Policy for RDCA Senior competition is as follows: Should the forecast (at 11.00am on the day of play) be for a maximum of more than 40 degrees, then ALL scheduled matches will be abandoned for the day (by Adverse weather Committee). Confirmation of such a decision will be sent to club contacts by SMS message and also be available on RDCA telephone (9876 7206) by 12 noon. Where play proceeds, on a day where the temperature may reach more than 40 degrees, the Umpires or captains (lower grades) are to telephone 9669 4916 prior to commencement of play and then at the scheduled breaks in play (drinks and tea) to check the current temperature. Should it be "more than 40 degrees" (i.e. 40.1 or more) then play is to be suspended until the temperature drops to 40 degrees or less. Umpires and lower grade captains (by agreement) are empowered to terminate play for the day in the interests of participant welfare. Where there is a desire to continue, the temperature should be monitored half hourly and play can only recommence when it has dropped to 40 degrees or less.
Breaks in play must be recorded in BOTH scorebooks.
Note! There will be no reduction of overs for adverse weather. Play may continue until 7pm to make up for time lost.

Last Updated: Tue 27th Jan 2009

Question: just wanted to clarify ,what does happen to a team that drops a player more than 2 grades.

Answer: A team that drops a player more than two (2) grades is deemed to have played an ineligible player and, in terms of Rule 76(d), it is fined $20 and loses all points earned in the game. Match points are awarded to the non-offending team.

Last Updated: Tue 27th Jan 2009

Question: I would like to know the rule on bouncers bowled. In a 2 day game how many bouncers can you bowl in 1 over and if you bowl more than the allocated amount of bouncers what is the ruling ?

Answer: The RDCA does not follow strictly the Law with regard to bouncers. RDCA decision makers have declared that any ball passing over the shoulder of the batsman in his normal stance at the crease is to be deemed a bouncer. Further, there has never been a specific directive to umpires as to how this is to be policed. Therefore the umpires agreed that they would follow the Cricket Victoria practice of allowing two such deliveries to be bowled per over before intervening. The process that umpires should be following is
When the first bouncer is bowled, the umpire should indicate to the batsman that the delivery has been deemed over the shoulder. This process should be repeated at the bowling of the second bouncer and the umpire should advise the batsman that he has bowled his quota for the over. Should a third bouncer be bowled in one over, the umpire should call and signal No Ball and inform the bowler that this is a formal warning for dangerous bowling. The umpire should also inform the Captain of the bowling team, his colleague and the batsmen that this has occurred.
Should a fourth bouncer be bowled in the same over or in a subsequent over three bouncers are bowled, then the umpire issues a final warning and in doing so informs all parties as before. On the third transgression the umpire calls and signal No Ball and orders the Captain to remove the bowler from the attack. The bowler cannot bowl for the rest of the innings. The umpire should report the occurrence as a mention on the match report.
Note – even if the ball is short and wide and seemingly harmless, it is still treated as a “dangerous”. Also, if a bowler has the misfortune to bowl an “above the waist full toss” this counts as one of his three “dangerous bowling events.
Therefore a bowler could be dismissed from the attack for bowling two above the waist full tosses and one series of bouncers or any combination. He is only allowed two contraventions and a third sees him out of the attack.
Also note, that if an umpire considers a batsman incompetent, he can call and signal No Ball after the first occurrence of short pitched bowling. This happened last century when Robin Bailache No Balled New Zealand medium pacer Lance Cairns for bowling a bouncer at Jim Higgs. I think Higgs edged the ball to the keeper and consequently was not out. If memory serves me correctly he then proceeded to hang around with a more competent batsman and added valuable runs.

Last Updated: Sat 13th Dec 2008

Question: I was umpiring our game on Saturday. A full pitched ball was let go from which the batsman tried to duck and was struck on the helmet. The bowling side appealed for LBW. The ball dropped in flight and with no signal from the junior umpiring at square leg I took time but determined that when the ball hit the helmet it was above waist height and therefore called NO BALL. Can you confirm my application of Law 42 was correct ?? Also: I read on the webpage that under RDCA playing conditions, with a slow bowler bowling and no professional umpires, then the ball has only to pass above waist height [now defined as “above the belt line] to be determined "unfair bowling". Under Law 42 the penalty process for the bowler throughout the innings is 1-No ball & Caution, 2 No ball & Warning and 3 No Ball & taken off & Report. Is this ruling consistence regardless of bowler pace ?

Answer:
The application of Law 42 under the circumstances is absolutely correct.Well done for deliberating and having the courage to call No Ball.

On the issue of "unfair bowling" where no professional umpires are involved, the RDCA appears to have no written ruling. Under the Laws, fast and medium pace bowlers are cautioned, given a final warning and banned for the rest of the innings after bowling three deliveries above waist height. Under the Laws, a slow bowler only suffers the penalty of No Ball if he bowls above shoulder height. There is no caution, warning and banning.

RDCA Rule 81f does not distinguish between fast, medium and slow with regard to the bowling of full pitch balls passing above waist height in matches where no professional umpires are present. There is nothing in the rules to say how the penalty phases of the Law 42 are to be employed, or, if they are to be employed at all.

I believe that this is a question for the RDCA's law makers to address.

Last Updated: Sun 7th Dec 2008

Question: If in a 1 day game a bowler starts his 9th over and bowls 1 ball before scorers yell out what should happen.

Answer: There is no written direction given in any Law or rule that I can find. Basically it is not supposed to happen. But if it does, we revert to Law 43 - Common Sense.
One assumes that the umpires should be keeping a tally of how many overs each bowler has bowled. In games where no professional umpires officiate this may not be the case. So, if a bowler commences an extra over before it is realised that his quota for the day is complete then I would suggest 1. The bowler in question ceases to bowl 2. Another bowler bowls the remaining deliveries and these deliveries count as one of his quota of overs 3. Any runs or wickets taken during the "extra balls" are counted.
This is the procedure you would follow if a bowler was injured or expelled from the attack and couldn't complete any over. I am suggesting that this is the prudent course to follow in the case as stated.
It would be a good idea to discuss the procedure to be used for counting the number of overs each bowler bowls prior to the toss. Perhaps it would be a good idea for the scorers to inform the umpires at the commencement of a bowler's last over that "umpire - this is Jason's last over". In this way - there would be no confusion - hopefully.

Last Updated: Wed 26th Nov 2008

Question: If I am facing a spinner and decide to bat about 4ft out of my crease, can I be given out stumped if the bowler bowls it over my head. I am not charging the bowler and as the ball is above waist high in my normal batting stance, the ball should be classified as a no-ball. I am of the understanding that you cannot be out stumped off a no-ball.

Answer: Your interpretation of the Law is totally correct. You should not be given out stumped off a No Ball. Under RDCA playing conditions, with a slow bowler bowling and with professional umpires, if the ball has passed over the shoulder height of the batsman at his original position when taking up his stance, then a No Ball should be called. If there are no professional umpires, then the ball has only to pass above waist height.
However, if No Ball is not called, then upon appeal, the batsman can be given out stumped even though the ball was clearly illegal. It is situations like this that lead to conflict on the field. It is extremely important that where there are no professional umpires appointed that the fellows doing the umpiring job have an excellent grasp of the Laws and RDCA playing conditions. It is also imperative that the umpire's decision, whether right or wrong, is accepted - without question. Failure to do so reflects on the Captain and the club in question. It would be a good idea to ask a member of the umpiring panel or the Umpires' Advisor to come to a club session and talk about the Laws of the game and the RDCA playing conditions.

Last Updated: Wed 26th Nov 2008

Question: Wide rule down leg side, Olinda's pitch is a bit like a day 5 test wicket with the amount of spin spinners get. If a leg or off spinner bowls a ball which is just down the leg side of a batsmen yet spins over the top of middle stump. Is this a wide? If an opening batsman was batting on off stump to hopefully cause problems with the bowler’s line and length, and the bowler happened to bowl a ball which went on the leg side of the batsmen but over the top of middle and leg is this a wide when it didn’t start out side leg stump?

Answer: The interpretation of the "Wide Law" for one day games states that the ball must pass outside the leg stump. If it passes above the stumps it is not necessarily outside them. In both circumstances cited, the ball should not be called "Wide".

Last Updated: Sun 16th Nov 2008

Question: When are we allowed to ask for a new ball? If a replacement ball is need because the stitching is falling apart thus unfair for the batsmen because the ball could do different things. What if when the ball is at a stage where it cannot be held by the fielding team because of its condition i.e. Wet and Slippery can we ask for a replacement ball?

Answer: Law 5 does not specifically state who can ask for a replacement ball. Therefore we must assume that both the batsmen and the fielding team can request that a replacement ball be employed. However, it is for the umpires to agree that the ball needs to be replaced and they must replace it with a ball of comparable use to the ball deemed to be in need of replacement. Having replaced the ball they must inform the fielding captain and the batsmen of their actions. The onus on the fielding team is to have available a number of suitable balls of varying degrees of use that can be employed in the circumstances. Replacing a ball that is wet will often be contentious. Batsmen are often quite happy for the bowlers to toil away with a ball that offers them no assistance. However, if the bowlers are delivering a significant number of full tosses it indicates that their grip on the ball is tenuous and there is a possibility that a dangerous ball could be delivered unintentionally and out of character for the bowler. In these circumstances, the bowler does not deserve to be penalised and one would hope that the umpires are proactive and accede to the request for a change of ball, should it be made. Personal experience indicates that the batsmen will benefit from having a lighter drier ball to hit and the bowlers only benefit is that they can at least direct the ball to the desired length.

Last Updated: Sun 16th Nov 2008

Question: This is a very basic question that two teams didnt know the answer to the other day, how many are you allowed on the leg side field at the one time?

Answer: The number of on-side fieldsmen shall not exceed five of whom not more than two may be behind the popping crease at the instant of the bowler’s delivery. In the event of an infringement of this rule by the fielding side, the umpires shall call “No Ball”.

Last Updated: Sat 15th Nov 2008

Question: in u14-3 if a wicket keeper does not wear his helmet, what are the consequences because the rule book says u must where a helmet in u14-3?

Answer: The rule for Wicket Keepers only applies to Under 12 Wicket Keepers:
33.2 (c) All Under 12 wicketkeepers MUST WEAR HELMETS fitted with face guards WHILE WICKETKEEPING, unless the club has written permission from that player’s parents or guardian.

Last Updated: Wed 5th Nov 2008

Question: In the RDCA how many players are allowed on the ON side,compared to the laws of cricket

Answer: The Laws of Cricket as adopted and interpreted by Cricket Victoria as existing at the date of the Annual General Meeting of this Association in any year shall be observed, except as varied by the current RDCA rules including:

(d) The number of on-side fieldsmen shall not exceed five of whom not more than two may be behind the popping crease at the instant of the bowler’s delivery. In the event of an infringement of this rule by the fielding side, the umpires shall call “No Ball”.

Last Updated: Mon 3rd Nov 2008

Question: If a batsmen is hit on the full by a swing bowler in-line with the stumps, but the ball is swinging enough to miss leg stump. What is the ruling?

Answer: In the case mentioned, where the batsman is hit in front of the stumps but the ball is perceived by the umpire to be swerving down the leg side, the decision of the umpire should be "Not Out". The last question the umpire must ask him/herself is "Will the ball hit the stumps?". Where the answer is "No", then "Not Out" is the only possible response. Some players are under the misapprehension that if the batsman is hit in front of the stumps on the full then he is automatically out. Not true. The umpire must discount what might have happened had the ball pitched. He or she must consider that the ball would continue on to the line of the stumps on its current pathway. Only if that current pathway is perceived to take the ball into the stumps and, if all other conditions of the LBW law are met shall the umpire give the batsman out leg before wicket.

Last Updated: Wed 15th Oct 2008

Question: As the reverse sweep or paddle around the corner becomes more fashionable I wonder if the change of stance as the ball is being bowled, effectively making a right hander a left hander, has an effect on the LBW law as regards the ball pitching outside leg stump? If the batsman is changing his stance is he making his leg stump his off stump and can he therefore be legitimately adjudged LBW?

Answer: The batsman takes guard as a right hander and hence remains a right hander. The field is set assuming him to be right handed. If the batsman chooses to play a reverse sweep, he is treated as a right hander in the event of an appeal for LBW and can be given out.
Personal opinion - the reverse sweep should be outlawed because of the possibility of injury to the fielders close to and behind the wicket on the off-side. Close to the wicket fielders behind the crease on the leg side expect there to be pull shots, sweeps etc coming their way. Slip fielders do not.

Last Updated: Wed 12th Mar 2008

Question: I saw an unusual form of dismissal on the weekend, a batsmen was hit high on the pads and the ball then headed towards the stumps, the batsmen then to avoid being bowled hit the ball straight to the keeper and was given out caught behind. Out or Not Out???

Answer: The batsman cannot be given out for hitting the ball twice but as the ball has not touched the ground after being hit the batsman is out caught

Last Updated: Wed 12th Mar 2008

Question: If someone is injured in a game can they retire hurt, receive treatment then return to the field as the final wicket. If they have to leave the ground due to cramp, exhaution or any other fitness/conditioning related issue then they should be deemed retired (not hurt) and out. This happened in our game on sat yet the umpire was prepared to let him back on if required. In the end it didnt mattter as the no 10 and 11 batted them brilliantly to victory. nonetheless I would love to hear an official ruling. In the game I played in on Sat the opposition batsman wanted a runner due to cramp. Should we have allowed one or refused? What if it is for cramp, which wouldn't be classed as an injury sustained in the game, rather a fitness/conditioning issue? Can you just go off, then come back after having a rest?

Answer: Law 2 states If the umpires are satisfied that a player has been injured or become ill after the nomination of the players, they shall allow that player to have (i) a substitute acting instead of him in the field (ii) a runner when batting. In my view, if the player has become injured or ill with cramp – he is entitled to be treated under the provisions of the law as stated above. Fielders may rotate on and off the field subject to Law 2.5 and bowlers must conform with the provisions of 2.5 (c) – meaning that they must return to field for at least the time they were off before they are entitled to bowl. Batsmen can only return at the fall of a wicket. There is no mention in the Laws regarding conditioning. Cramp needs to be considered an injury or illness. We are playing with people’s lives and we are not playing for sheep stations. I would hate to think that a player was hospitalised because an umpire refused to allow a cramping player to retire hurt or have a runner. It is our duty of care, as umpires, to make sure the physical welfare of players is considered.

Last Updated: Sun 10th Feb 2008

Question: Could you please advise on when it is permissible for the non striker to leave the crease? Given that there is no "mancad" rule now.

Answer: The non-striker can legitimately leave his crease once the bowler has entered his delivery stride - that is, once his back foot is planted in preparation for the delivery of the ball. Up until this time, the bowler is able to run out the non-striker should he be out of his ground. Previously, the non-striker was required to wait until the ball had left the bowler's hand. Since the 2000 Code came into practice, this is no longer the case. Non-strikers can crib a yard or two in this day and age. However, the number of non-strikers run out after a deflection from the bowler attempting to field the ball has increased dramatically since the 2000 Code came into play.

Last Updated: Sun 3rd Feb 2008

Question: Hopefully you can settle a bet for us. If a player climbs onto the fence and jumps off it to take the catch (assuming he isnt touching the fence or outside the field of play when the catch is taken) is this still counted as a catch? or does using the fence as a step ladder make the catch null& void?

Answer: Under the Laws Of Cricket, in the situation as described the catch is void, the batsman is not out. “Why?” do you ask.
In my view, the by climbing the fence, the fielder has gone outside the boundary as, under the 2000 Code, the boundary is a line at the bottom of the edge of the fence.
Further Law 2:5 states “if a fielder fails to take the field with his side at the start of the match or at any later time, or leaves the field during a session of play
(a) the umpire shall be informed of the reason for his absence
(b) he shall not thereafter come on to the field during a session of play without the consent of the umpire.
Facts:
The player has technically left the field of play by climbing the fence.
He does not have the permission of the umpire
By leaping from the fence he has re-entered the field of play.
He does not have the permission of the umpire to return.
Consequences:
As per Law 2.6 states
“If a player comes on to the field of play in contravention of 2-5(b) and comes into contact with the ball while it is in play
(i) the ball shall immediately become dead and the umpire shall award 5 penalty runs to the batting side. The ball shall not count as one of the over.
(ii) The umpire shall inform the other umpire, the captain of the fielding side, the batsmen and, as soon as practicable, the captain of the batting side of the reason for this action.
(iii) The umpires together shall report the occurrence as soon as possible to the Executive of the fielding side and the Governing Body responsible for this match, who shall take such action as is considered appropriate against the captain and the player concerned”
Therefore the upshot of this action is that player responsible is reported as is his captain for failing to exercise control over his player. The bowler has to bowl another ball and the batting side is five runs better off.
The RDCA has not adopted the “five penalty run” Laws other than for illegal fielding and the ball hitting a helmet behind the keeper. In such a situation in local cricket, I would like to think that the umpire would view this action as an act of “unfair play”, call and signal “dead ball” allow either four or six runs, depending on his/her judgement as to whether or not the ball would have cleared the boundary and lastly, report the player and captain concerned for bringing the game into disrepute by flouting the spirit of the game.
Under the Laws of the game
What should happen when Brett Lee, fielding at fine leg, crosses the boundary to sign an autograph between deliveries?
What about fielders in the deep who start their walk in with the bowler from outside the boundary?
Technically, they have breached Law 2 – but common sense prevails.
In the case of scaling the fence this is a clear act to gain advantage and cannot be tolerated under the Laws or spirit of the game.

Last Updated: Tue 18th Dec 2007

Question: The other week I had a problem while calling front foot no balls. I had a player that was landing just on his toe and on occasions had no part of his foot grounded behind the line and when i saw this i called a no ball. I thought this to be the correct call but was told by some opposision players that he doesnt need to have part of his foot grounded behind the line just in the air behind the line if it is not grounded. Is he correct or just making it up?

Answer: The opposition players are quite correct. Law 24 5 (ii) states “the bowler’s front foot must land with some part of the foot, whether grounded or raised behind the line.” If the foot lands legally but slides forward over the line, the delivery is legal. If the foot lands over the line but turns back over the line, as was done by Tim May and Steve Waugh, the ball is a “No Ball”. Where the foot first lands is your point of reference. With a raised heel, at match speed it is often difficult to determine whether or not some part of the foot is behind the line. Personally, in matches I umpire, if I get an uninterrupted view of the line, I call “No Ball”. If the bowler queries the call, I merely tell him that I had an uninterrupted view of the line and that he needs to come back 5 or so centimetres. On turf wickets where the bowlers leave spike marks, you are able to superimpose your own foot over their marks, raise your heel and see for yourself how the feet are situated thus giving you some idea of how much latitude you can give the bowler. This cannot be done on hard wickets of course.
Mark Taylor, the former Australian Captain once said, that he could forgive an umpire for missing the odd no ball. It was what happened up the other end that was more important. What he is saying is, “get your ins and outs right and the rest will take care of itself.”

Last Updated: Sun 16th Dec 2007

Question: Can you pls advise the RDCA definition of 'waist'. At an umpires seminar I attended, above the waist was defined as above the bottom of the rib cage. There appear to be many no balls called that are only hip high...could you pls clarify. Thanks..

Answer: You are quite right as for some years umpires were instructed that the waist was, as you describe, the bottom of the rib cage. This definition has been reviewed and the “above the waist” is now defined as “above the belt line”. RDCA umpires are instruct to interpret the Law in this way. If umpires are calling full pitch balls on the hip as “No Balls”, they are doing their job correctly.

Last Updated: Mon 10th Dec 2007

Question: I understand that when a player has to leave the ground for whatever reason then when they return they cannot bowl for the number of overs (or amount of time)they were not on the ground.
Is there an equivalent rule for batting? (ie Can a bloke bat and then just not field and the team have a few subs rotating every time they field?) I have alwayts wondered about this "grey" area.

Answer: You are quite right, a bowler off the field for more than 15 minutes cannot bowl for at least the time he was absent. There is no such rule for batsmen. There were playing conditions in County Cricket to restrict batsmen from resting while their side fielded. I do not know if they still exist. The only restriction placed on a batsman relate to retiring hurt and the use of a runner and this has little to do with a batsmen resting in the shed just because he wants to and letting subs act for him.

Last Updated: Thu 6th Dec 2007

Question: if a batsmen is batting outside his crease and receives a full-toss above waist height is it a no-ball?

Answer: The Law states “standing upright at the crease”. Umpires are instructed that “the crease” is to be interpreted as “where the batsman takes his stance”. So, if to negate the swing, a batsman bats half a metre out of his ground, the crease is half a metre out of his ground. If the batsman chooses to charge the bowler as he delivers and a full pitch is produced, the umpire would need to determine if the ball would have passed above waist high – at the crease – not where the batsman’s charge led him to receive the ball. Not always easy to do. Please note, RDCA By-Laws tell us that the “standing in his normal stance” is to be taken as the measure of height with regard to dangerous bowling, not “upright at the crease” as stated in the Laws.

Last Updated: Thu 6th Dec 2007

Question: Where he ball hits your pads on the full on a L.B.W appeal is the ball deemed to continue the line that it was following or is it automatically straitening once it hits you?

Answer: There has been a lot of talk regarding this scenario and I am glad someone has brought it up. Many bowlers have been under the illusion that if you are hit in front by a full toss you are automatically out. This is not the case. When hit on the pads on the full, the umpire employs IPS rather than PIPS because the ball has not pitched.

Where did the ball impact the batsman? If impact, was outside leg stump – then the batsman is automatically Not Out. If the impact was in line with the stumps, then the bowler has a show. If impact was outside the off stump then the umpire must consider if a shot was played or not. If a shot is played then the batsman should be given “Not Out”. No shot – the bowler still has a show.

Finally, the ball must be going to hit the stumps. In making this determination, the umpire must consider the flight path of the ball only. If it is swerving or angling into or away from the batsmen, he must determine if the ball would go past the stumps. So a batsman might be dead in front of middle stump when hit. However, if the umpire determines that the path of the ball would take it past the stumps, then his/her correct decision is “Not Out”. The umpire should not consider what might have happened had the ball pitched. You would have noticed over the years that Shane Warne was given some LBW decisions that, had the ball pitched it would more than likely have spun past the stumps. But the ball didn’t pitch, so the umpire made his decision on the facts before him - not on supposition.

Last Updated: Mon 3rd Dec 2007

Question: If the bowler bowls and the batsman doesn't offer a shot and the ball goes through to the keeper and then the ball is being thrown around the field, then the umpire signals 'Over' and the non-striker from the past over walks down to the middle of the pitch to talk to his partner, and a fieldsman throws the ball and hits the stumps, Is the batsman out? This happened to one of my teammates on the weekend and I thought it was not out, but it was called out!

Answer: In the circumstances described, the batsman should not have been given out. There are two points to be made here.

1. The ball becomes “dead” when it finally settles with the keeper. Once the keeper passes off the ball, the umpire should consider it “dead”. Hence the batsman can leave his crease for whatever reason.
2.The ball also becomes “dead” on the call of “Over”. Hopefully “Over” was called as signalling is not appropriate – except in deaf cricket.

Law 23 lists 19 ways in which the ball either becomes “dead” or is called “dead”. After being “dead”, the ball only comes into play when the bowler commences his run up or bowling action.

Last Updated: Mon 3rd Dec 2007

Question: What is the maximum amount of overs a junior (under18)can bowl in a day, morning and arvo inclusive. Is there a restriction on the total amount of overs a junior can bowl ?

Answer: At the senior AGM a resolution was passed which restricts the number of overs to be bowled by junior players
* U17 may bowl a maximum 16 max. in a spell 8
* U19 may bowl a maximum 20 max. in a spell 10
The limitations apply only to senior RDCA matches, therefore juniors (up to U18) can bowl their allotted number of overs in the afternoon.
It is up to the captains and not the umpires to monitor the number of overs a particular junior player bowls in senior games and ensure that they are adhered to.

Last Updated: Mon 3rd Dec 2007

Question: If I bowl a ball and it hits the ARM GUARD of the batsman who is then caught in the field, is he out.

Answer: The answer here is that the batsman should not be given out. A batsman is out caught if the ball hits the bat or the hand holding the bat or a glove on the hand holding the bat. If the armguard is struck, the batsman should not be given out. A batsman who wears gloves with high wristbands does so at his own peril. Similarly, a batsman wearing wrist bands in addition to his gloves is flirting with danger. At match speed an umpire may not be able to discriminate between glove and wrist band and even armguard. Sometimes an error in judgement occurs and batsmen are wrongly dismissed. Where the umpire has doubt as to what actually was struck by the ball, he should give the benefit of any doubt to the batsman.

Last Updated: Sun 2nd Dec 2007

Question: Can you be given out LBW if you get hit outside the line of off stump not playing a shot?

Answer: In short, the answer is “Yes”. In considering an LBW decision the umpire must consider 4 things.

1. Where did the ball pitch? If it was in line with the stumps or outside the off stump – the batsman remains a candidate. If the ball pitched outside leg – he should not be given out.

2. Where was the point of impact – in line or outside the off stump?. If impact is in line – the batsman remains a candidate. If contact was outside the off stump then the umpire moves to point 3

3. Was a shot played? If a shot was played then the batsman should not be given out. If no shot is played – then the batsman remains a candidate.

4. Would the ball have hit the stumps? If the answer is “No” the batsman should not be given out. If “Yes” – then the batsman should be dismissed.

Umpires are advised to use PIPS P = pitched I = impact P = played S = Stumps

Many batsmen get upset when they are adjudged LBW. Whilst the law is reasonably straightforward – the umpire is put into a position of having to judge all these things. At match speed this can be difficult. But, that is another subject.

Last Updated: Sun 2nd Dec 2007

Question: Is the wicket considered broken and a batsman out if a bail is dislodged by the ball but does not fall to the ground? That is, the bail rests out of the groove in the top of the stump but still balanced on the stump.

Answer: Law 28 (a) states - The wicket is put down if a bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps.............. and is qualified in 28 (b) where it is stated "The disturbance of a bail, whether temporary or not shall not constitute its complete removal from the top of the stumps, but if a bail in falling lodges between two of the stumps this shall be regarded as complete removal. Therefore, in the case outlined - the wicket should not be considered to be down as the bail is resting on top of the stump and is thus not completely removed. The lodging of the bail between two stumps is all but physically impossible. If this was to ever happen, both spigots would need to be out of the grooves and the bails would need to be jammed below the level of the top of the stumps. Highly unlikely.

Last Updated: Mon 26th Nov 2007

Question: If I as a slow bowler bowl a bowl a full toss just over the waist of the batsmen is it a no ball? because im so slow do I have a bit of leeway?

Answer: Law 42 6b (ii) answers your question where it states “A slow delivery which passes or would have passed on the full above shoulder height of the striker standing upright at the crease is to be deemed dangerous and unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker.” Faster bowlers are penalised for bowling full pitch deliveries above the waist. The zone is extended to the shoulder for slower bowlers. Note, faster bowlers can put out of the attack after three occurrences of dangerous bowling in the one innings. Slow bowlers are merely “No Balled”.

Last Updated: Wed 21st Nov 2007

Question: Ball becomes lost after being hit over a fence and it cannot be retrieved because of a dog is in the backyard. another ball is supplied by the fielding team and accepted by the batsmen and the game continues. after 1.4 overs the lost ball was retrieved form the backyard. Question can this ball be reintroduced into play or do you continue with the replaced ball, what if the ball is retrieved after 20 overs had been bowled.

Answer: The “Lost Ball” law comes into play if “a ball cannot be found or recovered”. Clearly this ball was found, all be it between the jaws of a German Shepherd. By asking for a replacement ball, the fielding side is conceding that the ball cannot be recovered. Hence the umpires are asked to replace the ball with one that displays a similar amount of wear to the ball that was, in this case, irrecoverable. Therefore, the condition of the ball should be similar and neither side has gained an advantage through the changing of the ball. The Laws do not cover the reintroduction of the lost ball once it is recovered. Therefore on match day, in this situation, I would rule that the replacement ball continues as the match ball.

Last Updated: Wed 21st Nov 2007

Question: Question, can you be run out of a dead ball ? IE - Batsman does not offer a shot, ball deflects of thigh pad, they attempt a quick single and get run out ? This happened in a match I played in on the weekend.

Answer: Can you be run out of a Dead Ball? No you cannot be run out off a Dead Ball. However, in the situation where the batsman offers no shot, is taken on the pads or body, and, attempts a run, he can be run out – because the ball is not dead. Law 26 3 (b) That in the situation where the batsman does not attempt to play the ball, the Law states “If runs are attempted and if neither batsman is dismissed and the ball does not become dead for any other reason, the umpire shall call and signal “Dead Ball” as soon as one run is completed or the ball reaches the boundary. The batsmen shall return to their original ends. The run or boundary shall be disallowed.” If no run is attempted there is no need to call “Dead Ball”. The ball automatically becomes dead when it finally settles in the hands of the keeper or bowler. Whether the ball is dead or not is a matter for the umpire alone to decide.

Last Updated: Wed 21st Nov 2007

Question: Firstly, Good Concept, let's hope people treat it with respect and not as an outlet to voice frustration/abuse. In regards to the umpires reports that captains are required to Fill out Are they viewed by the umpire in question, or are they viewed only by the Umpires advisor.
Also: Does it not work against the theory of the best grade getting the best umpires If the appointment of umpires is now on a rotating system?

Answer: Captains reports are collected each week and where necessary action is taken on any particular report where the captains and whoever else need to be contacted is contacted and discussed and dealt with the umpire before the next game, where the report is of a significant lesser problem the report as are all reports are collated and noted and each umpire will receive a copy of their report . All umpires are given a copy of the reports made out by the captains and if there is anything noted that needs attention it will be discussed with the same umpire at our Monthly meeting. Even though a problem is noted towards a particular umpire if the executive believe it necessary for training purposes to bring it to the attention to the remainder of the umpires at the meeting it will do so. The system of selecting umpires in process at the moment is being done the same as last season as requested by the clubs, we have a squad of Sixteen umpires that are rotated between the Chandler Shield Teams even there are only Twelve needed on a particular day and the umpires not officiating in Chandler in a game on a particular round are given games in the following round and four not needed are directed to umpire in the other grades. In the other grades Wilkins and Newey teams are given two umpires when we have them available and A Grade and the remainder are given one umpire per game

Last Updated: Wed 21st Nov 2007

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