INTRODUCTION
•
The way umpires present themselves to the players and scorers sets
the tone for the days play. First impressions are very important as
there are no second chances.
•
Key components for appearance include: – Pressed clean shirt and
trousers. – Clean, pressed, non faded tie and tie bar. – Clean
boots/shoes and white socks. – Clean hat & hat band (white).
•
It is important that both umpires “present themselves together”
as often as possible and be attired similarly in accordance with the
previous items.
•
Situations where the umpires should always “present themselves
together”:
–
meeting the captains or
scorers.
–
ground inspections.
–
at the toss.
–
when consultation between
umpires is required
–
at instances of unfair play or
conflict.
• The
observance of the above items will ensure the umpires present in a
professional manner.
•
Effective match management requires constant attention to working as
a team with your colleague, and very importantly, the scorers
throughout the match (together the third team)
•
When together always make out as the third team
•
Teamwork requires umpires to “present themselves together
•
Regardless of personal feelings, to earn respect the umpire must
maintain teamwork and professionalism.
•
Do not undermine a
colleague at any time.
•
During conflict situations watch how your partner is handling the
problem and give support as needed.
•
Not supporting your colleague will lose you respect from both the
players and your colleague.
•
Remember that you will be judged as a team, so perform as a team.
Communication
•
Effective communication with your colleague, scorers and the players
is essential for a well managed cricket match.
•
Discuss signals and other communication methods that you wish to use
with your colleague before the match.
•
Verify signals you each use so you know what to look for from each
other - signals for penalty runs, byes, leg-byes, etc.
•
Meet scorers before the match
and establish basis for working together throughout the game
including where the scorers should sit.
•
Interact with Players only on
request and respond to queries only when asked.
•
Develop a set of standard
responses to use which will cover as many situations as possible.
•
Captains and players love to hear the sound of their name. Endeavour
to seek out the captains and scorers names. Ask the bowler his name
in case you need to speak to him during the game. Listen for players
talking among themselves - before and during play - to pick up
names.
•
Talk to the players, not at
them.
•
Be careful of what you say - a
well intentioned comment may backfire on yourself and/or your
colleague.
•
Strive for a presence - a way of dealing with people that
demonstrates confidence without arrogance, amiability without being
too friendly.
•
It is important that your body
language suggests a cool head amongst turmoil.
•
Consult with your colleague as
often as necessary on points of fact.
Handling
Pressure
•
Pressure manifests itself in many ways and affects logical thinking
and performance.
•
Pressure breaks attention span and leads to a lapse in concentration.
• Stay cool.
•
PRESSURE causes:
– Lack
of control over a situation.
– Tightness
of muscles and breathing.
– Loss
of feeling for the game and its values.
•
THIS RESULTS IN: – Loss of basic technique and discipline. –
Complete breakdown in skills
•
What Creates Pressure: – Appeals. – First few overs - high
pressure and intensity then pressure drops off. – Last over before
a break - pressure increases. – Increased pressure after resumption
from break and at fall of a wicket. – Type of match - self creating
pressure.
•
RESULTS of Handling Pressure Well. – Actions are positive,
confident and flowing with the game. – Feelings are calm and in
control with a sense of enjoyment and anticipation without effort. –
Positive player perceptions.
•
RESULTS of Badly Handled Pressure: – Negative thoughts; easily
distracted; information overload. – Tense; heavy; tired; lack of
motivation. – Focus on looking ahead at the score in anticipation
of conclusion; look back on possible mistakes; think of captains
report on performance.
•
Symptoms of Anxiety: – Increased Heart rate. – Lump in the
throat. – Upset stomach. – Withdrawal or reluctance to talk to
players.
•
Suggestions: – Stand with feet apart, knees slightly bent. –
Relax neck & shoulder muscles. – Direct thoughts inward and
realise how tense the rest of your body may be. – Try to breathe
normally - feel the heaviness. – Take deep, slow breaths - feel
tension leave. – Continue with a few deep breaths - clear mind. –
Continuous movement to stop feeling stiff.
•
Use individual actions to maintain concentration.
Conflict
Resolution
•
Conflict stems from pressure.
•
The handling of conflict
situations requires special personnel management skills.
•
Poor handling of these conflict
situations creates the basis for a difficult game and may place undue
pressure on the umpires.
•
Animosity arises from 2 main
sources:
• Player
versus Player:
– Don’t
intervene too quickly.
– Allow
players to have their say.
– After
a short time defuse the situation with a suitable comment.
•
Some umpires have a dislike for
getting involved whilst others step in too quickly.
•
Either of these paths can cause
the loss of respect of the players.
•
Approach captains and ask them
to take suitable action to control players.
•
Player versus Umpire: – Frustrated players often show excessive
disappointment to umpires which reduces their credibility. – Stand
by decision & reject guilt feelings. Understand and recognise
that you will not please everyone - at all times be consistent. –
Show control and dispassionately explain your decision if asked. –
Never even up an error subsequently.
• Due
to the nature of their decision making role, umpires must expect that
dissent will occur from time to time. Each event should be assessed
on its merits and dealt with appropriately (be consistent).
•
Being an umpire does not give
immunity from criticism. Successful umpires know how much to take
before invoking the code of conduct. Experience is the key.
•
Player Conduct reports: – First of all work with Captains to
control players in accordance with the spirit of cricket. Drop a few
hints to help maintain control. – Never speak to a player in an
aggressive manner. Never lose your cool or you will lose respect from
everyone. – Never walk towards a player in an aggressive manner or
point a finger (body language). – Any necessary reports must
involve your colleague, and the captains informed.
Tact
& Attitude
towards
Players
•
Tact in an umpire is very important and the best way to be tactful is
to remain silent and generally only speak when spoken to - keep mouth
shut and they will only think you are stupid.
•
An umpire should be pleasant
towards players, but always firm and exercise control in an
unassuming manner.
•
An umpire must not talk too
much - nothing irritates the players more.
•
Chattering affects
concentration significantly. (Mainly the umpire’s.)
•
An umpire should never ask a
batsman if he hit the ball or not. Attracts disrespect and a
perception of lack of
confidence.
•
Never call a player to you for
discussion. Stand your ground, allow player to approach.
•
If you need to speak to a
player, wait until he comes near you.
•
Knowing players and captains
can influence attitude to be taken.
•
Use the LEAD principle.
•
Remember it is a players game
and the umpires are only there to interpret the rules.
Finally
•
LET THE PLAYERS PLAY THE GAME.
– And
apply the laws with commonsense.
•
Don’t constantly look for
minor technical violations to show off law knowledge.
•
Use laws as a deterrent - not a
solution.
•
Know how to integrate laws.
•
Try to anticipate problems and
solve them before they occur (read the game).
• Be
Complimentary. For example: – If keeper replaces bails say thank
you. – If you speak to a captain about player behaviour finish
request with a “please”. – After he speaks to a player say
“thank you”. – Apply these basic courtesies with the scorers
throughout the match.
