Introduction
Why
is positioning important?
Positioning
is important for a number of reasons:-
1.
To be in the best possible position to make a decision
2.
To avoid being in the way of the fielding side (line of sight and not
obstruct the path of the ball)
3.
To see all that you need to see – best position
4. To give the perception and confidence to the players that the decision made is the correct one. It is an indicator of alertness, concentration, ability to read the game, fitness and stamina.
4. To give the perception and confidence to the players that the decision made is the correct one. It is an indicator of alertness, concentration, ability to read the game, fitness and stamina.
Summary
of Activities
1.
Positioning / Stance at the bowler’s end
2.
Getting into side on position at the bowler’s end (normal)
3.
Getting into side on position at the bowler’s end (“V”)
4.
Positioning / stance at square leg
5.
Positioning at square leg with injured striker (4 examples)
1.
Bowlers’ end umpire positioning technique
Stand
in line with middle stump so that you have a clear view of the
popping crease. After the first over from the other end, you may be
able to use the middle stump mark made by the batsmen to line up your
position behind the stumps – line up the mark with the middle stump
every time you get back behind the stumps at the bowler’s end. Work
with the bowler on where to stand if he requests further back or
closer than you normally feel comfortable. When standing back, if you
have to look through the stumps at the crease, adjust your position
slightly so that you see the bowler’s front foot heel between the
stumps.
If
you are not familiar with the bowler’s delivery action, it may be
best to stand a little further back to ensure there is no
infringement with the back foot. Once you are comfortable that this
is not an issue for consideration, it may be more comfortable to move
a pace closer to the stumps.
Watch
the bowler return to his mark and as he turns (after an over or so,
it may not be necessary to do this), face the striker and switch on
to full concentration. Take up your preferred position and do not
leave it until the ball has been delivered and played into the field.
Stress to the participants that they should not move away from that
position behind the stumps when answering an appeal – give the
decision first and then move.
Positioning
depth may be different for fast and slow bowlers. It is becoming more
common for fast bowlers to tell you exactly where they want you to
stand – accommodate these requests where possible, but don’t
stand too far back if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Standing too
far back has its disadvantages with judgement of the front foot and
the extra time it takes to get to the popping crease. For slower
bowlers, it helps to stand closer (1 metre) to assist with decision
making. Stand where you feel most comfortable – to be able to make
better judgements and get into position in time – if you are out of
these comfort zones then you need to develop strategies to
compensate.
Be
ready and willing to work with the bowler if he wishes to know where
his front foot is landing. Establish a consistent approach to
advising bowlers in this way. Be proactive if he is gradually
creeping on the line. Rapport with the bowlers is a vital ingredient
in an umpire’s ability to effectively handle a match.
Give
guard from over the top of the stumps at the bowler’s end with
further checks being done from where you would normally stand for a
delivery. Know the terminology, one leg (leg stump), two legs (middle
and leg - halfway between middle and leg). If the batsman shows you
the full face of the bat and asks for “two please” he wants “two
legs” and the bat should cover both the middle and leg stump.
Always repeat to the batsman what he said to you – i.e. If he asked
for middle stump then in reply say “That’s middle stump there”.
Differentiate
the difference between where you may stand for a fast bowler compared
with a slow bowler. The key remains to keep your head still and move
the eyes only – speed and practice is important in training focus.
2.
Getting
into side on position at the bowler’s end (normal) after
the
ball is struck.
Getting
into position with the ball going to mid wicket or cover. The
objective is to move quickly, to get in line with the popping crease
and then move backwards – stopping and having the head still to
make the judgement. It
does not matter which side you go to – comfort is the key but the
preferred side is the same side as the ball when it goes square of
the wicket). If the umpire cannot make it into position in time, then
the best alternative is to stop, be still, have eyes level and make
the judgement from a stationary position, rather than be on the move.
3.
An
alternative situation where the ball goes into the “V” – to
mid
on or mid off.
Here
the umpire
must go to the opposite side to the ball. The objective is to move
quickly, comfortably and get in line with the popping crease asap and
then move backwards – to stop and have head still when making the
judgement. Must go opposite side in this case – pay particular
attention to speed, running backwards (not turning back on ball) and
getting into line. If the umpire cannot make it into position in
time, then the best alternative is to stop, be still, have their eyes
level and make the judgement from a stationary incorrect position,
rather than be on the move in an incorrect position.
After
the ball is struck into the field, it is current practice for most
umpires to move to the same side as the ball. A clear view of the
stumps being broken is the major factor here. This technique is a
personal thing and you should always
feel comfortable where
you place yourself. Always be aware however of the fielders in “the
arc” between extra cover and mid wicket. If you place yourself
between the ball and the stumps, you may obstruct or impede a fielder
in his attempt to field the ball or have a clear throw at the wicket.
On these occasions, when
the ball is hit into the “V” you must move to the
opposite
side to
that which the ball is hit. Anticipation is the key as is the
constant noting of where the fielders in the arc are placing
themselves. Should there be a problem seeing if the wicket was fairly
broken you can and should consult with your colleague in the normal
way.
4.
Positioning / Stance for the umpire at striker’s end
Stand
no more than 20 metres deep (the length of a pitch), a couple of
paces closer for a slow bowler or when no fielders are located near
you if you feel comfortable. Move further back if asked by a fielder
but try never to be more than 25 to 30 metres away. Stand in line
with the popping crease splitting your stance.
When
the keeper is standing back, watch the bowler run in and deliver the
ball. Always watch for hit wicket before following the ball into the
outfield. Keep your head still.
When
he keeper is standing up at the stumps, do not watch the bowler
deliver the ball, keep your head still and watch the batsman’s back
foot in relation to the popping crease – listen for the breaking of
the stumps on a stumping appeal.
Once
the ball is hit - watch for catches carrying and batsmen crossing.
Signal to partner if required.
Cross
to off side if the sun or glare, or fielders in your line make the
seeing conditions unsatisfactory. When crossing for left/right handed
batsmen, anticipate the need to change and begin walking in while the
ball is still in play. This will allow you to be in position without
having to run by the time the bowler begins his run up.
Be
watchful of fieldsmen behind you and always check for possible behind
square leg infringements – especially important in limited overs
matches with left and right hand batsmen fields. If there is a deep
field very square behind you, move over to point.
Stand
side on to the stumps to watch both the ball and the running batsmen
making their ground. Only turn back to face the wicket when the ball
has been returned past you. This will eradicate any chance of being
hit by the ball when it is being thrown towards the wickets.
Courtesy of the ICC
