Umpires Signals Manual

Introduction The signals in this presentation is to aid communication between colleagues on the field. They are not illustrated in the Laws of Cricket; they are in addition to the signals already used by Umpires when communicating with scorers. Their use is an aid to more efficient match management. The most compelling argument for their use is the enhanced focus they give to the strikers end (square leg) umpire. You could use any signal that is suitable between colleagues.

The Aim of the Signals Manual When you stand at the strikers end there are many ways you can assist your colleague. The assistance can help to: Inform decision making; Clarify action that the Bowler’s end umpire may not be able to observe; Support the bowler’s end umpire in carrying out his duties; Build confidence and trust in teamwork; Build a routine to aid focus and communication; Ensure more accuracy in counting and decision making; Ensure consistency in signalling between all umpires.

Signalling ‘Bowler’s Action These signals are more for information purposes

Giving and Signalling ‘Guard’ to the striker The bowlers end umpire is continuously requested to reconfirm the striker’s guard. After giving guard the first time verbally, he could do what is illustrated in the diagrams. He is giving the striker all the information he asks for.

Trigger Action It’s a good idea to have a trigger action when you’re in position to make a possible run- out decision. This action will prepare you physically in your decision making. The stance is what makes you comfortable in your decision making.

Signalling the number of balls left in the over The strikers end (square leg) umpire should always signal to his colleague that there are two balls left in the over. It is courteous that your colleague signals back to indicate that he knows what is going on. This is a secure manner of ensuring that no mistakes will be made and that concentration levels are up for both umpires. It is good practice to glance over to your colleague after every ball just in case you might have missed something.

Signalling ‘We need to speak’ You would use this to indicate to your colleague that you need to discuss something. It can be made by either umpire. Meet your colleague half-way when the sign has been given.

Signalling ‘The ball was above shoulder height, one for that over’ This will indicate to your colleague that the delivery bowled was between shoulder height and the head of the striker. It will be judged in the upright position of the striker when he first stands at the crease. The bowlers end umpire now has information to warn the bowler that it is one for the over.

Signalling ‘Wide, above the head of the striker This will indicate to your colleague that the delivery bowled was over head height of the striker. It will be judged in the upright position of the striker when he first stands at the crease. The bowlers end umpire now has information to warn the bowler that it is one for the over as well as call and signal wide.

Signalling ‘The ball has not hit the ground, it has carried to the fielder’ This is used to assist your colleague at the bowler’s end if he’s unsighted in an attempt to catch the ball. Hands are kept low, pointing towards your colleague, with palms up in a lifting motion. At square leg/ point you can subtly signal to inform that you saw the ball has carried to the fielder.

Signalling’ The ball has hit the ground, it did not carry to the fielder’ This is used to assist your colleague at the bowler’s end if he’s unsighted in an attempt to catch the ball. Hands are kept low, pointing towards your colleague, with palms down in a patting motion. At square leg/ point you can subtly signal to inform that you saw the ball has not carried to the fielder.

Signalling a fielding violation This signal is used to alert your colleague to a fielding violation. As the diagram indicates, there are too many fielders outside the circle or too many on the on-side. This will be useful to your colleague that there is a possible no-ball. You must glance at your colleague before each ball is bowled.

Signalling ‘The ball has hit the bat’ Your hands should be at waist height with the palms up in a patting motion. At the striker’s end/ square leg you are sometimes in a better position to see whether the ball has hit the bat, especially those late shots towards square leg. Your colleague at the bowlers end have sufficient information to award either runs or leg-byes.

Signalling ‘The ball was above the waist of the striker This information will assist your colleague at the bowlers end if the delivery was above waist height of the striker especially if the striker has moved forward to play the delivery.

Any Questions?????