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ECB ACO GUIDANCE FOR UMPIRES
This guidance must be observed, and the measures outlined fully implemented in all matches under the jurisdiction of the Gordon Rigg Bradford Premier League.
DURING THE GAME – UMPIRES
1. Umpires should remain socially distant from others at all times and specifically:
● At the toss
● When interacting with any players
● When interacting with other officials
● During any interval or break in play
2. Umpires will ensure that all players maintain social distancing during the match and in particular, when players are fielding, discussing tactics, having refreshments or celebrating the fall of a wicket.
3. No sweat or saliva on the ball is allowed under any circumstances.
4. Umpires will not deliberately touch the ball at all during play.
5. The ball will be returned direct to the bowler either on the full or rolled along the ground. It should not be passed around the field.
6. The umpires will not collect the ball at a fall of a wicket or at any breaks; instead, the ball will be returned to the base of the stumps.
7. Only umpires should replace bails and remake the wicket including after any attempted stumpings or run outs.
8. Umpires will not provide bowlers markers or cloths for drying the ball.
9. Players will be required to sanitise their hands after every 6 overs; the umpires should call “time” after every 6 overs to facilitate this.
10. At each break, it will be the responsibility of the fielding Captain to sanitise the ball before play recommences. The umpires should ensure that this happens and manage these breaks by waiting until the end of the over or a fall of a wicket.
11. The umpires should sanitise their own hands at every drinks or innings break and after every contact with stumps or bails.
12. Umpires will not hold any item of players clothing or sunglasses. The players will need to place these themselves beyond the boundary.
13. There is no requirement for officials to wear any form of PPE although some individuals may wish to do so.
14. Scientific research has shown that there is a minimal risk of infection when the bowler fleetingly passes the umpire so there is no need for the bowler’s end umpire to change his normal position or to move into position once the bowler has passed by.
15. Bowlers returning to their mark should maintain social distancing when passing the umpire.
16. Bowlers should maintain social distancing when making any appeals.
17. If a walkie-talkie is being used, usage should be kept to a minimum and only used by one of the two umpires. The equipment should be sanitised before use.
18. In the event of rain, umpires must remove the stumps and bails before the covers are pulled on. Umpires should return to their own vehicle if there is insufficient outdoor cover from the rain to maintain social distancing.
ADDITIONAL ADVICE FOR UMPIRES
ECB has worked with MCC on the necessity to alter any Laws or Playing Conditions to enable recreational cricket to take place during the COVID-19 pandemic. MCC has clarified that it will not change any of the Laws of Cricket in response to the crisis, feeling that amending Playing Conditions is a better route to take. ECB and MCC have discussed how new regulations may be applicable to various levels of the game, and both bodies are pleased to offer the advice below as a means of getting cricket played. In order to effectively manage cricket through this phase, Officials will be empowered to ensure measures are adhered to through appropriate interventions designed by the ECB Association of Cricket Officials (ECB ACO). In essence, this means that instances of breaching of the measures will be dealt with Under Law 41 (Unfair Play). However, Law 42 (Unacceptable Conduct) remains as an option if umpires believe conduct is unacceptable. Prior to Play – Umpires will have read the ECB guidance and conduct normal pre-match protocols.
At the Toss
Captains will be advised of their responsibilities for directing their team on and agree the following:
1. No sweat or saliva on the ball is allowed
2. Players to maintain social distance at all times.
3. Ball to be returned directly to the bowler (On the full or rolled along the ground)
4. Not to remake the wicket once the ball has become dead, this is the role of the umpire.
5. Players to ensure that any drinks, sweaters or other paraphernalia to be placed at least 1m from boundary edge where at all possible.
6. Hygiene breaks will take place every 6 overs (A wicket break can be used to restart the process). Captains should be made aware that any breach of the above could result in a first and final warning and any subsequent transgression will result in the award of 5 penalty runs.
During Play
Umpires will not deliberately come into contact with the ball. Any breach of 1-7 above, will result in a first and final warning, under Law 41. If deemed Unacceptable Conduct, penalties under Law 42 shall apply.
●A player intentionally moving within 1 metre of anyone else for non-cricketing purposes will be treated as a Level 3 offence.
●A player intentionally spitting or coughing at and within 2 metres of, another person will be treated as a Level 4 offence.
After Play
Umpires are to leave the stumps in the ground, bails on the ground (if they’re not their own) next to the stumps and leave bowling markers for the Club Representative to collect.
