2.1 Appointment and attendance
Before the match, two umpires shall be appointed, one for each end, to control the match as required by the Laws, with absolute impartiality. The umpires shall be present on the ground and report to the Executive of the ground at least 45 minutes before the scheduled start of each day’s play.
2.2 Change of umpire
An umpire shall not be changed during the match, other than in exceptional circumstances, unless he/she is injured or ill. If there has to be a change of umpire, the replacement shall act only as the striker’s end umpire unless the captains agree that the replacement should take full responsibility as an umpire.
2.3 Consultation with captains
Before the toss the umpires shall
2.3.1meet with the captains; the umpires shall determine
2.3.1.1 the balls to be used during the match. See Law 4 (The ball).
2.3.1.2 the hours of play and the times and durations of any agreed intervals. In a match of one day’s duration, no specific time need be agreed for the tea interval. It may be agreed instead to take this interval between innings. See Law 11 (Intervals).
2.3.1.3 which clock or watch and back-up time piece is to be used during the match.
2.3.1.4 the boundary of the field of play and allowances for boundaries, including whether any obstacle within the field of play is to be regarded as a boundary. See Law 19 (Boundaries).
2.3.1.5 the use of covers. See Law 10 (Covering the pitch).
2.3.1.6 any special conditions of play affecting the conduct of the match.
2.3.2 inform the scorers of agreements in 2.3.1.2, 2.3.1.3, 2.3.1.4 and 2.3.1.6.
2.4 The wickets, creases and boundaries
Before the toss and during the match, the umpires shall satisfy themselves that
2.4.1the wickets are properly pitched. See Law 8 (The wickets)
2.4.2the creases are correctly marked. See Law 7 (The creases).
2.4.3the boundary of the field of play complies with the requirements of Laws 19.1 (Determining the boundary of the field of play), 19.2 (Identifying and marking the boundary) and 19.3 (Restoring the boundary).
2.5 Conduct of the match, implements and equipment
Before the toss and during the match, the umpires shall satisfy themselves that
2.5.1the conduct of the match is strictly in accordance with the Laws.
2.5.2the implements used in the match conform to the following:
2.5.2.1 Law 4 (The ball).
2.5.2.2 externally visible requirements of Law 5 (The bat) andAppendix B.
2.5.2.3 either Laws 8.2 (Size of stumps) and 8.3 (The bails) or, if applicable, Law 8.4 (Junior cricket).
2.5.3no player uses equipment other than that permitted. SeeAppendix A.2. Note particularly therein the interpretation of ‘protective helmet’.
2.5.4the wicket-keeper’s gloves comply with the requirements of Law 27.2 (Gloves).
2.6 Fair and unfair play
The umpires shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play.
2.7 Fitness for play
2.7.1It is solely for the umpires together to decide whether either conditions of ground, weather or light or exceptional circumstances mean that it would be dangerous or unreasonable for play to take place.
Conditions shall not be regarded as either dangerous or unreasonable merely because they are not ideal.
The fact that the grass and the ball are wet does not warrant the ground conditions being regarded as unreasonable or dangerous.
2.7.2Conditions shall be regarded as dangerous if there is actual and foreseeable risk to the safety of any player or umpire.
2.7.3Conditions shall be regarded as unreasonable if, although posing no risk to safety, it would not be sensible for play to proceed.
2.7.4If the umpires consider the ground is so wet or slippery as to deprive the bowler of a reasonable foothold, the fielders of the power of free movement, or the batter of the ability to play their strokes or to run between the wickets, then these conditions shall be regarded as so bad that it would be dangerous and unreasonable for play to take place.
2.8 Suspension of play in dangerous or unreasonable circumstances
2.8.1All references to ground include the pitch. See Law 6.1 (Area of pitch).
2.8.2The Umpires shall immediately suspend play, or not allow play to start or to recommence, if either umpire considers that the conditions of ground, weather or light, or any other circumstances are either dangerous or unreasonable.
2.8.3When there is a suspension of play it is the responsibility of the umpires to monitor conditions. They shall make inspections as often as appropriate, unaccompanied by any players or officials. Immediately the umpires together agree that the conditions are no longer dangerous or unreasonable they shall call upon the players to resume play.
2.9 Position of umpires
The umpires shall stand where they can best see any act upon which their decision may be required.
Subject to this over-riding consideration, the bowler’s end umpire shall stand in a position so as not to interfere with either the bowler’s run-up or the striker’s view.
The striker’s end umpire may elect to stand on the off side instead of the on side of the pitch, provided he/she informs the captain of the fielding side, the striker and the other umpire.
2.10 Umpires changing ends
The umpires shall change ends after each side has had one completed innings. See Law 13.3 (Completed innings).
2.11 Disagreement and dispute
Where there is disagreement or dispute about any matter, the umpires together shall make the final decision. See also Law 31.6 (Consultation by umpires).
2.12 Umpire’s decision
An umpire may alter any decision provided that such alteration is made promptly and does not contradict Law 20.6 (Dead ball not to be revoked). This apart, an umpire’s decision, once made, is final.
2.13 Signals
2.13.1The following code of signals shall be used by umpires:
2.13.1.1 Signals made while the ball is in play
Dead ball - by crossing and re-crossing the wrists below the waist.
No ball - by extending one arm horizontally.
Out - by raising an index finger above thehead. (If not out, the umpire shall callNot out.)
Wide - by extending both arms horizontally.
2.13.1.2 When the ball is dead, the bowler’s end umpire shall repeat the signals in 2.13.1.1, with the exception of the signal for Out, to the scorers.
2.13.1.3 The signals listed below shall be made to the scorers only when the ball is dead.
Boundary 4 - by waving an arm from side to side finishing with the arm across the chest.
Boundary 6 - by raising both arms above the head.
Bye - by raising an open hand above the head.
Commencement of last hour - by pointing to a raised wrist with the other hand.
Five Penalty runs awarded to the batting side - by repeated tapping of one shoulder with the opposite hand.
Five Penalty runs awarded to the fielding side - by placing one hand on the opposite shoulder.
Leg bye - by touching a raised knee with the hand.
New ball - by holding the ball above the head.
Revoke the last decision - by touching both shoulders, each with the opposite hand.
Short run - by bending one arm upwards andtouching the nearer shoulder with thetips of the fingers.
The following signals are for Levels 3 and 4 of the player conduct offences. Each signal has two parts, both of which should be acknowledged separately by the scorers.
Level 3 conduct
Part 1 - by putting one arm out to the side of the body and repeatedly raising it and lowering it.
Part 2 - by raising both hands, all fingers spread,to shoulder height, palms facing towards the scorers.
Level 4 conduct
Part 1 - by putting one arm out to the side of the body and repeatedly raising it and lowering it.
Part 2 - by raising an index finger, held at shoulder height,to the side of the body.
2.13.1.4 All the signals in 2.13.1.3 are to be made by the bowler’s end umpire except that for Short run, which is to be signalled by the umpire at the end where short running occurs. However, the bowler’s end umpire shall be responsible both for the final signal of Short run to the scorers and, if more than one run is short, for informing them as to the number of runs to be recorded.
2.13.2The umpire shall wait until each signal to the scorers has been separately acknowledged by a scorer before allowing play to proceed.
If several signals are to be used, they SHALL be given in the order that the events occurred.
2.14 Informing the umpires
Throughout the Laws, wherever the umpires are to receive information from captains or other players, it will be sufficient for one umpire to be so informed and for him/her to inform the other umpire.
2.15 Correctness of scores
Consultation between umpires and scorers on doubtful points is essential. The umpires shall, throughout the match, satisfy themselves as to the correctness of the number of runs scored, the wickets that have fallen and, where appropriate, the number of overs bowled. They shall agree these with the scorers at least at every interval, other than a drinks interval, and at the conclusion of the match. See Laws 3.2 (Correctness of scores), 16.8 (Correctness of result) and 16.10 (Result not to be changed).
© Marylebone Cricket Club 2017
FAQs
The umpires Law | MCC? ›
Before the match, two umpires shall be appointed, one for each end, to control the match as required by the Laws, with absolute impartiality. The umpires shall be present on the ground and report to the Executive of the ground at least 45 minutes before the scheduled start of each day's play.
What is the law 19.5 2? ›Law 19.5. 2 states: "A fielder who is not in contact with the ground is considered to be grounded beyond the boundary if his/her final contact with the ground, before his/her first contact with the ball after it has been delivered by the bowler, was not entirely within the boundary."
In what case are umpires authorized to intervene? ›Player's conduct
3. The umpires are authorised to intervene in cases of: Time wasting. Damaging the pitch.
Appeals and Dismissals
Neither umpire shall give a batter out, even though he/she may be out under the Laws, unless appealed to by a fielder. This shall not debar a batter who is out under any of the Laws from leaving the wicket without an appeal having been made. Note, however, the provisions of 31.7.
42.4.2.3 The umpires shall direct the captain to remove the offending player immediately from the field of play for a period in accordance with the following: 42.4.2.3. 1 In a match where the innings are not limited to a number of overs, the player shall be suspended from the field of play for 10 overs.
What authority do umpires have? ›In baseball, the umpire is the person charged with officiating the game, including beginning and ending the game, enforcing the rules of the game and the grounds, making judgment calls on plays, and handling the disciplinary actions. The term is often shortened to the colloquial form ump.
Who holds MLB umpires accountable? ›It is often said of our profession that 'umpires are expected to be perfect from the start and to get better from there. ' "Like players, our mistakes are subject to intense public scrutiny and we are also held accountable by our employer in performance evaluations.
Can you argue with an umpire? ›According to the rule book, arguing with the umpire is illegal.
What happens if an umpire interferes with a runner? ›(2) when the plate umpire interferes with the catcher's throw in an attempt to retire a runner. In the case of field umpire interference, the ball is dead, the batter is awarded first base and all other runners advance one base, only if forced.
Can umpires take back a call? ›Baserunners must be alert to the possibility that the base umpire on appeal from the plate umpire may reverse the call of a ball to the call of a strike, in which event the runner is in jeopardy of being out by the catcher's throw.
Can you be out if the ball hits the umpire? ›
Rule 5.09(g) Comment: If a foul tip hits the umpire and is caught by a fielder on the rebound, the ball is “dead” and the batsman cannot be called out. The same shall apply where such foul tip lodges in the umpire's mask or other paraphernalia.
Can an umpire eject a player for no reason? ›In baseball, each umpire has a considerable amount of discretion, and may eject any player, coach, or manager solely on his own judgment of unsportsmanlike conduct.
Do umpires hold grudges? ›Close calls can go either way, and just like their ballplaying counterparts, umpires have been known to carry grudges. To show up an umpire during an argument is one thing. To intentionally injure him is guaranteed to sour things not only with the umpire in question, but with the guy's colleagues.
Has a player ever fought an umpire? ›1921: Ty Cobb, Challenged and Fought with Umpire After Contest, 3 Games.
Can umpires eject fans in the stands? ›The umpires are to deal with on-the-field situations. Can an umpire eject a spectator(s)/fan(s) from the field complex? No, the spectator(s) should be handled by a board member.
Can umpires get fired for bad calls? ›I think the perception of bad calls is skewed by a few notoriously bad umpires - Angel Hernandez and C.B. Buknor, and a few others - making most of the bad calls. Apparently they have tenure (or whatever baseball calls it) and cannot be fired. Other than these few, MLB umpires are quite good and make few bad calls.
Are umpires ever disciplined for bad calls? ›Other than these few, MLB umpires are quite good and make few bad calls. Because you don't see it doesn't mean it hasn't happened. Umpire's are disciplined when their behavior warrants it though it is made public only when their actions are particularly egregious.
Do MLB umpires get penalized for bad calls? ›Some umpires have been suspended or fined for misapplying rules or allowing teams to engage in rule violations. In fact, umpires get disciplined all the time.
What happens if an MLB player touches an umpire? ›If a coach, manager, or player begins to walk toward the umpire with the intent to argue a call or balls and strikes, he will be warned to return to his bench or position. If he continues to advance, he will be ejected.
How do I complain about an MLB umpire? ›Please email us at MLBExecutiveRelationsCS@mlb.com.
Can an umpire disqualify a team? ›
(d) Each umpire has authority to disqualify any player, coach, manager, or substitute for objecting to decisions or for unsportsmanlike conduct or language, and to eject such disqualified person from the playing field.
Can an umpire eject a coach? ›The immediate removal (or disqualification) of a player or coach from any further participation from the ongoing or current game. The game officials have the authority to eject a player, coach or team representative for misconduct or unsportsmanlike conduct.
Can umpires throw out announcers? ›"But typically it's for a player or manager. You don't get many ejecting the PA announcer — in fact, it's our first one," he said. "It's certainly within the umpire's rights if he feels the announcer is making inappropriate comments about players or officials or inciting the fans," he said.
Can an umpire touch a player? ›The following general principles should be considered when deciding whether to eject a player, coach, manager, or other person from a game: Use of profanity specifically directed at an umpire or vulgar personal insults of an umpire are grounds for ejection. Physical contact with an umpire is a ground for ejection.
Can an umpire forfeit a game? ›Related Rules
Umpire-in-Chief SECTION 7. The umpire-in-chief has sole authority to forfeit a game, and has jurisdiction over any rules matters not assigned to the field umpire in 3-8.
8-1-5): For failure to touch a base (advancing and returning), or failure to tag up as soon as the ball is touched on a caught fly ball, the runner may be called out if an appeal is made by the defensive team.
Are umpires held accountable? ›It is often said of our profession that 'umpires are expected to be perfect from the start and to get better from there. ' Like players, our mistakes are subject to intense public scrutiny and we are also held accountable by our employer in performance evaluations.
How often do umpires make the wrong call? ›In 2008, 67% of missed calls happened there. Now it's 96%. In 2022, umpires missed a call in the heart, chase, or waste zone once every 2.74 games. All of this is to say that today's umpires are pretty much never wrong on anything but close pitches, and they're still getting better on those close pitches.
Can an umpire eject the sound guy? ›As Santayana's statement implies, those who are unwilling or unable to learn from the past, by definition, "cannot remember the past." So, does an umpire have the authority to eject a spectator or entertainment staff member? You bet he does.
Can an umpire yell fair ball? ›(1) Umpires shall not make a verbal call on a fair ball, simply a point into fair territory. Remember when you call “foul”, you live with that call. You cannot change a foul call after it is made.
What happens if the umpire doesn't catch the ball? ›
6.09 The batter becomes a runner when— … (b) The third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is unoccupied, or (2) first base is occupied with two out… The dropped third strike is a peculiar rule.
What happens if a no ball is called by the umpire? ›21.15 Penalty for a No ball
A penalty of one run shall be awarded instantly on the call of No ball. Unless the call is revoked, the penalty shall stand even if a batter is dismissed. It shall be in addition to any other runs scored, any boundary allowance and any other runs awarded for penalties.
- Bill Klem – 251 (NL, 1905–1941)
- Cy Rigler – 192 (NL, 1906–1935)
- Hank O'Day – 185 (NL, 1895–1911, 1913, 1915–1927)
- Bob Davidson – 156 (NL, 1982–1999, ML 2005–2016)
- Joe West – 151 (NL, 1976–1999, ML 2002–2021)
- Silk O'Loughlin – 145 (AL, 1902–1918)
- Ernie Quigley – 141 (NL, 1913–1938)
Five Penalty runs awarded to the batting side - by repeated tapping of one shoulder with the opposite hand. Five Penalty runs awarded to the fielding side - by placing one hand on the opposite shoulder.
Can an ejected player stay on the sidelines? ›Player Ejections: If at any time during a game, a player is ejected by an official for unsportsmanlike conduct that player will be disqualified from playing in the remainder of that game and at least one additional game. Player must remove pads but is allowed to remain on the sideline with team.
What would happen if you punched an umpire? ›If an MLB player punches an umpire, they may face automatic ejection, suspension and fines.
What does an umpire yell after a strike? ›Check for a Called Strike
You can also hear them say “ball” or “no ball.” If you're unsure whether the pitch was delivered correctly, ask the umpires for clarification.
Fortunately, the umpire wasn't injured, but it was the first time in baseball history that any player had struck an umpire with a bat. Young was suspended for 50 games for the horrifying incident, the longest suspension ever handed out in the International League's 123-year history at the time.
Have any umpires been fired? ›Major league umpires resigned en masse during a labor negotiation in 1999 and MLB took the opportunity to not hire 22 of them back. But if you're curious the last time an umpire was fired because he wasn't very good at his job, good luck. Brian Runge was fired in 2012.
Has an umpire ever had a perfect game? ›According to Umpire Scorecards, Hoberg made World Series history by calling a perfect game behind the plate. Out of the 129 taken pitches in the game, Hoberg made the correct call on every single one of them.
When can an umpire ask for help? ›
No umpire shall criticize or interfere with another umpire's decision unless asked by the one making it. a. The umpire-in-chief sometimes asks for aid from the base umpire when there is a question as to whether a batter's “half swing” is such as to be called a strike.
Who is an umpire in arbitration? ›An umpire, who is a third-party appointed by the arbitrators to settle differences between the arbitrators, is to be distinguished from the presiding arbitrator, who is one of the arbitrators. The scope of functions of an umpire and those of the presiding arbitrator in a three member arbitral tribunal may be different.
Can umpires be fined for bad calls? ›Some umpires have been suspended or fined for misapplying rules or allowing teams to engage in rule violations. In fact, umpires get disciplined all the time.
Do umpires get reprimanded? ›It's certainly not unprecedented for umpires to be punished, nor is it unprecedented for an umpire to be suspended. But when it happens, it's usually because an umpire let his ego run wild. Mike Winters was hit with a rest-of-season suspension for escalating an argument with Milton Bradley in 2007.
What is an umpire fee? ›Umpire Fees means the umpire's charges, plus the additional fee, if any, of the packaging, handling, and transporting of the Official Sample to and from the umpire.
Are judges like umpires? ›Judges are like umpires. Umpires don't make the rules, they apply them. The role of an umpire and a judge is critical. They make sure everybody plays by the rules, but it is a limited role.