8. Umpires

Umpires are an integral part of the game. There are 5 umpires for each match.
The first two are present on the field to preside over the entire game.
The next is the 3^rd Umpire.
The 4^th umpire is the reserve umpire.
The fifth umpire is the Match Referee.

Field Umpires

Field Location

The first umpire stands behind the wicket opposite to the batsman. To his left/right, the bowler comes running in, and the other side the non-striking batsman is standing.

       _______
	|   T   |             X
	|       |
	|       |
	| pitch |                                s - Non striker
	|       |                          Here: X- Square Leg Umpire
	|       |                                x - Bowling Umpire
	|_______|                                T - Batsman (Striker)
  B x s                                	  	 B - Bowler

The 2nd umpire is placed on the side opposite to the type of batsman he is (left/right). Such that an L shaped formation is present between ump 1, batsman & ump 2. The umpire is on the opposite hand to the player. i.e. if the player is right handed, the ump will be on this left in line with the stumps. He is called the Square Leg Umpire.

The Umpires have a wireless set to consult the 3^rd umpire.

Role

The 2 umpires have a vital role to play. They have to

1. Check the field positions.

2. Count the balls, in an over.

3. Declare a wide, no-ball, bye OR leg-bye.

4. They also see if the batsman makes it to the crease while there is a stumping or run-out.

5. He also checks if a catch is taken cleanly (ball does not touch the ground).

6. He declares a batsman out- LBW.

7. If there is a 4, 6, wide, no-ball, dead ball, etc. he calls it out loudly and gesticulates the corresponding hand signal.

8. If an umpire is not sure about the authenticity of a catch, a run-out or stumping he can request the 3^rd umpire for a decision.

9. He sees to it that play is fair.

10. He interprets the laws of the game, if there is a dispute between players.

11. He decides to call off play if there is rain or if the weather conditions are unsuitable for further play.

12. A BEAMER is a ball which is bowled directly to the batsman's face. The umpires immediately declare the ball a no ball. If the bowler repeats a beamer in the game, the umpire disbars him from bowling further in the match.

The 2 umpires exchange positions after each over. All appeals are directed to the Bowling Umpire. The Square Leg Umpire can only give a verdict for a Stumping, No-ball (height basis), or a run-out.

Third Umpire

The Third Umpire has his cabin in the stands. He is armed with slow-motion TV camera replays taken from different angles to ascertain if the batsman is out or not, or if a catch is valid. The Third Umpire can only give his decision if the field umpires request him for such. However, if the field umpires err in a decision, the 3^rd umpire can point it out to the field umpires, who may reverse their decision.

The 3^rd Umpire can only make decisions if there is a run-out, stumping or a clean catch. He also checks if the ball has gone for a 4 or a 6. LBW decisions are being tried on experimental basis.

Reserve Umpire

If an umpire is injured during the course of the game, the reserve umpire takes over. He also supervises the changing of balls (if the ball becomes dirty, loses shape or gets lost) when the ground umpires call for the change of ball.

Match Referee

The Match Referee is the Supreme judge. He has to see that the umpires are unbiased during the game. If there is any conflict, his word is final. He is usually appointed for a full tournament. He gives his report to the ICC after the tournament. He also can reprimand a player.