LWRCL GUIDELINES FOR UMPIRES - DISCIPLINARY

RULE 42 UNFAIR PLAY

Read and be fully familiar with this rule with emphasis on the following sections:

1. Responsibility of Captains.

2. Responsibility of Umpires.

18. Player’s conduct.

Remember:

“The game must be firmly controlled and the success of the umpire will depend upon a manner that commands respect and enables the game to flow according to the laws”

Tom Smith

General points:

• Treat players with respect and they will respect you in return.
• Know the laws of the game and any local rules that might apply particularly in relation to the different competitions that you have to cover.
• Do not be too familiar/officious on the field of play – strike the right balance.
• Take charge with calm authority; use your powers with courtesy and dignity
• Do not be offensive or dictatorial.
• Take decisive action when it is necessary, the players will respect and expect it.
• Nip things in the bud before they get out of hand. A quiet word is often all that is required
• Consult with your colleague (when you have one) two heads are more effective than one
• Be well turned out it, creates the right impression, if you look shoddy you will convey a shoddy approach to the job (clean coat and shoes in particular).
• Note that smoking by players or umpires on the field of play is not permitted

* IMPORTANT - REPORT MATTERS OF GROSS MISCONDUCT RIGHT AWAY

§ Violence or threat of violence

§ Crashing down the stumps after dismissal

§ Abuse of umpires e.g. swearing and foul language, bad behaviour.

§ Outrageous acts of unfair play e.g. yelling or shouting by batsmen when the ball has been hit and is in the air.

The Caution

• It is vital that umpires use common sense in the use of the caution.
• Hasty actions/words said in the excitement of the moment can cause a problem, again a quiet word is often more effective.
• Choose your words carefully.
• Do not try and make the player look foolish.
• Avoid sarcasm.

DSCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

Anything other than a trivial offence deserves action at once.

• Inform your colleague of the nature of the offence
• Work as a team - both umpires approach the captain for action
• If the captain fails to stop the bad behaviour and it occurs again the umpires must submit a report
• The report must be signed by both umpires and then sent to the Secretary of the Umpires Association
• The Umpires Secretary will look over the Report for detailed content and then forward it to the League Secretary with a copy to the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee.

THE DISCIPLINARY REPORT

• Be factual; state the date and fixture in which the offence took place together with the name(s) of the player(s) being reported
• Report what was said/done by the player(s)
• Report what was said/done by yourself /your colleague
• Report what was said/done by the captain
• Report any subsequent events
• If necessary, before submitting the report, contact the Umpires Association Secretary if you need help in preparing it. (A well constructive report giving all the facts and details will be invaluable to the Disciplinary Committee.)

THE DISCIPLINARY HEARING

Both umpires will be required to attend the subsequent disciplinary hearing should the report be disputed by player/club

The following is an agreed procedure at such hearings:

1. Umpires report and club/player’s letter is read out by a Disciplinary Committee member

2. Further statements made by umpire(s) if desired and by any parties attending.

3. Questions to umpire(s) by club/player(s)

4. Questions to umpire(s) by Committee

5. Further statement by club/player(s) if desired by any parties attending

6. Questions to club/player(s) by Committee

7. Final brief statement by umpire(s)

8. Final brief statement by club/player(s)

The umpires, club reps/player(s) leave the meeting

Disciplinary Committee makes a decision and advises club/player(s) accordingly as well as the Secretary of the Umpires Association who in turn will advise the Umpires involved.