All active members have now completed either a self declaration or provided a copy of their CRB check for the retention of the Child Welfare Officer of the Association and League who will keep members informed of all issues affecting them as umpires -
JIM TAYLOR
148 BURTON ROAD
MONK BRETTON
BARNSLEY
S71 2LQ
Mobile 07961 874138

PLEASE ATTEND AND BRING A FRIEND

So, what are we looking for?

1. Fast, short-pitched bowling. Pitched short, getting up at the batsman, likely to cause injury. We don't outlaw bouncers automatically, unless we really want to upset the batsman - a lot of these deliveries are juicy gifts to be despatched into the crowd. But if we consider that by their length, height, direction and repetition they constitute a risk of intimidation/injury (taking into account the relative skill of the batsman) then we start to take action.

2. Fast, high full-pitched bowling. In other words, beamers, at any pace other than slow, passing (or hitting) the batsman above waist height (when he is standing in a normal guard position). These deliveries are unfair regardless of their direction or whether they pose any threat to the batsman, and sanctions kick in straight away.
In the case of full-pitched bowling from a slow bowler, we are looking at deliveries above shoulder height, but otherwise everything else applies.

So, what sanctions?

1st offence.
Call and signal No Ball, caution the bowler and tell his captain, the batsmen and your colleague that you've issued a caution.

2nd offence
Call and signal No Ball. Issue a final warning to the bowler and inform the same people of your actions.

3rd offence
Call and signal No Ball. Tell the captain to take the bowler out of the attack immediately.

A report from both umpires to the executive of the fielding side and to the league should follow the match.

A lot of this is fairly old hat, but the 2000 code of laws made one significant change in this area. These used to be considered as separate offences but are now tallied together. Any 3 of the above deliveries is enough to put the bowler out of the attack for the rest of the innings.
This is one of those decisions when teamwork is valuable. The laws say that the call of No Ball should come from bowler's end umpire, but the guy who is usually in the better position to judge the height of the delivery, whether it is a dipping ball, where the batsman's waist is, etc, is usually the one at striker's end. So it makes sense to agree between you before you start that striker's end umpire will give a pre-arranged signal to his colleague if No Ball needs to be called. Anything we can do to minimise the number of mistakes we make has got to be a good thing.
Confession time. I don't always remember to check with my colleague. I don't always recognise a batsman's waist at 22 yards, and if I do No Ball the bowler, I don't always remember to caution him. The danger is that if we don't go through with that caution, final warning and removal of the bowler from the attack, then bowlers will still be sending down dangerous and unfair deliveries when they should no longer be bowling in the match.
I know I should do better.
Should you?

It has been suggested that umpires use the proposed framework for the marking system as a trial this season by completing it each match on a self-assessment basis. If you have a partner you may wish to ask him/her to complete it and discuss the elements that may require attention.
There will be an opportunity to discuss this at the Mid Season Meeting.
The more experienced and qualified umpires are requested to help the newer less experienced ones by passing on advice, tips and encouragement that will help provide satisfaction of a job well done as well as enjoyment at being part of a sporting and competitive match.

LEAGUE MATTERS

The League is pleased to report that there has been an excellent start to the season for match reports. With the rare exception, all are arriving by Wednesday.
Would umpires at all matches Division 1,2 and 3 please fully complete the result card? Before you leave the ground remind both teams to hand you the white copy of the team sheet fully completed with sportsmanship mark and the visitors for the green ground-marking card. If we can make sure that all reports for the match are in the same envelope it will help the Result and Fixture Secretary and also help to keep the costs down for everyone
Please follow the guidelines when marking the pitch and give explanations when requested.
The League welcomes any additional comments regarding the match, conduct of players and officials.
If you have any suggestions to improve by new rules or amendments please make your views known at the mid season meeting.
The first inter-league match of the season will take place on Sunday 13 June when we play the Pontefract Section of the Yorkshire Council in the first round of the Yorkshire Inter-League KO Cup at Gawthorpe St Mary's ground at Slazengers Sports & Social Club, Horbury at 2 pm. David Best and his team will be pleased to welcome supporters, so come along and support our league.

APPOINTMENTS

Gordon and I are trying to ensure that every match has an umpire and Division One match two umpires. I appreciate the future availability most members can give but others can only confirm availability 2 days before the matches are played. We will do our best to give a good assortment of matches but many limitations have to be accommodated like transport, travel limits etc. We would ask that as soon as you know of your availability please without delay contact me, (Tony 01226 712697) or Gordon 01977 617153.
To maintain the high standards of the league we need more umpires. Do you know a friend who will join us either regularly or just occasionally? Please take the opportunity to encourage players reaching the end of their careers to start umpiring and help put a little back into the game that has given them so much enjoyment. TONY .