Appeals, Signals and Umpire Decisions

In this lesson you will learn about the authority of the umpires under Law 2. The two on-field umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play, and their decisions on matters of fact are final. They control the conduct of the game, decide whether conditions are fit and safe, and make sure the Laws are applied correctly. One umpire stands at the bowler's end and the other at square leg, and they work as a team, consulting each other when needed. In amateur cricket, umpires may be neutral officials or volunteers from the competing teams. Whoever is standing, players should treat them with respect. This module is a WFA award and is not an ECB umpiring qualification.

• Umpires are the sole judges of fair and unfair play
• Their decisions on matters of fact are final
• One at the bowler's end, one at square leg
• Treat every umpire with respect

In this lesson you will study Law 31, appeals. An umpire will not give a batter out, even if they are clearly out, unless the fielding side appeals. The usual appeal is How's that, and it covers every method of dismissal. An appeal must be made before the bowler begins the run-up for the next ball, or before Time is called. A batter who is obviously out, for example clean bowled, may leave without waiting for an appeal. The fielding captain may withdraw an appeal, with the umpire's consent, before the next ball is bowled. Appeals should be made honestly and sincerely. Appealing without belief, simply to pressure the umpire, is against the Spirit of Cricket.

• No dismissal is given without an appeal
• How's that covers every method of dismissal
• Appeal before the next ball's run-up begins
• A captain may withdraw an appeal with consent

In this lesson you will learn which umpire decides each appeal. The striker's end umpire answers appeals for hit wicket, stumped and run out at the striker's end. The bowler's end umpire answers all other appeals, including bowled, caught, LBW and run out at the bowler's end. If an umpire did not have a clear view, they may consult the other umpire on a question of fact, and then give the decision. The out signal is a raised index finger above the head. If the batter is not out, the umpire says Not out, usually without a signal. An umpire may change a decision, provided they do so promptly, for example after realising they misheard or misjudged.

• Striker's end: hit wicket, stumped, run out at that end
• Bowler's end: all other appeals
• Umpires may consult on a point of fact
• A decision may be changed if done promptly

In this lesson you will learn the signals umpires use for scoring. A boundary four is signalled by waving an arm from side to side and finishing with the arm across the chest. A boundary six is signalled by raising both arms above the head. A bye is an open hand raised above the head, and a leg bye is touching a raised knee with the hand. A wide is both arms extended horizontally, and a no-ball is one arm extended horizontally. A short run is signalled by bending one arm upwards and touching the nearer shoulder with the fingertips. The umpire signals these to the scorers once the ball is dead, and the scorers acknowledge each one.

• Four: arm waved side to side, ending across the chest
• Six: both arms raised above the head
• Bye: open hand raised; leg bye: touch a raised knee
• Short run: fingertips touch the nearer shoulder

In this lesson you will learn the remaining standard signals. Dead ball is signalled by crossing and re-crossing the wrists below the waist. Five penalty runs to the batting side are shown by repeatedly tapping one shoulder with the opposite hand, while penalty runs to the fielding side are shown by placing one hand on the opposite shoulder. To revoke the last signal, the umpire touches both shoulders, each with the opposite hand. A new ball is signalled by holding the ball above the head. In T20 cricket, a free hit is signalled by moving one extended arm in a circle above the head. Learning these signals helps scorers, players and spectators follow every decision.

• Dead ball: crossing wrists below the waist
• Penalty runs: tap a shoulder or hand on shoulder
• Revoke last signal: touch both shoulders
• Free hit: arm circled above the head

In this lesson you will learn how umpires handle uncertainty. If an umpire is not sure whether a batter is out, the batter is given the benefit of the doubt and is not out. This is a long-standing principle of cricket and it applies to every type of dismissal. It means some close decisions will go against the fielding side, but it keeps the game fair. If a batter leaves the field because they wrongly believe they are out, for example after a misunderstanding, the umpire may intervene and call them back before the next ball is bowled. Fair decision-making relies on umpires being well positioned, concentrating on every ball and being confident enough to say not out.

• Doubt goes in favour of the batter
• Applies to every method of dismissal
• Umpires can recall a batter who left by mistake
• Good positioning reduces doubt

In this lesson you will learn about the conduct expected of players under Law 42. Players must accept the umpire's decision without dissent. Showing dissent by word or action, excessive appealing or arguing with the umpire is a conduct offence. The Laws set out four levels of offence, from minor breaches that bring a warning and then five penalty runs, to serious offences that can lead to a player being removed from the field. Umpires report serious incidents to the competition, and further disciplinary action may follow, so check the WFA competition regulations. Captains are responsible for their team's behaviour, and setting a calm, respectful example is one of the most important things a captain can do.

• Accept decisions without dissent
• Law 42 sets out four levels of offence
• Penalties range from warnings to removal from the field
• Check WFA regulations for disciplinary procedures

In this final lesson you will consider how this module connects to umpiring. Understanding appeals and signals is the first step towards standing as an umpire yourself. Many amateur matches rely on volunteers, and confident, fair umpiring makes a huge difference to everyone's enjoyment. If you would like to go further, the WFA Umpiring & Officiating series starts with WFA901 Introduction to Cricket Umpiring. For a recognised qualification, look at the ECB's official umpire education courses, because this WFA module is an internal award and not an ECB qualification. Practising signals in front of a mirror and watching experienced umpires are great ways to build your confidence before your first match.

• Volunteer umpires are vital to amateur cricket
• Continue with WFA901 Introduction to Cricket Umpiring
• ECB courses provide recognised qualifications
• Practise signals and watch experienced umpires