Signals and Communication

In this lesson you will learn why clear signals are essential. Scorers may be some distance away and rely completely on your signals to record the match. Players and spectators also follow the game through them. A signal that is unclear, rushed or wrong can lead to a scoring error that affects the result. Signals must be distinct, held long enough to be seen, and given in the correct order. Scorers must acknowledge each signal, and you should wait for that acknowledgement before allowing play to continue. In this module you will practise every signal so it becomes second nature, and learn the communication habits that support good match control.

• Scorers depend on your signals
• Signals must be clear and held
• Wait for scorers' acknowledgement
• Practise until signals are automatic

In this lesson you will learn the signals made while the ball is still live. When you call and signal no ball, you extend one arm horizontally. When you call and signal wide, you extend both arms horizontally. For a dismissal, you raise your index finger above your head, which is only given in answer to an appeal. If you need to call dead ball, you cross and re-cross your wrists below the waist. The out signal is given when the ball is dead or at the moment of decision. No-ball and wide calls are made as soon as you have judged them, so that batters can react, and repeated to the scorers once the ball is dead.

• No ball: one arm horizontal
• Wide: both arms horizontal
• Out: index finger raised above head
• Dead ball: wrists crossed below waist

In this lesson you will learn the signals made to the scorers when the ball is dead. A boundary four is shown by waving an arm from side to side across the chest, finishing with the arm across the chest. A six is shown by raising both arms above the head. Byes are signalled by raising an open hand above the head, and leg byes by touching a raised knee with the hand. A short run is shown by bending one arm upwards and touching the nearer shoulder with the fingertips. Penalty runs to the batting side are shown by repeatedly tapping one shoulder with the opposite hand, and to the fielding side by placing one hand on the opposite shoulder.

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

In this lesson you will learn how to signal when more than one thing has happened. When the ball becomes dead, first repeat any no-ball or wide signal to the scorers. Then give any further signal, such as boundary four, byes or leg byes. If penalty runs have been awarded, signal them after the other signals. Wait for acknowledgement after each one. For example, a wide that runs away for four byes is signalled as a wide, then a four. Signalling in the correct order helps scorers record extras and runs in the right columns. Agree before the match how the scorers will acknowledge, such as a wave or a flash of lights.

• First repeat no ball or wide
• Then boundary, byes or leg byes
• Penalty runs follow other signals
• Wait for acknowledgement each time

In this lesson you will learn what to do if you make a mistake and a few other signals. If you signal incorrectly, revoke it by touching both shoulders, each with the opposite hand, then give the correct signal. In T20 cricket, the free hit is shown by raising one arm and moving it in a circle, after the no-ball signal. When a new ball is taken, hold it above your head. Playing conditions may include further signals, such as for a short-pitched ball over the permitted limit, so check the WFA competition regulations. Correcting an error quickly and calmly protects the integrity of the score.

• Revoke: touch both shoulders with opposite hands
• Then give the correct signal
• Free hit: one arm circled above head
• New ball: hold ball above head

In this lesson you will learn how to communicate verbally with players. Speak clearly and calmly, and keep your words short. Call over at the end of the over and time at the end of a session. Tell the striker the bowler's mode of delivery, such as right arm over the wicket, and let them know of any changes. When answering an appeal, give your decision firmly and avoid explaining at length on the field. If a player questions a decision politely, a brief answer is fine, but do not get drawn into argument. Use first names if that suits the friendly league atmosphere, but remain professional and impartial at all times.

• Call over and time clearly
• Inform the striker of the mode of delivery
• Answer appeals firmly and briefly
• Never get drawn into argument

In this lesson you will learn how to keep in touch with your fellow umpire. Agree discreet signals before the match, for example a hand on the chest to show the last ball of the over, or a gesture to say the striker's end umpire is not sure about a catch. Make eye contact at the end of each ball. If you need to consult on a decision, approach each other and speak quietly away from players. The bowler's end umpire usually makes the final decision on matters within their jurisdiction, but your colleague's information can be vital. Present a united front, and resolve any disagreements after the match, not on the field.

• Agree discreet signals before play
• Eye contact at the end of each ball
• Consult quietly away from players
• Present a united front