Toss, Match Start and Matchday Coordination

In this lesson you will learn to treat the hour before a match as a countdown with fixed checkpoints. Umpires should arrive at least forty-five minutes before the scheduled start. The toss must take place between thirty and fifteen minutes before the start. Teams need time to warm up, the scorers need team sheets, and the pitch and boundary must be ready. Working back from the start time, a coordinator can see at a glance whether the day is on track. If something is running late, such as a team stuck in traffic, tell the umpires and the opposing captain early, so everyone can plan.

• Umpires arrive at least forty-five minutes before the start
• Toss between thirty and fifteen minutes before the start
• Work back from the start time with checkpoints
• Report delays early to umpires and captains

In this lesson you will look at the step that comes just before the toss. Under the Laws of Cricket, each captain nominates their players in writing to one of the umpires before the toss. After nomination, a player can only be changed with the consent of the opposing captain. A coordinator can help by making sure both captains have their team sheets ready and that the scorers receive a copy straight afterwards. Names should match the registrations exactly. If a captain is absent, a deputy acts in their place for the toss and the nomination. Getting this step right prevents later disputes about who was entitled to play.

• Captains nominate players in writing to an umpire
• Nomination happens before the toss
• Changes afterwards need the opposing captain's consent
• Scorers receive the team sheets straight after

In this lesson you will learn how the toss is conducted under the Laws. The captains toss a coin for the choice of innings on the field of play, in the presence of at least one of the umpires, not earlier than thirty minutes and not later than fifteen minutes before the scheduled or rescheduled start. In practice the home captain usually tosses and the visiting captain calls, though you should follow any local custom set in the WFA regulations. The captain who wins the toss decides whether to bat or bowl and must notify the opposing captain and the umpires straight away. Once notified, that decision cannot be changed.

• Toss on the field with at least one umpire present
• Between thirty and fifteen minutes before the start
• Winner chooses to bat or bowl
• Decision notified immediately and cannot be changed

In this lesson you will learn how a match actually starts. Once the toss is complete, the scorers record the result of the toss and the decision. The umpires walk out ahead of the fielding side, check the field of play and the equipment, and confirm the match ball. The batters follow. Play begins when the bowler's end umpire calls play. As coordinator, make sure the scoreboard is ready, the boundary is clear of bags and spectators, and anyone helping with live scoring or announcements knows play is about to begin. A punctual start shows respect to everyone and protects the time needed to complete both innings.

• Scorers record the toss and the decision
• Umpires check the field and equipment first
• Play starts when the umpire calls play
• Clear the boundary and ready the scoreboard

In this lesson you will review the conditions that shape a twenty-over innings. In standard T20 playing conditions, the first six overs of an uninterrupted innings are a powerplay, during which no more than two fielders may be outside the thirty-yard circle. Each bowler is usually limited to four overs in a twenty-over innings. A front-foot no-ball is followed by a free hit, from which the batter cannot be dismissed except in ways allowed by the playing conditions, such as run out. These conditions may be adjusted when an innings is shortened, so always check the WFA competition regulations, and make sure scorers and umpires are working from the same version.

• Six-over powerplay: maximum two fielders outside the circle
• Usually four overs maximum per bowler
• Free hit follows a front-foot no-ball
• Check WFA regulations for shortened innings

In this lesson you will learn who makes decisions when the weather turns. Under the Laws, the umpires are the sole judges of the fitness of the ground, weather and light for play. The coordinator's job is to support them, for example by organising covers if the groundsman asks, keeping teams and spectators informed and making sure safety comes first, particularly with lightning, when everyone should leave the field immediately. If time is lost, the number of overs may need to be reduced, and the method for doing that is set by the competition regulations. Check the WFA competition regulations and make sure the scorers record every stoppage and restart time.

• Umpires are sole judges of ground, weather and light
• Leave the field immediately if there is lightning
• Overs reductions follow the WFA regulations
• Scorers record every stoppage and restart time

In this lesson you will learn how to manage the break between innings. The length of the interval is set by the competition regulations, so check the WFA rules and announce the restart time clearly to both teams. Use the interval to confirm the target with the scorers and umpires, so everyone agrees what the chasing side needs. Make sure refreshments are ready promptly, the scoreboard shows the target, and both teams are ready to restart on time. If the first innings ended early or late, confirm whether the timings change. A crisp interval keeps the match flowing and avoids a rushed finish in fading light.

• Interval length comes from the WFA regulations
• Agree the target with scorers and umpires
• Display the target on the scoreboard
• Restart on time to protect the finish

In this lesson you will bring the matchday to a close. When the result is reached, the umpires and scorers agree the final scores and the result. Encourage both teams to shake hands and thank the officials, in keeping with the Spirit of Cricket. Make sure the scorecard is checked and submitted through the official WFA system as agreed. Record any incidents, injuries or concerns and pass them to the right person. Finally, help close the ground safely. A well-coordinated finish leaves a good impression on visitors, supports accurate records and makes sure the day ends with the same care with which it began.

• Umpires and scorers agree the result
• Handshakes and thanks reflect the Spirit of Cricket
• Submit the checked scorecard
• Record incidents and close the ground safely