Umpire Positioning and Movement

In this lesson you will learn why positioning is the foundation of good umpiring. Most wrong decisions come not from poor knowledge of the Laws but from not seeing the incident clearly. If you are standing in the right place, with a still head and a clear view of the creases, the decision often becomes obvious. Positioning also keeps you safe and makes sure you do not get in the way of fielders or the ball. In this module you will learn the standard positions at each end and how to adjust them. You will also learn to move with purpose, so that you arrive in position before the key moment rather than during it.

• Most errors come from poor sight-lines
• A still head gives the clearest view
• Positioning keeps you safe
• Arrive in position before the key moment

In this lesson you will learn how to stand at the bowler's end. Stand behind the stumps, close enough to see the popping crease for no-balls, and in line between wicket and wicket so you can judge leg before wicket. Your exact distance depends on the bowler's pace and run-up, but you should not obstruct the bowler or make them alter their run. Many umpires crouch slightly with weight balanced and hands relaxed. Keep your head as still as possible as the ball is delivered. Agree with each bowler which side they will bowl from and whether you need to adjust. Always check the bowler can see past you and that you can see the striker clearly.

• Stand behind the stumps, in line
• Close enough to see the popping crease
• Do not obstruct the bowler's run-up
• Keep your head still at delivery

In this lesson you will learn the sequence of watching at the bowler's end. As the bowler approaches, focus first on the front foot landing in relation to the popping crease, and be aware of the back foot and the return crease. Then quickly lift your eyes to pick up the ball in flight, watch it pitch, and see where it hits the bat, pad or stumps. This switch of focus takes practice. In T20 cricket a no-ball usually brings a free hit, so the front foot matters. Practise in the nets or while watching matches until the change of focus becomes automatic. Afterwards, keep watching the ball and the batters until the ball is dead.

• First: the front foot on landing
• Then: lift eyes to the ball in flight
• Watch pitch, impact and outcome
• Keep watching until the ball is dead

In this lesson you will learn the striker's end position. The striker's end umpire usually stands at square leg, level with the popping crease, so they can judge run outs and stumpings at that end. Stand far enough away to be safe and to see both the crease and the stumps, often around twenty to twenty-five yards, adjusting for the ground. You may need to move to the off side, at point, if square leg is blocked by a fielder or the sun is in your eyes, and you should tell your colleague and the batters when you do. From square leg you also help with high full pitches, short-pitched balls over head height and hit wicket.

• Stand level with the popping crease
• Usually square leg, about twenty yards
• Move to point if view or safety requires
• Tell colleague and batters when you move

In this lesson you will learn how the bowler's end umpire moves for run outs. Once the ball is played and the batters run, move to the side of the pitch so you can see the popping crease and the stumps at your end side on. Choose the side the ball has gone, so the throw comes towards you rather than across your line of sight, and move quickly but under control. Get there early and stop still before the ball arrives. At the striker's end, adjust slightly along the line of the popping crease. Never stand on the pitch itself, and never move into the path of a throw or a fielder running for the ball.

• Move side on to the popping crease
• Move to the side the ball was hit
• Arrive early and stand still
• Never stand on the pitch

In this lesson you will focus on your own safety and others'. Cricket balls are hard and travel fast. Watch the ball at all times while it is in play, even when you think it has finished, and be ready to move out of the way of a straight drive. Some umpires wear protective equipment such as a shin guard or arm guard, which is a sensible personal choice. Stay hydrated, wear a hat and sun cream, and take care in hot weather. If you feel unwell or are hit, stop play and get help. If the weather becomes dangerous, such as lightning, play should be suspended. Your safety comes before any match.

• Watch the ball at all times while live
• Be ready for straight drives
• Hydrate and protect against the sun
• Stop play if anyone is hurt

In this lesson you will learn how the two umpires work as a team. Agree before the match how you will communicate, for example a discreet signal to show how many balls remain in the over, or to confirm a bump ball or a run out. The umpires change positions at the end of each over, with the bowler's end and striker's end alternating. Look at your colleague at the end of each ball to check whether they have anything to report. If you need to consult, walk towards each other and speak privately. Good teamwork gives players confidence and means two sets of eyes are always covering the game.

• Agree discreet signals before play
• Make eye contact at the end of each ball
• Consult privately when needed
• Two sets of eyes cover the game