Lancashire League Handbook 2019

55 INSTRUCTIONS TO UMPIRES 1. Umpires must arrive at the ground no later than forty-five minutes before the time scheduled for play commencement, and should be in position at the wickets in time to ensure that start of play is punctual both at the commencement of the match and following the interval. 2. Umpires are to inspect the ball at irregular intervals and at the fall of a wicket. Any complaint must be made to the fielding captain in accordance with Law 42.3.(d)(1). 3. Whenever there is encroachment on the field of play by spectators the game shall be suspended until the playing area is cleared. 4. There should be no practice by the players with bat and/or ball on the field of play during the ten minutes prior to the commencement of the game and during the 25 minute tea interval, nor during any period of delay in the game. Players wishing to use nets or other practice areas or facilities off the field of play must first seek approval of the home club as a matter of courtesy. 5. In the event of the captains agreeing before the commencement of the match as to the conditions of the ground or light, the umpires will, so far, be relieved of their responsibility. It should be noted that no appeal for bad light is permissible, the matter being entirely in the hands of the umpires. In the case of interruption through rain, immediately the rain has ceased, the umpires without further instruction and not wearing their white coats shall inspect the pitch, unaccompanied by any players or officials, and decide upon its fitness. Should it prove unfit, they shall continue to inspect at intervals until they decide that it is fit for play, when they shall call upon the teams to resume the game. Rain affected games: the following will apply: please see Rule F3.3. (a) Twenty overs per team minimum constitutes a game. (b) One over deducted for every three and a half minutes of lost time. (c) Each side entitled to 50 overs. (d) See Rule F3.4 concerning 2nd innings target. 6. When a game is delayed or interrupted by ground/weather conditions injury and/or ill health should also be considered. 7. At the end of each innings the Umpires shall consider whether the bowling side has bowled at a rate less than 16 overs per hour, having considered Rule F3.10. If they believe this to be the case they should consult with the scorers and where appropriate, agree that a deduction shall be made. The Umpires shall then inform the Captain of the team from which a point is to be deducted. 8. After a stoppage the umpires will instruct the scorers at an appropriate time. 9. See Rule F3.13 regarding interpretation of a wide ball. The 17inch lines are to assist umpires in judging an off side wide ball.