Editing Umpire (cricket) (section)

== Decisions and signals ==
{{primary sources|section|date=June 2010}}
During play, the umpire at the bowler's end makes the decisions, which they mainly indicate using arm signals. Some decisions must be instantaneous, whereas for others they may pause to think or discuss it with the square leg umpire, especially if the latter may have had a better view.

===At the end of an over===
[[File:Alf-proto.png|thumb|right|The cricket umpire lever counter, an example of a device used by umpires to count the number of balls in an over.]]
The umpire keeps a record of the deliveries and announces the completion of an [[Over (cricket)|over]]. Occasionally an umpire may miscount, leading to one too many or too few balls being bowled in the over, however in most grades the scorers may communicate with the umpires to determine the correct count.

=== When the ball is in play ===
These decisions have an important effect on the play and are signalled straight away.

==== Out ====
[[File:Cricket Umpire dismissal.jpg|thumb|right|An umpire signalling the batsman as out]]
{{main|Dismissal (cricket)}}
An umpire will not give a batsman out unless an [[Appeal (cricket)|appeal]] is made by the fielding side, though a batsman may [[Walk (cricket)|walk]] if they know themself to be out. This is nowadays rare, especially in Tests and [[first-class cricket|first-class]] matches for contentious decisions; however, it is the norm for a batsman to walk when they are [[bowled]] or obviously [[caught]]. If the fielding side believes a batsman is out, the fielding side must appeal, by asking the umpire to provide a ruling.

The umpire's response is either to raise their index finger above their head to indicate that the batsman is out, or to clearly say "not out", which is usually accompanied with a shake of the head.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/rules/umpire_signals/newsid_3809000/3809867.stm|title=The umpire's signals|date=2004-06-29|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-GB}}</ref> The 'out' signal is the only signal that, if indicated by the striker's end umpire, does not require confirmation by the bowler's end umpire.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lords.org/mcc/laws-of-cricket/laws/law-3-the-umpires/|title=The laws of cricket, Law 3 (see 3.14.a.ii)|access-date=16 June 2013}}</ref>

==== No-ball ====
[[File:Southgate Adelaide CC v Stevenage CC at Southgate, London England 08.jpg|thumb|150px|An umpire signalling a No-ball]]
{{Main|No-ball}}
Either umpire may call, and signal, no-ball, for an illegal [[Delivery (cricket)|delivery]], although each umpire has unique jurisdictions. The most usual causes for no-balls are foot faults or a ball passing above a batsman's waist without bouncing, each of these being under the jurisdiction of the umpire at the bowler's end. The square-leg umpire will rarely have to call a no-ball, as their jurisdiction is limited to infringements that occur less frequently such as short pitched deliveries which pass the batting crease above the batsman's shoulders. The signal is to hold one arm out horizontally and shout "no-ball"; the idea being that the batsman is aware of the no-ball being bowled.<ref>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/rules/umpire_signals/newsid_3810000/3810053.stm BBC Sport</ref> In matches under the auspices of the ICC, it may also be a no-ball if the umpire feels that the bowler's arm is bent more than 15 degrees (throwing rather than bowling). The ICC have chosen to amend Law 21.2 (Fair Delivery – the arm) as a result of controversy concerning the legality or otherwise of bowling actions of certain prominent bowlers.{{who|date=February 2018}}

==== Free hit ====
{{Main|Free hit}}
In certain forms of [[limited overs cricket]], such as T20s and ODIs, a no-ball that is the result of the bowler overstepping  the crease or bowling above a batsman's waist will be penalised by the next delivery being a free hit. The umpire will signal this by circling a finger horizontally over their head, usually following a no-ball signal (and any other signals associated with the no-ball such as a boundary). During a free hit delivery, batters cannot be dismissed [[caught]], [[bowled]], [[leg before wicket]] or [[stumped]].

==== Wide ====
[[File:Umpire signalling a wide.jpg|thumb|200px|An umpire signals a wide in a junior cricket match.]]
{{Main|Wide (cricket)}}
A wide is an illegal delivery, due to it being "wide of where the striker is standing or has stood at any point after the ball came into play for that delivery, and which also would have passed wide of the striker standing in a normal batting position." (Law 22).
A wide is signalled by extending both arms out horizontally and is accompanied by a call of Wide Ball.
If a delivery satisfies the criteria for both a No Ball and a Wide, the call and penalty of No Ball takes precedence.
Umpires are not to signal a wide until the ball has passed the batsman. If a batsman chooses to pursue a wide delivery, once contact with the bat takes place it cannot be called wide.

==== Dead ball ====
{{Main|Dead ball (cricket)}}
If the ball is no longer considered in play it is a dead ball. An umpire will signal this by crossing and uncrossing their wrists below their waist with the call Dead Ball, if they are required to do so under certain Laws, and also may do it if they think it is necessary to inform the players.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/rules/umpire_signals/newsid_3810000/3810085.stm|title=Dead ball|date=2004-06-29|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-GB}}</ref>

A similar signal is also used to indicate a "not out" from the Decision Review System. This is signalled by an umpire crossing their hands in a horizontal position in front and above their waist three times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://static.icc-cricket.com/ugc/documents/DOC_988F9785FD768E4902737F0ACA2E856B_1352699266080_719.pdf|title=ICC Standard One Day International Match Playing Conditions (see Appendix 7 3.4.b)|access-date=16 June 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304090807/http://static.icc-cricket.com/ugc/documents/DOC_988F9785FD768E4902737F0ACA2E856B_1352699266080_719.pdf|archive-date=4 March 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

=== Signals to scorers ===
It is important that the [[scorer]]s note down the play accurately and therefore the appropriate signals will be made by the umpire when the ball is dead (see Law 2.13). In addition to the following, the umpire repeats signals of dead ball, wide, and no-ball to the scorers. Scorers are required to acknowledge the signals from umpires; and umpires are required to get an acknowledgement before allowing the match to proceed.

==== Four ====
[[File:Abridge CC v Hadley Wood Green Sports CC at Abridge, Essex, England. Lumix 10.jpg|thumb|150px|An umpire signalling a Four]]
If a batsman scores [[four (cricket)|four]] when they hit the ball across the boundary (not by actually running them), the umpire signals this by waving their arm back and forth in front of the chest. This signal varies a lot between umpires, from two short, restrained, waves finishing with the arm across the chest, to elaborate signals that resemble those of a conductor of an orchestra.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/rules/umpire_signals/newsid_3809000/3809911.stm|title=Four|date=2004-06-29|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-GB}}</ref>
Whichever way the umpire signals a four they must, by law, finish with their arm across the chest (so as to avoid confusion about whether a No Ball was delivered as well).

==== Six ====
A [[six (cricket)|six]] scored by hitting the ball over the boundary is signalled by the umpire raising both hands above their head.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/rules/umpire_signals/newsid_3809000/3809933.stm|title=Six|date=2004-06-29|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-GB}}</ref>
For a six to be scored, the ball must come off the bat, so it is impossible to have six byes for a ball crossing the boundary (without there being overthrows).

==== Bye ====
[[File:Abridge CC v Hadley Wood Green Sports CC at Abridge, Essex, England. Canon 35.jpg|thumb|150px|An umpire signals Byes]]
If runs are to be scored as [[bye (cricket)|byes]], the umpire will hold up one open palm above the head.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/rules/umpire_signals/newsid_3809000/3809951.stm|title=Bye|date=2004-06-29|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-GB}}</ref>

==== Leg bye ====
[[Leg bye]]s are signalled by the umpire touching a raised knee.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/rules/umpire_signals/newsid_3809000/3809991.stm|title=Leg bye|date=2004-06-29|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-GB}}</ref>

==== Short run ====
If one of the batsmen turns to complete runs after the first without grounding their person or equipment behind the popping crease, then a ''short run'' is signalled by the umpire tapping their near shoulder with their fingers and the short runs are not scored. If more than one run is short, the umpire will inform the scorers as to the number of runs scored.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/rules/umpire_signals/newsid_3810000/3810015.stm|title=One short|date=2004-06-29|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-GB}}</ref>
There is also a case of deliberate short running, where the umpire will disallow all runs, although this is a rather rare occurrence.

====Decision Review System====
{{main article|Umpire Decision Review System}}
If the umpire is unsure of a "line decision" (that is, a run out or stumped decision) or if the umpire is unsure whether the ball is a four, a six, or neither, they may refer the matter to the Third Umpire. The umpires may additionally refer decisions to the Third Umpire regarding Bump Balls and catches being taken cleanly (but only after the on-field umpires have consulted and both were unsighted). Additionally the players may decide to refer a [[Dismissal (cricket)|dismissal]] decision to the Third Umpire. The on-field umpire signals a referral using both hands to mime a TV screen by making a box shape.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/rules/umpire_signals/newsid_3809000/3809891.stm|title=TV replay|date=2004-06-29|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-GB}}</ref>

If the Third Umpire decides that the on-field umpire made an incorrect decision then they will inform the on-field umpire, via headsets, of what they have seen and tell them to either change their decision or to stay with their original decision. The on-field umpire may then have to signal the 'revoke last signal' sign (below).

The Third Umpire is not used except in international or important domestic matches.

==== Penalty runs ====
{{main|Penalty run}}
For extreme misconduct by one team, the umpire may award five penalty runs to the other team. Placing one arm on the opposite shoulder indicates that the penalty runs are awarded to the fielding team, but if the umpire taps that shoulder, the penalties are awarded to the batting team.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/rules/umpire_signals/newsid_3810000/3810103.stm|title=Penalty runs|date=2004-06-29|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-GB}}</ref>

Five penalty runs are more commonly awarded when the ball strikes a foreign object on the field, usually a helmet of the fielding side.

==== Last hour ====
In Test cricket and first-class cricket, the last hour of the last day of play has special significance. First, there is a minimum number of overs (20 in the Laws of Cricket, fifteen in Tests) that must be bowled in the last hour. Second, and more importantly, a result must be reached before the time elapses and the umpire calls "stumps" for the match to have a winner; otherwise, the match ends with a draw and no winner. The umpire signals the last hour by pointing to their wrist (and the watch on it), which is raised above their head.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/rules/umpire_signals/newsid_3810000/3810111.stm|title=Last hour|date=2004-06-29|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-GB}}</ref>

==== Revoke last signal ====
If the umpire makes an incorrect signal, they may revoke it. To do so, they cross their arms across their chest, then makes the corrected signal. A revocation may be made if the umpire discovers an incorrect application of the laws, such as, signalling "out" before realising that the other umpire signalled a no-ball. Also, an umpire may revoke if they accidentally signal a four though they intended to signal six.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/cricket/rules/umpire_signals/newsid_3810000/3810119.stm|title=Cancel call|date=2004-06-29|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en-GB}}</ref>
With the implementation of the [[Umpire Decision Review System|Decision Review System]], a signal may also be revoked if the Third Umpire reports that their review supports reversing the call.

====New Ball====
In matches lasting more than two days the captain usually has the option of taking another new ball after a set number of overs (usually 80) have taken place since a new ball was introduced (an innings always begins with a new ball). The umpire at the bowler's end signals to the scorers that a new ball has been taken by holding the ball above their head. The scorers note the time that the new ball has been taken.

If the ball is damaged to the extent that it gives either team a disadvantage, it is replaced with a used undamaged ball in similar condition. A similar-condition used ball is also used if the ball is ever lost in the course of play (for example, if a ball hit for six becomes irretrievable).

In 2007 the [[International Cricket Council]] (ICC) brought in a new law stipulating that, in ODIs, after 35 overs have been bowled the ball must be replaced with a clean used ball.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/312533.html|title=ODI rule modifications could get early start|work=Cricinfo|access-date=2018-06-02|language=en}}</ref> In 2011 this rule was changed so that a different ball is used at each end, thus each ball getting used for 25 overs. The balls used in ODIs are white and become discoloured very easily, especially on dusty or abrasive pitches, and thus the ball change is deemed necessary to ensure that the ball is easily visible.

====Power Play====
ICC introduced a system of [[Powerplay (cricket)|Powerplays]] in limited-over cricket which restricts the number of fielders outside the 30-yard circle, among other things. When a Powerplay is beginning, the umpire moves their hand in circular fashion above their head.
* In ODI, the entire innings is played through three different Powerplays with looser restrictions as the innings progresses. The first Powerplay lasts for the first ten overs and restricts the fielding team to two fielders outside the 30-yard circle. The second Powerplay comprises the middle 30 overs (the 11th through 40th overs) and raises the limit to four fielders outside the circle. The third and final Powerplay lasts for the final ten overs (the 41st through 50th overs) and allows five fielders outside the circle.
* In Twenty20, a Powerplay is in effect for the first six overs of an innings, whereby only two fielders can be outside the fielding circle. For the rest of the innings, five fielders can be placed outside the circle.