(ii) In addition, if during play, the Umpires decide that the
light is unfit, only the batting side shall have the option of
continuing play. After agreeing to continue to play in unfit
light conditions, the Captain of the batting side (or a Batsman
at the wicket) may appeal against the light to the Umpires, who
shall uphold the appeal only if, in their opinion, the light has
deteriorated since the agreement to continue was made.
(b) After any suspension of play, the Umpires, unaccompanied by
any of the Players or Officials shall, on their own initiative,
carry out an inspection immediately the conditions improve and
shall continue to inspect at intervals. Immediately the Umpires
decide that play is possible they shall call upon the Players to
resume the game.
9. Exceptional Circumstances
In exceptional circumstances, other than those of weather, ground or
light, the Umpires may decide to suspend or abandon play. Before
making such a decision the Umpires shall establish, if the
circumstances allow, whether both Captains (the Batsmen at the wicket
may deputise for their Captain) wish to continue in the prevailing
conditions: if so their wishes shall be met.
10. Position of Umpires
The Umpires shall stand where they can best see any act upon
which their decision may be required.
Subject to this overriding consideration the Umpire at the
Bowler's end shall stand where he does not interfere with either
the Bowler's run up or the Striker's view.
The Umpire at the Striker's end may elect to stand on the off instead
of the leg side of the pitch, provided he informs the Captain of the
fielding side and the Striker of his intention to do so.
11. Umpires Changing Ends
The Umpires shall change ends after each side has had one innings.
12. Disputes
All disputes shall be determined by the Umpires and if they
disagree the actual state of things shall continue.
13. Signals
The following code of signals shall be used by Umpires who will
wait until a signal has been answered by a Scorer before allowing
the game to proceed.
Boundary - by waving the arm from side to side.
Boundary 6 - by raising both arms above the head.
Bye - by raising an open hand above the head.
Dead Ball - by crossing and re-crossing the wrists below the waist.
Leg Bye - by touching a raised knee with the hand.
No Ball - by extending one arm horizontally.
Out - by raising the index finger above the head. If not out the
Umpire shall call "not out".
Short Run - by bending the arm upwards and by touching the nearer shoulder
with the tips of the fingers.
Wide - by extending both arms horizontally.
14. Correctness of Scores
The Umpires shall be responsible for satisfying themselves on the
correctness of the scores throughout and at the conclusion of the
match. See Law 21.6. (Correctness of Result).
Notes
(a) Attendance of Umpires
The Umpires should be present on the ground and report to the
Ground Executive or the equivalent at least 30 minutes before the
start of a day's play.
(b) Consultation Between Umpires and Scorers
Consultation between Umpires and Scorers over doubtful points is
essential.
(c) Fitness of Ground
The Umpires shall consider the ground as unfit for play when it
is so wet or slippery as to deprive the Bowlers of a reasonable
foothold, the Fieldsmen, other than the deep-fielders, of the
power of free movement, or the Batsmen the ability to play their
strokes or to run between the wickets. Play should not be
suspended merely because the grass and the ball are wet and slippery.
(d) Fitness of Weather and Light
The word (only) was deleted at the MCC General Meeting in May 1998
The Umpires should (only) suspend play when they consider that the
conditions are so bad that it is unreasonable or dangerous to
continue.
