GROUND, WEATHER AND LIGHT GUIDANCE FOR UMPIRES (IN THE RECREATIONAL GAME) Version 1 2016

92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 1 15/03/2016 15:58 92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 2 15/03/2016 15:58 The aim of this Guidance is to assist umpires to decide, under the MCC Laws of Cricket, if play should be allowed to start, continue or resume, solely as a consequence of weather or weather-related conditions. Save where otherwise expressly noted, this Guidance does not address other situations when ground conditions may need to be assessed. The Guidance provides generic advice and umpires will be required to use their judgement based upon the weather and ground conditions they experience.

1.0 INTRODUCTION One of the greatest challenges for cricket umpires at all levels of the game is the management of ground, weather and light as set out in Laws 3.8, 3.9 and 7.2. These Laws require umpires to suspend play, or not to allow play to start or resume, when, in their opinion, the conditions are dangerous or unreasonable.

Law 3.8(b) states that ‘Conditions to make that assessment. However, shall be regarded as dangerous if no Guidance can anticipate the full there is actual and foreseeable risk to range of conditions that umpires the safety of any player or umpire’. may face and the key test for all decisions is that quoted above from This is the standard that must be Law 3.8(b). applied to all decisions relating to the ground, weather and light. The Laws of Cricket (2000 Code 4th Edition – 2010) marked a 1.1 Purpose of this Guidance significant change in who carried the responsibility for all GW&L decisions This Guidance covers: 1) the factors in all matches played under the MCC that umpires take into account in Laws of Cricket. It was this Edition assessing if conditions of ground, that removed any player involvement weather and light caused by the in the decision making. It is now the weather (‘GW&L’) are dangerous or sole responsibility of the umpires to unreasonable and 2) the procedures decide together whether conditions that it is suggested umpires follow are fit for play.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 4 15/03/2016 15:58 1.2 Why the ECB ACO is providing 1.3 The major points new information The judgement makes clear that During the summer of 2015, a case umpires DO owe a duty of care to was brought unsuccessfully against the players to uphold and enforce the ECB ACO in an English Court. The the Laws of Cricket, the relevant claimant, a fielder, alleged that the playing conditions and the ECB umpires had breached the duty of Directives. For GW&L decisions, care owed to him in allowing play to this duty of care means the umpires start in conditions he alleged to be must not allow play to take place if dangerous and were the cause of an they conclude that the conditions injury he suffered while fielding. The are dangerous or unreasonable. This judgement reviewed and commented duty to look after the players’ safety upon the evidence, as to how and is not removed by club officials, or when the umpires had carried out the players themselves, saying that their inspections and the tests they they accept the risk. Duty of care had applied in deciding whether and means the umpires should carry out when play could commence. The a thorough inspection of the GW&L judge held that the umpires owed a conditions to ensure they are not duty of care to the players to enforce dangerous (ie there is no actual and the rules and Laws of Cricket. His foreseeable risk to the safety of any judgement went on to describe the player or umpire) or unreasonable factors to be considered in deciding (see 3.4 on page 9) in order to whether the conditions were determine whether play can take dangerous or unreasonable, as well place. as the procedures involved in making this decision. The judge endorsed Laws 3.8 and 3.9 require ‘the the central test set out in Law 3.8(b) umpires together’ to agree that and the factors set out in detail in conditions are, or are not, dangerous Law 3.9(d) of the 2000 Code (2003 or unreasonable and describe the edition). This Guidance draws upon consequences, in terms of allowing the lessons learnt from this case. or not allowing play.

At the outset, it should be noted that In light of the recent case, play cases against umpires, and indeed should not start, resume or continue sports officials generally, are rare. unless BOTH umpires AGREE that Whilst it is prudent to take stock of conditions are neither dangerous the position and provide guidance nor unreasonable. The umpires in light of the recent case referred to should therefore between them immediately above (which was the identify any matter about which first time such a case has been brought they disagree, discuss it further and against ECB ACO), there should be no seek to come to an agreement. If an cause for undue alarm in the umpiring agreement cannot be reached that or wider cricketing community. The conditions are neither dangerous nor case also highlights the benefits of unreasonable then play should be having robust insurance cover in place suspended immediately, not allowed (which is of course available to umpires to start or not allowed to resume (as through the ECB ACO). appropriate).

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 5 15/03/2016 15:58 2.0 PREPARATION

2.1 Introduction Keeping the players informed before a ‘situation’ exists will In considering their GW&L decisions, improve their reaction (and the umpires must not distance reaction of the spectators) if/ themselves from the support and when it does present itself. It is advice that will be available to them helpful if both umpires acquire at a given venue. For example, the and share as much knowledge benefits of a positive relationship with as possible while preparing for the groundsman could be invaluable any game, thus strengthening in planning restarts and taking their working relationship and account of local weather conditions. improving the effectiveness of their communication. GW&L decisions rely on umpires demonstrating awareness, strong Before the start of a match, it communication skills, teamwork would be useful for the umpires to and clear thinking – and applying consult an up-to-date local weather them effectively and consistently. forecast. The advances in mobile Preparation before the start of a technology and weather radar mean match will help to ensure that all doing so is now easy and readily aspects of their decision-making available. clearly identify dangerous or unreasonable conditions, without compromising safety, therefore optimising playing time.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 6 15/03/2016 15:58 2.2 Clubs with ground staff, covers etc 2.3 Clubs without ground staff and/ or covers etc If he is available, the groundsman will be a valuable ally. Forming Umpires in the recreational game a positive relationship with him will stand at grounds that range from on arrival at the ground will offer local-authority owned/prepared significant help if interruptions to playing fields, which often have no the game occur. Demonstrating additional facilities or support in the this working relationship to the event of inclement weather, to clubs players and club officials should that have most of what would be mean the potential for stronger expected at a county ground. relationships throughout the umpires’ appointment. As a guide, The clubs and players at the lower the following information should be levels of the game may be more gleaned from the groundsman: willing to play despite poor weather conditions. For many of them, • Local weather knowledge and the match is their day a week of the current forecast. recreational sport, something they 2.0 PREPARATION • The covering facilities available enjoy and do not want to give up for the match and the level of unless it is absolutely necessary. support available to put the However at all levels, players may covers on and to remove them. be keen to get the game underway • The drying characteristics of depending upon the importance of the venue and any equipment/ the match to their team. strategies available to assist, if necessary. The challenge facing the umpires • The difficulties in pitch remains the same. If either umpire preparation, eg the weather believes there is an actual and effect, time, and other areas foreseeable risk of injury to the of concern. players or umpires, then the • The mowing and rolling conditions are dangerous and play requirements for the match. should not be allowed.

This information will assist the The preparation and planning umpires in discussing relevant mentioned above, albeit without a scenarios and making plans for groundsman or covers, still applies. eventualities that might arise. Such It is still just as helpful: 1) to know groundwork is never wasted: it will what is likely to happen; 2) to know make it easier to implement the what the umpires’ options might be; umpires’ plans at the appropriate 3) for the umpires to work closely time and, if shared promptly and together; and 4) to listen to relevant clearly with players/staff, should be comments of the captains and accepted by all involved. players.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 7 15/03/2016 15:58 3.0 ASSESSING GROUND CONDITIONS – FACTORS FOR CONSIDERATION

3.1 Introduction 3.2 Factors to be considered in assessing ground conditions This section of the Guidance deals with the factors to be considered In the recent case, the judge referred in assessing whether ground to and adopted the following part of conditions caused by the weather Law 3.9(d) of the 2000 Code (2nd (ie as opposed to bad light Edition 2003): or lightning, which are dealt with separately at the end of ‘The fact that the grass and the this Guidance) are dangerous ball are wet and slippery does not or unreasonable. warrant the ground conditions being regarded as unreasonable Play should not start, resume or or dangerous. If the umpires continue if conditions are dangerous consider the ground is so wet or unreasonable. Conditions are not or slippery as to deprive the ‘dangerous’ only when the whole bowler of a reasonable foothold, field of play (including the area the fielders of the power of free immediately beyond the boundary movement, or the batsmen of over which fielders may need to pass the ability to play their strokes or as they endeavour to field or catch run between wickets, then these the ball) is free from any actual and conditions shall be regarded foreseeable risk to the safety of any as so bad that it would be player or umpire. In making such a unreasonable for play to take decision, reference should be made place.’ [Emphasis added and for to Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and ‘unreasonable’ read dangerous]. Scoring Laws of Cricket (2000 Code 4th edition), which says: ‘While not From this it follows that factors to be suspending play unless conditions considered by the umpires include warrant it, they [the umpires] must, the following; if in doubt, err on the side of caution, and suspend play earlier rather than later’.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 8 15/03/2016 15:58 3.2.1 Fielding side • Areas of water must be investigated and efforts made to • Umpires are satisfied that the eliminate them and any danger bowlers’ run-ups, footholds and they pose. You might see if the follow-throughs appear to be playing area can be modified. safe, such that a bowler is able to Exceptionally, play may be deliver the ball without slipping possible if the water is further or other risk of injury. than 30 yards from the pitch, • The safety of the areas for the not on the square and you are bowler’s feet in his take-off absolutely convinced it will not stride, his delivery stride and prevent fielders from having free his follow-through strides movement, or that any danger it are particularly sensitive and poses can be eliminated. important. These areas can be checked by each umpire with his 3.2.2 Batting side foot, by firmly placing his foot on the ground to see if it slides or is • There appear to be secure otherwise unstable. footholds around the popping • The ground conditions do not crease so that the batsman can appear to be such as to deprive receive a delivery and can play the fielders of free movement shots without fear of slipping or when fielding, or attempting to other injury. field, the ball, ie they are free to • The ground appears to be firm move, turn and run at broadly full enough for the batsmen to set pace, without slipping or risking off for a run without slipping or other injuries. Ground conditions other injury. can be tested in the same way as • A batsman can run safely the areas for the bowler’s feet. between the wickets and turn • There appears to be no surface for subsequent runs. or standing water anywhere on • In every case these areas can be the playing area. Surface water tested in the same way as the is defined as water that can areas for the bowler’s feet. be seen on the surface of the ground; standing water is that 3.2.3 Both sides visible when pressing one’s foot into soft ground. • There appear to be no areas of • Similarly there appears to be no unfit ground that might cause surface or standing water on the a risk of injury to any player or area immediately beyond the umpire. boundary over which fielders may • Used pitches and their creases need to pass as they endeavour are often areas of particular to field or catch the ball. concern that require careful attention and review. 7

92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 9 15/03/2016 15:58 3.3 The pitch However, there can be In assessing this, it is situations when, despite the important to distinguish Law 7.2 provides that the rest of the playing area being this situation from one umpires are the sole judges safe and sufficiently dry, the when the pitch is merely of the fitness of the pitch for pitch itself is dangerous. For unsatisfactory, ie it allows play and refers to Laws 3.8 example, if a defect in the significant lateral movement, and 3.9. Law 3.9 provides covers has allowed a small the ball stays low, or the pitch that all references to ground amount of rain to create lacks carry. These things may include the pitch. It follows damp patches on areas of be matters for the umpires’ that the test of whether the pitch, on or short of a post-match report but, the condition of the pitch is length; or if the pitch has not unless they pose a danger to dangerous or unreasonable been properly prepared; or the batsmen or fielders, they is the same as for the rest of if earlier weather conditions, are not reasons to conclude the playing area, ie is there which have not affected that the pitch is dangerous or an actual and foreseeable the rest of the playing area, unreasonable. risk to the safety of any have resulted in a seriously player or umpire? problematic pitch. In every It is often impossible to case, the umpires must predict how a pitch will play Much of the time, a decision determine whether the and umpires always need to that says parts of the pitch pitch poses an actual and be vigilant in observing the pose the risks described foreseeable risk to the behaviour of the ball after above to batsmen, bowlers safety of any player it pitches, not just at the or fielders will apply with or umpire, in this case start of an innings, or when equal validity to the rest principally the batsmen conditions are less than of the pitch and the way in and the wicket-keeper ideal. The occasional unusual which it may play. standing up to or close to bounce does not mean that the stumps. For example, a pitch should be seen as an unpredictable or steep dangerous but regular and/ bounce, or a pitch on which or excessive steepness of the ball repeatedly goes bounce may lead to this through the top surface and conclusion. bounces dangerously.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 10 15/03/2016 15:58 3.4 Exceptional Law 3.8(c) provides that: circumstances and ‘Conditions shall be regarded unreasonable conditions as unreasonable if, although posing no risk to safety, it Law 3.8(a) provides that would not be sensible for it is solely for the umpires play to proceed’. together to decide whether conditions of GW&L OR That it is raining heavily does exceptional circumstances not necessarily mean the mean it would be dangerous conditions have become OR unreasonable for play dangerous, although they to take place. Thus far, this may have done so, but most Guidance has considered umpires (and players) would ‘dangerous’ conditions consider such conditions to and the test to determine be unreasonable and would them, as set out in the expect umpires to suspend Laws. Clearly anything that or not to start/resume play. is ‘dangerous’, whether otherwise ‘reasonable’ or Tom Smith’s Cricket ‘unexceptional’, will preclude Umpiring and Scoring Laws any play. What we will now of Cricket (2000 Code 4th consider is the meaning of Edition) says on page 43 ‘exceptional circumstances’ that there could be other or ‘unreasonable’. situations where it would be dangerous for play to Law 3.8(a) states that proceed – (eg a large swarm conditions are not to be of bees invading the field of regarded as either dangerous play) or unreasonable but or unreasonable merely not dangerous – (eg waiting because they are not ideal. for paramedics to come to administer aid to a player who has collapsed on the field).

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 11 15/03/2016 15:58 4.0 PROCEDURES INVOLVED IN MAKING GROUND INSPECTIONS This section of the Guidance deals with the procedures involved in deciding whether ground conditions caused by the weather (as opposed to bad light or lightning, which are dealt with separately at the end of this Guidance) are dangerous or unreasonable.

Following every interruption for weather or after every delayed start to a match, the umpires must inspect the ground conditions prior to any play taking place. There should never be any assumption about the conditions being suitable for play.

4.1 The Inspection Where play is underway, the decision, taking into account umpires should be vigilant the conditions in the whole Before allowing play, and observant in looking playing area (including the umpires must, in addition for signs of dangerous or area immediately beyond to considering the factors unreasonable conditions the boundary over which the above (at paragraphs 3.2 and consult between fielders may need to pass as and 3.3), conduct a careful themselves as necessary. they endeavour to field or inspection of the playing What they may have catch the ball). A systematic conditions affecting the regarded as safe earlier may approach is however whole of the playing have become unsafe – and recommended, taking in all of area (including the area they need to react promptly. the areas causing particular immediately beyond the concern in the same order. boundary over which fielders Each umpire should arrive This will allow umpires to draw may need to pass as they at his own conclusions on comparisons at times when endeavour to field or catch whether the conditions are the ground is not fit on the first the ball), which should be dangerous or unreasonable. or subsequent occasion and carried out no faster than The way in which the to assess any improvement at a reasonable walking pace inspection is carried out can that has been made in the (ie walk over the playing area be decided by the umpires. conditions in that same area including that immediately They may walk together or since prior inspections. beyond the boundary). separately, provided that Whilst the focus of this each arrives at his own Guidance is weather, such an approach to inspection may also identify other risks, such as broken glass, hidden objects, divots etc.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 12 15/03/2016 15:58 The umpires’ opinions (either If there are particular areas Following an inspection, the before play or during the of concern following an umpires will agree together course of a match) can then inspection, the ground the next course of action. be discussed between the staff, if available, should As noted, play should not umpires to enable them to be informed and a plan to start, resume or continue arrive at a joint decision. try to address the problem unless both umpires agree should be agreed. Once both that conditions are neither Throughout all inspections, umpires have decided the dangerous nor unreasonable; umpires should be mindful conditions are fit for play, if an agreement cannot be that every venue, at every they need to set a time at reached then play should level of the game, has which play can start and be suspended immediately, different characteristics then work closely with any not allowed to start or and support available. This ground staff to ensure this not allowed to resume (as range emphasises the need timeframe is met. They appropriate). for all umpires to do their should always allow enough homework before the start of time for ground staff (or a game so that any surprises those responsible) to have are kept to a minimum. the ground ready and for the umpires to complete any overs or run-rate calculations. Once a restart has been agreed, the umpires must remember to inform the captains and the scorers.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 14 15/03/2016 15:58 4.2 Placement and removal 4.3 Frequency of inspections 4.4 Recording your decisions of covers Law 3.9(c) says, when It is helpful that a record It seems obvious that, if the there is a suspension in is made of the time of groundsman is not present play, it is the responsibility inspections, the umpires’ and the placement and of the umpires to monitor conclusions to those removal of the covers is left to conditions and make inspections, and the times the players, it is essential that inspections as often as the umpires decide to they are supervised by the appropriate, unaccompanied commence or suspend play. umpires. What is perhaps not by the players or officials. It It is helpful if these records so obvious is that it is good is therefore helpful to remind are retained. In the event practice for this supervision the captains of this Law in that the umpires are required by the umpires to occur even advance, rather than have to complete a report on the if the ground is staffed by a half the players troop out match, this information can full-time support team. The after the umpires, who then also usefully be recorded umpires are responsible for have to turn them back. here. The records can include trying to ensure that covers notes about the relevant views are placed to maximise their Umpires are to remain expressed by others, along efficiency and that pipes are vigilant when play is with clear indication that laid so that the water runs suspended or has not the deliberations between onto the outfield, where it can started. They are to keep the umpires and inspections best soak away, rather than one eye on the weather so carried out by the umpires onto the square. Supervision that the conditions can be addressed such views. of the removal of covers is inspected as soon as they also critical to avoid spillage. look to have improved. In the event that any player The captains and ground is injured during play, and Particular care is required authorities should be kept the cause of such injury may when flat sheets are to be informed of their findings. If reasonably be considered removed. If possible the they decide the conditions or suspected to have arisen water on these should be are not fit, a further from the ground conditions, soaked up with a hopper inspection will be arranged, it is recommended that, as prior to moving them. It is and the captains and scorers soon as possible, a record be always helpful to arrange for notified of the time. made by the umpires as to as many people as possible the steps they took in regard to assist and to raise the two to relevant inspections and sides to trap any remaining decisions relating to the water on the sheet, before playing conditions. dragging this to somewhere where the water can be drained away without affecting the playing area unduly.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 15 15/03/2016 15:58 5.0 DECISION MAKING BY UMPIRES IN RELATION TO GW&L

5.1 Joint decisions In light of the recent case, play 5.2 What if there is only should not start, resume or one umpire? In arriving at a decision to continue unless BOTH umpires allow play to start, resume or AGREE that conditions In the event that there is to continue, umpires should are neither dangerous nor only one qualified umpire at err on the side of caution. unreasonable. The umpires a game (qualified, for this should therefore between purpose, means a current, full Law 3.9(b) states that, them identify any matter member of the ECB ACO), if the ‘umpires together about which they disagree, and the other end will be agree’ (meaning a joint discuss it further and seek handled by a player or a club decision of the umpires to come to an agreement. official,the qualified umpire made independently of the If an agreement cannot be should take responsibility players) that the conditions reached that conditions for deciding on GW&L of GW&L or any other are neither dangerous issues. This does not circumstances are dangerous nor unreasonable then however mean the qualified or unreasonable, they shall play should be suspended umpire should not listen to immediately suspend play, or immediately, not allowed the opinion of others. not allow play to start or to to start or not allowed to resume. Some umpires have resume (as appropriate). interpreted this to mean that, in the event the two umpires disagree, the status quo should continue, ie if play was underway it carried on but, if play was not underway, it did not start or resume. That interpretation should no longer be followed.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 17 15/03/2016 15:58 6.0 DEALING WITH CLUB OFFICIALS, CAPTAINS AND PLAYERS – AND SOME REAL WORLD SITUATIONS

6.1 The state of the game When considering whether Situations will arise that to come off or whether will challenge umpires’ When there is a break in play should start or resume, decision making, especially play because of the weather, umpires cannot take in key matches towards umpires are often faced into account the state of the end of a season or in with a situation whereby the the game. If conditions the later stages of a cup winning side is keen for play deteriorate to the extent that competition. It is important to restart and the losing side either umpire considers they that the umpires use the does not want to restart. In have become dangerous or same criteria they have used this situation, some players unreasonable, the players throughout the season to will try to influence the are to come off immediately. decide whether play will umpires, being constantly They should not stay on until start, continue or resume. in their ear. If this happens, the end of the over; they umpires should inform their should not stay on because captain of what is happening the batting side only needs and ask him to deal with it. a few runs to win or the fielding side needs only one more wicket.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 18 15/03/2016 15:58 6.2 Dealing with a captain’s 1) The umpires cannot force 6.3 Handling players’ desire refusal to play the reluctant captain to to play on when conditions have his team play and are dangerous Law 21.3 makes clear that, in should be careful not to the event one team refuses to coerce him. It is not uncommon for play, the umpires shall award 2) The umpires can remind captains and players to say the game to their opponents. the captain calmly that the they would like play to start, decision to play is theirs, continue or resume, even In the recreational game, and theirs alone, to make. though they accept the when GW&L issues arise, it is 3) The umpires can briefly umpires’ conclusions that often the case that one team address any issues raised conditions are dangerous. will want to play (usually by the captain (eg the ball They will often tell the because they think that they will get wet and slippery). umpires that they also might win) and one team will 4) If the captain persists, the accept the risk of injury to not (usually because they umpires should ask the themselves and their players. fear they will lose). specific question, ‘are you refusing to play?’ This is a difficult situation for Umpires must determine 5) Assuming the answer umpires. The following 3-step whether play is possible to 4) is affirmative, the process is suggested as a way based entirely on external umpires should explain to handle this situation. conditions, not on the state that the Laws provide that of the match. However, once a captain’s refusal to play 1)  The umpires can calmly they decide that play can will have consequences. remind the captains that begin or continue, they will The umpires will follow the the decision not to play is often be lobbied by clubs, procedures laid down in theirs, and theirs alone, to captains or players, who will Law 21.3 and will award the make under the Laws and argue the decision is wrong. match to the other team. that they owe a duty of 6) The umpires can point out care to the players. Some of this lobbying is that other consequences 2) The umpires should advise inevitable and has to be may arise under the the captains and ask accepted and managed Playing Conditions, which them to tell their players sensibly, principally by the the captain may wish to that they have concluded umpires being firm and consult before arriving at there is a foreseeable risk objective in explaining their his decision. of injury to the players or thinking. However, in the 7) The umpires give the umpires, ie the conditions event their doing so does reluctant captain a are dangerous. not resolve the situation, it is specified amount of time 3) The umpires should important the umpires adopt to change his mind. Once abandon the match and a clear plan if they believe that time has elapsed, withdraw from the ground. one team is indeed refusing play will either continue to play. The following 7-step or the umpires invoke process is suggested as a the sanctions in Law way to handle this situation. 21.3 (unless the Playing Conditions provide to the contrary) and award the match to the opposing side.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 19 15/03/2016 15:58 7.0 RAIN

The Laws do not prohibit In the interests of optimising Each umpire has his own cricket being played when it playing time appropriately, level of tolerance for is raining, provided it is not when conditions are not playing in rain. It is vital dangerous or unreasonable. dangerous or unreasonable, for umpires to discuss this Umpires should establish it is difficult to provide matter and to agree on a whether the Playing guidance about continuing joint position before the Conditions that apply to to play or starting or match to ensure the players the match or competition resuming play if it is raining. do not see them disagree. they are officiating include This has to be a judgement specific provisions as to what call made by the umpires to do in the event of rain. and based on the situation at the time.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 20 15/03/2016 15:58 Provided the ground they must be vigilant and Umpires should anticipate conditions are not dangerous attentive to the actions that the fielding side may or unreasonable, allowing of all players. They must complain about the condition play to continue, start suspend play immediately, of the ball. If using a towel or resume in light rain is as soon as either concludes does not solve the problem, acceptable and will often be that the ground conditions they should consider taking welcomed by the players. have deteriorated to a point appropriate action under Law Once the umpires decide where they have become 5.5 (Ball lost or becoming to allow play to take place, dangerous or unreasonable. unfit for play). Umpires should have confirmed the availability of a suitable supply of spare balls as part of their pre-match duties.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 21 15/03/2016 15:58 8.0 THE ECB’s ‘GET THE GAME ON’ INITIATIVE

The ECB initiated a wide-ranging comprise this core team. This programme in the 2014 season, programme, like this Guidance, also aimed at increasing the number of stresses the need for preparation cricket matches played each year. and use of all of the available This programme covered many resources to do everything that can concerns (in addition to GW&L) that be done appropriately to get/keep caused matches not to be played. the match underway.

In relation to GW&L, Get the Game Get the Game On does NOT in any On calls upon those people it refers way override the fundamental Laws to as ‘Game Day Decision Makers’ of Cricket, under which the umpires to work together to maximise the alone must decide whether conditions possibility and amount of play that are dangerous or unreasonable. can be achieved when the weather Where either umpire considers this intervenes. It says umpires, captains, to be so, no play should occur while ground staff and other club officials these conditions continue.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 22 15/03/2016 15:58 9.0 LIGHT

Umpires are called upon its pace) soon and clearly to make a judgement as to enough, the conditions whether the light is suitable should be regarded as for play to start, continue or dangerous and play should resume. The test is the same be suspended or should not as that for ground conditions start or resume. For example, caused by weather: is it if the bowler’s end umpire dangerous, ie is there an begins to have difficulty in actual and foreseeable risk following the path of the to the safety of any player ball as it reaches the striker, or umpire? The same degree that should trigger a careful of care is needed to reach consideration and discussion the decision. With light, as of light conditions with his with ground conditions, colleague. the umpires should err on the side of caution. Before To come to a conclusion play can start, continue or about the suitability of resume, both umpires must the light conditions, both agree the light is sufficient umpires should be mindful that conditions are not of their own ability to view dangerous or unreasonable. the ball from their normal positions. They should Once it becomes clear also watch the reactions of that the players and/or the the batsmen and fielders umpires are/will be unable carefully, taking into account to pick up the flight of the the pace of the bowling. ball (taking into account

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 23 15/03/2016 15:58 10.0 LIGHTNING

Umpires may be called upon to • If, at any point during the match, make judgements as to whether the threat of lightning, whether the presence of lightning renders it actual or perceived, comes to unsuitable for play to start, continue the attention of either of the or resume. The test is the same as umpires, the umpires should that for ground conditions caused by follow the protocol outlined weather: is it dangerous, ie is there below and agree a course of an actual and foreseeable risk to action that takes into account all the safety of any player or umpire? factors outlined therein. The same degree of care is needed • If on the field, either umpire in reaching the decision. With decides that the lightning threat lightning, as with ground conditions, is imminent, he should advise his the umpires are to err on the side colleague and they should both of caution. Before play can start, instruct the players to leave the continue or resume both umpires field of play immediately in a must be satisfied that conditions safe and orderly manner, with are such that it is not dangerous or the umpires, and to relocate to a unreasonable. secure and safe location. • In order to resume play, both The following guidelines should be umpires must agree that used to assist the umpires with their the threat has passed and it duties in the event of lightning, in is safe to do so, taking into order to ensure safety: consideration all relevant information. • In making decisions regarding the suspension, resumption or start of play due to the threat of lightning, actual or perceived, the umpires may refer to any meteorological data that may be available.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 24 15/03/2016 15:58 When making decisions regarding • Play should not start or resume, starting, continuing or resuming play, or should be suspended and the umpires must err on the side of shelter immediately sought, caution and must prioritise safety over when there are 40 seconds and above the optimisation of play, or less between the flash of irrespective of the state of the match. lightning and the associated If there is any doubt as to the likely thunder clap. threat of lightning, the umpires should • It is generally safe to return to not start or should suspend play; if the field of play a minimum of play is already suspended, they should 30 minutes after the final flash not resume play until they have agreed of lightning or clap of thunder that the threat has passed. has been seen or heard. • It might be possible to start The following 40/30 protocol should or resume play earlier than 30 be considered by the umpires: minutes but only if it is clear and agreed by both the umpires that the storm has moved on and there is no threat of lightning. • For the sake of clarity, the final decision remains in the hands of the umpires.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 25 15/03/2016 15:58 11. SUMMARY

The significance of the • The need for the And WHENEVER – management of ground, umpires to be ready weather and light places for all foreseeable either umpire considers demands on the umpires possibilities and more. there is an actual and irrespective of the level of • In determining whether foreseeable risk to the safety the game in which they are play can take place of any player or umpire, play involved. Umpires need to regard must be had to should not take place. work effectively together the factors involved in to ensure the players are assessing conditions Attached is a brief guide to confident they are handling and the procedures to assist the umpires on the day these situations to the best be followed in assessing in handling GW&L decisions. of their combined ability. conditions and carrying Umpires are encouraged Umpires should always be out inspections. to attend GW&L training guided and remember that; • Where the umpires sessions arranged by ACOs are in doubt as to the and Leagues. • The decision on whether safety of the playing play can take place is conditions, they should the responsibility of the err on the side of caution umpires alone who owe and not allow play. a duty of care to the • The need for the umpires players. to make and retain • There is no substitute appropriate records. for thorough pre-match • In the event of lightning, preparation and for regard should be had to umpires agreeing the protocol governing between themselves this how all GW&L matter will be handled. • Building strong working relationships with all available key personnel is essential if playing time is to be optimised.

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92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 26 15/03/2016 15:58 NOTE: The information in this Guidance is correct to the best of the ECB and ECB ACO’s knowledge at the time of its publication. It is, however, only intended as guidance and, to the fullest extent possible in law, neither the ECB or the ECB ACO (or indeed any other party involved in its production) accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of material contained in this Guidance. Further, whilst the ECB and ECB ACO recognise that umpires have a duty of care and the importance of participant safety generally, nothing in the content of this Guidance is intended to raise the standard of that duty of care (in law) or make cricket as a whole more subject to litigation.

92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 27 15/03/2016 15:58 ECB ACO Membership Services Warwickshire Cricket Ground Edgbaston, Birmingham, B5 7QX IN T +44 (0)121 446 2710 STAY THE E [email protected] GAME 92018 92018

92018 ECB Ground Weather and Light.indd 28 15/03/2016 15:58