Chairmans News

Chairmans News 2008

Any news from our Chairman will be published on this page as and when I receive it.

News from our Chairman.
December 2008 Good wishes for Christmas and the New Year and of course for the forthcoming cricket season. I thought I would write to you at this time to keep you abreast of changes which have been agreed for the forthcoming season and advise you of others which are still under discussion. CHRISTMAS NEWS LETTER 2008
Following various Umpires Association Committee meetings and discussions, as well as the Leagues own Annual General Meeting, it has been decided to issue a closed season newsletter to keep all panel members in the picture on current developments. The comments made below are in no particular order and should anyone have any observations please come back to either myself or an Association committee member. Diary Dates The next umpires’ course begins on the 13 January and will be at Oakmere Cricket Club 7.30 pm start. Any new umpires or existing panel members who would like a refresher would be most welcome. The umpires Annual General Meeting will be on the 23 February at Hale Barns Cricket Club 8.00 pm start. You will of course receive the usual documentation via Ian Bishop prior to the meeting. Please make every effort to attend. A meeting specifically for new umpires – including those who joined the panel during last season – will take place on the 9 March again at Hale Barns Cricket Club 8.00 pm start. This meeting is important and all panel members who fall into the above category are urged to attend. A pre-season umpires get together will take place in March again, hopefully, at The Greyhound at Ashley. Further details will follow in the New Year. Finally please note that I myself will be away from the 6 January until the 4 February and should anybody have umpiring matters which require attention please advise Ian Bishop or any member of the umpires committee. Club Facilities No specific information has been received by the Association on ground facilities but specific mention was made at the Annual General Meeting by the League Secretary in connection with existing league clubs whose facilities are not up to the standards required. It is understood that this question will be tackled during the forthcoming season and umpires are asked to note any failures specifically on the results sheets. A couple of clubs where comments were made last year have already been mentioned to the League and hopefully action will be taken. Those clubs providing separate garden shed facilities for umpires have been asked to provide medium sized facilities as the smaller sheds have difficulty in containing some of our larger members – notably Tony Barnes and myself – when we stand together! Fair Play League Very many thanks for all your co-operation this year and it is understood that this league will continue next season. There will be a chance to discuss matters at our own A G M. General Behaviour Here again there seems to have been an improvement although your committee are aware that general across the board conformity on standards applied by umpires is almost impossible, baring in mind the degree of latitude allowed to umpires on the spot. It is the committees’ opinion that we need to very much to highlight the dissention against umpire’s decision next season and again perhaps umpires can give this some thought and it can be discussed at our own A G M. New Result Sheets incorporating Over Rates and Ground Markings This seems to have been generally a success and most umpires now appear to be more than happy with the over rates situation and co-operation with captains seems to have worked well. Dress The question of umpires’ general attire was raised at an Association Committee meeting and it was felt that one or two of our members have appeared in what was considered to be a generally scruffy condition. Whilst I would personally hasten to say almost of our members are correctly dressed I feel that one or two need to be reminded that there is a specific dress code i.e. coat, shirt, tie, dark trousers and white shoes which should be adhered to. Expenses Expenses have been agreed at £30 per league match for the forthcoming season with the usual standard increase for umpires standing solo. No agreement has yet been made regarding the knockout competitions until a format has been clarified – see below. The League Handbooks It is appreciated that there was something of a “scramble” to ensure that umpires received handbooks prior to the first match of the season. As indicated the Association issued the handbooks as soon as they were received from the League which, was admittedly, only 48 hours beforehand. Specific representations have been made to the League Chairman and it is hoped that the arrangements next season will mean that umpires receive books at least a week in advance. Quite frankly this happens with other leagues in Cheshire and there is no reason why the Meller Braggins should be any different. It is obviously vitally important that new umpires know how to get to clubs and of course current panel members can get to clubs new to the League, apart from any new rules and regulations which may apply. League A G M Proposals were made by the Executive Committee amending rules 13 and 14. This, hopefully, will clarify the position regarding rain in the second innings which has been a bone of contention for a couple of years. Likewise the question of points in an abandoned match which, although not a specific point for the umpires is useful information. To this newsletter I have attached the proposals that were adopted along with various explanations. Obviously, again, these will be discussed at our own A G M should there be any problems. Unfortunately the question of the provision of scorers, in particular the deduction of points, was not carried at the A G M. However it is felt there is sufficient “weight” in the existing rule 24 for umpires to take action should scorers not be available for a particular match. The Association is suggesting that the matter be taken up at the pre-match meeting when the position regarding scorers can be clarified. Specific suggestions have been put to the League and the matter is to go forward at the January Executive meeting. Hopefully there will be information available to umpires after that meeting and you will of course be kept in the picture. Likewise it was disappointing to note at the A G M no specific mention was made of changes to the current knockout competitions, converting them into proper 20/20 matches. However it is hoped, again, that action will be taken at the January management meeting and, again, it is the committees’ intention to keep you informed. As no specific arrangements have been made currently no decision has been made by the committee on expenses for the knockout matches for the forthcoming season. As you will appreciate there are a number of ongoing matters and I have to say that one or two of these are somewhat disappointing despite the efforts of your committee. However please be assured that we shall continue to pursue these matters hopefully to a satisfactory conclusion. Finally can I take this opportunity, on behalf of the umpires’ committee to offer all members our best wishes for Christmas and the New year and we look forward to your participation during 2009. Dave Lawson Chairman AMENDMENTS TO RULE 14, 13, – FROM THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1. Amend Rule 14: At the end of the first bullet point add the sentences: “No more than 40 overs can be lost in this way otherwise the provisions of Rule 7 cannot apply. The latest starting time is therefore 20 x 7 = 140 + 30 (early tea) = 170 minutes after the scheduled start (4.20 p.m. for a 1.30 p.m. start).” This is not a rule change but an overdue clarification of the existing situation. 2. Amend Rule 14: Delete existing second and third bullet points and replace with: After a match has commenced the limit on the first innings cannot be reduced. In the event of stoppages for inclement conditions in either innings the first aggregated 15 minutes of stoppage shall not result in any deduction of overs. Thereafter, one over shall be deducted from the match for every 3.5 minutes of stoppage. This change simplifies the procedure when play is lost. The previous complicated provisions for loss in the second innings, which have resulted in matches being halted prematurely are not required now that the concept of winning and losing draws no longer applies. We also get away from the idea of turning a match defined by overs into a time game situation. The flexibility for short interruptions will now apply to the whole match with the 15 minutes provision. If both innings take 2 hours, 45 minutes and tea 30 minutes the 15 minutes would make the finish 6.25 hours after the scheduled star, as before. 3. Amend Rule 13: Delete existing fifth bullet point and replace with: In an abandoned match – each side shall receive 7 points or bonus points and draw points whichever the greater (An abandoned match is one in which no play is possible or one in which play is finally suspended before a positive result is achieved and before the completion of the allocated number of overs). The inclusion of the 2 draw points in this rule eliminate the anomaly that when a match is treated as abandoned sides, in certain circumstances, will get fewer points than if it was drawn. A further clarification of the bracketed section is that if the overs expire with play in progress it is a draw, if whilst suspended it is abandoned. MAY 2008 IMPORTANT NOTES FOR UMPIRES The following points were raised at a League Executive Meeting which unfortunately took place after the last newsletter was prepared and forwarded to you with the appointments. In view of their importance it was felt by the Association you should be advised immediately. Obviously it was expected with the number of changes there would be one or two teething problems and hopefully these notes will help clear matters for the future. FAIR PLAY LEAGUE Can I first of all thank all participants for their help in forwarding cards to Colin Hughes. Only one point has arisen. There may have been confusion initially over when these cards should be sent to Colin. In order to process them correctly Colin requires a card to be sent immediately after a match has been completed. The confusion appears to have arisen over the fact that some umpires were informed that htese could be sent say on a monthly basis. In the circumstances please ensure that cards are sent by either you or your colleague to Colin IMMEDIATELY after the match. OVER RATES Generally speaking the completion of informaqtion on the results sheetws has been satisfactory, however there are one or two points which perhaps require clarification and shoud be noted:- It has been found difficult to understand in some cases why over rates were slow and what is obvious to umpires on the spot is not always obvious to those examining the sheets at a later date. Should any time over te limit be noted a comment must be made in the appropiate box, even if this is simply 'slow over rate'. No comment can unfortunately be interpreted in at least two ways! Obviously no comment is required if the over rate is within the prescribed time. It is imperative that exact time be noted on the sheets and any time at all (even one minute) over the limit must be noted. Additionally it would be useful if, in the allowance column, minutes should be inserted so there is no misinterpretation of timings. Regarding the time itself it should be appreciated that we are to note time to complete the overs and not the time at the commencement of the last over. Whilst some of these matters may seem a little pedantic it is obviously important that we get these right as the League are deducting points on the imformation provided and obviously wish this to be as accurate as possible. As you will appreciate one of the key issues here is to try for consistency but should anyone have any comments please let me know. Dave Lawson, Chairman. FEBRUARY 2008 Following my recent Newsletter in connection with various changes to be implemented this season, John Bone and myself had a meeting last week with the League Executive to take matters forward and I can now advise in the various topics discussed. PRE-MATCH MEETING - it was agreed that this will be included in the Handbook as set out previously and umpires should make a note of the team winning the toss as this imformation is now required to be entered on the results sheet - see below. A note of the decision by the team winning the toss is not required, merely a note of the side who won the same. KNOCK-OUT COMPETITIONS - it was agreed tht these woud proceed as outlined in my previous note with umpires being appointed by the Association for the 2nd round onwards. The League is to remind clubs that payment of expenses for the 2nd round will be the responsibility of the clubs on the night - future rounds - that is from the quarter finals will be paid, as usual, by cheque from the league direct to the umpires concerned. Would all umpires therefore please complete the availability form for the Knock-outs as required. If any specific clubs require panel umpires for the 1st round as agreed, they should approach myself and panel umpires will be allocated and the appropriate expenses charged. Should club umpires stand unofficially, for the 1st round only, this is their responsibility. TEAM BEHAVIOUR - the League are to introduce a Fair Play league during 2008 and umpires will be supplied with pre-paid and addressed cards to be sent at the end of each match. These should be dealt with by umpires separately and not as part of the score sheet system. Umpires should collaborate in simply ticking an appropriate box on the card and forwarding it to the addressee. A supply of cards will be sent to umpires, hopefully along with the handbook. REVISED SCORE SHEETS INCLUDING THE MARKING OF GROUNDS - again this is to go ahead for 2008 and hopefully these forms will be ready for the Captains and Umpires meeting. These will be basically self explanatory and, again, I hope to be in a position to send a copy to all umpires for imformation along with the handbooks. Meantime a draft will be circulated at the AGM. Will umpires please complete the forms as accurately as possible and, no doubt, comments wil be made as usual on the adequacy or otherwise of the teas. The revised score sheet will include a specific section in respect of the toss - mentioned above and also timings in respect of over rates - see paragraph below. OVER RATES - as previously mentioned this was agreed in the form originally indicated and the new rule will be inserted in the handbook. A specific box will be included on the revised summary sheet and it is vitally important that umpires complete the timings correctly. Likewise space will be provided for any details of extenuating circumstances and details for breaks for rain etc. Again it is important that these are clearly noted as in all instances it could result in points being deducted by the League. As with other matters it is NOT the responsibility of umpires to advise on points deduction, merely to report facts to the League who will make the necessary judgements. HANDBOOKS - as per usual the handbooks will be available just prior to the start of the season and will be sent to each umpire separately, along with, hopefully, copies of the fair play card and a new score sheet for information. CHILD WELFARE MATTERS - see the website regarding these matters on the 2008 SEASON page. PLEASE RETURN THE AVAILABILITY SHEETS TO ME BY THE 18th March 2008. Dave Lawson, Chairman. JANUARY 2008 I will be on holiday form the 1st March - 18th March and in order to facilitate the issue of the first umpire's lists I would appreciate the return of your availability sheets by my return on the 18th. The sheets will be issued at the Umpires AGM, or if you are unable to attend, will be posted the next day. The Captain & Umpires meeting has been scheduled for Thursday 10th April - 8:00pm (see DIARY DATES above) I hope as many umpires as possible will attend as there are a number of changes this year - including my own dissertation which will be completely different than in the past. Webmaster Note- Now that should be worth attending just for that. EXPENSES. Expenses for the forthcoming season have been agreed at £28 per umpire per match. The same level of expenses will apply to evening knockout matches. For league matches where umpires stand alone there will, again, be a standard 50% increase. Expenses to be divided equally between both teams. START TIMES. Following the amendment put forward at the League AGM start times will be brought forward to 1:30pm for all League matches but will of course remain at 1:00pm for games late in the season and at 12:30pm for the last match as in the past. PRE-MATCH MEETING As last year this should be held at least 15 minutes before the scheduled or re-schedules start of play and involve both captains and both umpires. Topics to be addressed should be:- Supervision of the toss Fully completed team cards to be presented to the umpires by both captains duly signed on the reverse. Both match balls and spares to be handed to the umpires. Umpires expenses to be paid. Clarification of any local rules. Umpires expectations in respect of behaviour. Games should not begin until all points indicated have been carried out to the standing umpires satisfaction and it is understood that these various points will now be included in the League handbook. KNOCKOUT COMPETITIONS As last season panel umpires will be provided for both 1st & 2nd XI Competitions from the quarter finals stages with expenses to be paid by the League. It has also been agreed with the League that the Association would attempt to appoint umpires to cover all 2nd round matches during the forthcoming season although, this being experimental, it cannot be guaranteed that every game will receive neutral panel umpires. In this case officals will be paid by the clubs and your Committee has indicated it is imperative that the League advise the clubs accordingly and they understand officals must be paid on the night. It was also agreed with the League that where any clubs would like neutral panel umpires for any 1st round matches an approach should be made to the Chairman (Dave Lawson) or Colin Hughes (Deputy Appointments Secretary) as soon as possible. Should the Assoiciation be in a situation where it can provide neutral panel umpires for 1st round matches, once again it must be clearly understood that payment is the responsibility of the clubs and will, of course, be at the standard rate. The above changes will apply to both 1st & 2nd XI competitions and it should be noted that expenses will be applicable at the stanard rate where panel umpires are appointed. TEAM BEHAVIOUR The question of general team behaviour was raised on one or two occasions last season and matters have ben left in the hands of the League and we are now awaiting the outcome of their further deliberations. You will of course be kept posted on any changes muted for the forthcoming season. REVISED SCORE SHEET including MARKING OF GROUNDS Following discussions with the League t is most probable that the current score sheet will be revised and re-drafted for the 2008 season. One of the main changes will be on the question of ground markings where the markings themselves will be redefined and various definitions, which have been agreed by the Groundsmens Association will be included on the form. There will probably be a specific box to be completed by umpires on the questions of innings and over rates - see below. It should be understood that this box is to contain timings and expanations where umpires feel it necessary but any points deduction will be the responsibility of and will be made by the League. Once again other than the timings, umpires are not responsible for the correctness of the sheets. OVER RATES Following discussions with the League a special EGM was held in January and the following chnage was agreed for the 2008 season. NEW MATCH RULE 15 - all subsequent rules to be moved to the next number. In all 1st XI matches teams are expected to bowl the 45 oversin 2 hours and 45 minutes (17 overs per hour). This time is to include 1 drinks break were required. Umpires will, at the request of the fielding captain, advise the time and th number of overs bowled at any time during the innings. Umpires will make appropriate allowances for unavoidable stoppages caused by weather, injuries or other extenuating circumstances and these shall be recorded on the results sheets. Where appropriate, points may be deducted by the Executive Committee acting on such information provided by the umpires on the results sheet. One point may be deducted from the points awarded for the match for each over not completed in the allotted time and calculated at the rate of 17 overs per hour. There will also of course need to be an appropriate change to MATCH RULE 14 as currently outlined in the handbook. As it will be appreciated there is still some 'fine tuning' to be done in respect of a number of the above points and committee members have agreed to meet the League Executive on the 14th February to iron out these issues. Meantime f anybody has any thoughts or comments, as usual, please do not hesitate to come back to me. Meanwhile I will keep you posted of further developments as they occur. DAVE LAWSON Chairman.

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