On this page will be any News that the Meller Braggins Cheshire Cricket League submit. 

 

At the League AGM the following Rule Changes were passed for 2012.

 

 

 

 

MELLER BRAGGINS A G M

 

UMPIRES ASSOCIATION REPORT

 

As usual can I take this opportunity of thanking all clubs, on behalf of The Association, for their hospitality last season.

 

We are likely, once again, to have a number of new umpires on the Panel for the forthcoming season and it would be very helpful if these guys were treated with understanding and courtesy. 

 

As usual The Association, in the form of our good friend Colin Hughes will be putting together information regarding the Fair Play League.  Current conditions will apply in that we do attempt to disguise which umpires are giving what marks.  Not everybody may agree with this but it is found to be an equitable solution and it will continue for the forthcoming season.

 

There will be slight changes to the umpires marking system in that a section on “Umpires Decisions” will be re-introduced.  It hoped that this will be used by captains correctly and not just as an opportunity to criticise umpires who have not given decisions the supposed correct way.  The revised forms and instructions will be forwarded by the league Secretary prior to the start of the season and, hopefully, will be included in the Handbook in substitution of those already therein.

 

The reason for the delay is that the Cheshire Cricket umpires & Scorers Association are trying to ensure that the same system is used by all leagues and, currently, final confirmation of the format is waited from ECB ACO.   Hopefully this will arrive well before the start of the season.

 

Two further points in respect of these forms arise and it is probably appropriate to deal with them at this time.

 

Firstly the association feels that as well as rewarding the teams at the top of The Fair Play League, consideration should be given either a fine or an initial points deduction from the teams finishing in the bottom places.  This is of course for consideration by the League. 

 

Secondly the Association will be paying far more attention to the position of umpires within their own league table and whilst no information other than currently divulged will be available, the Committee will be making assessments on umpires 2 or 3 times a season and making the necessary corrections to any faults or problems.

 

 

It is disappointing that on field problems continue to increase and umpires will be looking to Fair Play aspects this coming season.  In particular it is hoped that bowlers can actually complete an over without making comments to the receiving batsman. I must say I am somewhat disgusted at the current series in Australia where it seems impossible for bowlers to bowl a single ball at a batsman without following it up with some comment   Is this really necessary. 

 

The final point is that umpires will be asked to ensure that batsmen are not given a verbal farewell when they are out.  This is totally outside the spirit of the game and it is not necessary.  On one occasion last year, when a batsman was bowled, the wicketkeeper actually ran after him with the stump in his hand to make a farewell comment.  In future umpires will be asked to immediately report such incidents.

 

Finally the Association hopes that for next season it will be able to cover all League matches as well as all T20s.  It is proposed, in view of the continually escalation of petrol prices that expenses be increased to £34 per umpire per match for League matches with , if it necessary to have umpires standing alone the cost be £50  (£25 per club)  .Expenses for T20s t remain at £25 per umpire per match.

 

In conclusion can I wish everyone an enjoyable and successful season in 2012.