Reacting to players' disputes

[missingleg]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to ask about your man-management approaches on and off the field:

Yesterday I had a situation where a batsman ran for leg-byes after not attempting to hit the ball (or avoid being hit). After they ran one (with the ball running away from the fielders still) I called and signalled 'dead ball'. I think that was the right action to take, though I may have been wrong.

However, a member of the fielding team was adamant I should have let the passage of play continue as they could still have run out the batsmen. I tried to remain firm. After saying he didn't play a shot and therefore the ball is 'dead' after one run, he then argued, 'why didn't you give him out lbw then if he wasn't playing a shot'. I said 'because it pitched outside leg', he replied angrily 'yes but he wasn't playing a shot'. The 'debate' continued.

I would like to know how you would react to this kind of situation - do you avoid confrontations at all costs at the risk of being made to look like you don't know the laws, or do you stamp down your authority at the risk of turning the game sour?

I think I'm fast becoming an unpopular umpire - I've only had 2 games, both of which have involved off the field confrontations too (and one that was heated)! Do you behave differently on and off the field?

Perhaps I have a problem that I look to administer the letter of the law too much and don't consider that a friendlier, lenient approach would be more helpful.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated - I am striving to become a better umpire, both in terms of the laws and player relations.

Many thanks.

[blackbeard]

You were perfectly correct in all your decisions. You are a new umpire and players do try to see how far they can push new umpires. You should mearley state that, you have made your decision and if the player persists in arguning then inform him and his captain that if it continues they will both be reported. Try to avoid drawn out discussions of incidents.
You have to be strong with the outcome of your decisions, I would have called my colleague over to witness this dissent. A threat of a report usually stops this. Dissent off the field is treated no different, this should also be reported. I would question your colleague as to why he let this go on. Do not think you are to blame, you are there to make a decision and the players must respect this under penalty. A threat of penalty runs normally shuts them up, although this in not part of the law for dissent, but they don't know this.

[johnfgolding]

May 4, 2008 14:10:27 GMT @blackbeard said:

You were perfectly correct in all your decisions. You are a new umpire and players do try to see how far they can push new umpires. You should mearley state that, you have made your decision and if the player persists in arguning then inform him and his captain that if it continues they will both be reported. Try to avoid drawn out discussions of incidents.
You have to be strong with the outcome of your decisions, I would have called my colleague over to witness this dissent. A threat of a report usually stops this. Dissent off the field is treated no different, this should also be reported. I would question your colleague as to why he let this go on. Do not think you are to blame, you are there to make a decision and the players must respect this under penalty. A threat of penalty runs normally shuts them up, although this in not part of the law for dissent, but they don't know this.

Blackbird is correct in the advise he gives. You and your collegue are a team and should act as such. Although I am not sure I would use the threat of penelty runs. You might have a player that knows the rules.
Try not to get involved in explaining your decisions. Be very clear in what you do.

It get easier as you as you go on, see if you can get your league to have you stand with a more experienced umpire. That may help you to get the confidence you need.

[missingleg]

Thanks for the words of encouragement people - may I ask what you would have done in that situation?

[blackbeard]

Dificult without being there but: after calling dead ball after the first run and then being challenged on this, I would have said that my decision stands, and would suggest I show him the relevant section of law after the match. ( I would not fully explain the law at this time, unless his attitude changed and he was genuinley interested, but would not hold up the game to do so)This should have been an end to it, if he continued I would then remind him of the spirit of cricket, if this was ineffective I would then inform him that he would be reported and advise the captain that this is going to happen. I would have hoped that my colleague would have joined me at this stage, if not inform him as he will need to sign the report sheet. Once the game is over and they come to you to apologise accept this but remind them the report stands. Under no circumstances go back on your decision, this will only prove you are a weak umpire and they can get away with it next time. Once they realise you will not stand for dissent then they will not try it on. Under no circumstances should you or any umpire accept dissent on or off the field.

[johnfgolding]

May 4, 2008 13:41:35 GMT missingleg said:

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to ask about your man-management approaches on and off the field:

Yesterday I had a situation where a batsman ran for leg-byes after not attempting to hit the ball (or avoid being hit). After they ran one (with the ball running away from the fielders still) I called and signalled 'dead ball'. I think that was the right action to take, though I may have been wrong.

However, a member of the fielding team was adamant I should have let the passage of play continue as they could still have run out the batsmen. I tried to remain firm. After saying he didn't play a shot and therefore the ball is 'dead' after one run, he then argued, 'why didn't you give him out lbw then if he wasn't playing a shot'. I said 'because it pitched outside leg', he replied angrily 'yes but he wasn't playing a shot'. The 'debate' continued.

I would have done as you did regarding calling the dead ball, when challenged just short statement that the ball is dead after attempting the first run but first make sure the batsman return to their original positions and the scorer & colleague knows what has gone on and that no run has been scored.

When challenged about the LBW just say missing stumps.

If there is further dispute do exactly as Blackbird suggests.

You need to be firm on your decisions, be prepared to reverse one that has been a genuine mistake, but if so do it quickly. Players will respect that, try some interaction (not over-friendleness) with the players. Go to the bowler to take his hat, talk about the weather to the non striker.

Most importantly ask for some mentoring from your appointments secretary, that will really help you. It seems from your postings you need to gain self belief & confidence, a good colleague will help you a lot.
You will be a popular umpire by being firm, making correct decisions, not being over officious or over friendly.

[missingleg]

Thanks.

I do have confidence in my abilities as an umpire, just have to learn more about man-management and such

[swerveman]

It's at times like this that you can give thanks for your superior knowledge and your "armour" of brilliant white shirt and coat, properly knotted tie, well-pressed black trousers, and clean white shoes.

Never argue back; there's nothing wrong with giving an explanation, but don't take too long over it. All the advice above is good.

It won't take too long for the players to realise you're not a mug.

[wisden17]

Hi Missingleg,

Can't say I've ever heard that comment before from a player!

To be honest, I wouldn't start going around threatening people or anything like that. My general approach is to try to diffuse things from remaining calm and smiling. Just relax and don't let whatever he's saying effect you.

One thing with the laws, if they're moaning about what they are, offer to show him after the game, 9 times out of 10 they'll have forgotten by the end of the game anyway.

With the LBW comment, I'd have said the same as you, or perhaps something like "Would have been plumb, if it hadn't pitched outside leg". If he wants to carry it on beyond that, just tell him you're not having a debate, you've made the decision and let's get on with the game. If he still wants a moan get his captain over.

If he really is still persisting then yes get your colleague over and start the formal warning and reporting procedure under Law 42.

Just be confident in your decision making, in refereeing we talk about "selling" decisions, if you look and appear confident then it will show to players. You've made your decision, you aren't changing it, but you should also be approachable, so I wouldn't be aggressive to the player, just be assertive, remind him you are in control of the conversation.

But the best tool is to smile. If he sees you smiling he will know he isn't effecting you or your confidence. Just watch top officials in any sport and see how often they smile, if is the best defence to any attempt to chink away at your "armour".

[missingleg]

Thanks, I'll remember the smiling tactic.

[jaybee]

May 5, 2008 15:53:43 GMT wisden17 said:

... One thing with the laws ... offer to show him after the game ... [avoid] a debate ....
But the best tool is to smile.

Sound advice.
How you deal with it also depends on your own personality and his - some can make / take a joke, with others it falls flat.
On his question about the lbw 'decision' you could suggest he thinks about why you acted as you did ready to discuss it in the bar after the match. That way you show you know what you're doing, aren't unapproachable, but won't debate it on the field.

[Number 6]

Missingleg

Hi. First thing is don't let it get to you. I had similar occurences in my early days. Strangely, after a few disciplinary hearings had taken place and points had been docked and fines levied most teams sort of got the idea that there was little point in arguing the toss with me! ;D I never get a problem now beyond the odd muttered under the breath comment which I may, or may not choose to ignore depending on the circumstances.

Maybe because of my attitude I now find that I get asked for by name to umpire special and cup games

Second. I don't think you have any problem with this but make sure that you know the laws. Do not, under any circumstances tell porkies in order to attempt to calm a situation down. If you are sure of the law in question then stand your ground and say "I've given my decision. I'm sorry that you disagree but if you wish to discuss it after the game then I'll be glad to do so but now is not the time". Then smile sweetly and carry on with the game. If this does not defuse the situation then I have no hesitation; it's consult your colleague and call the captain over to tell him (not ask, tell) to take action and that the matter will be reported. Make sure then that it is reported and that you get your colleagues signature on the form. Get your colleague to sign even if he claims he is deaf and blind, you need both signatures on the form.

You will get teams that try to lay it on. Just "tough it out" and teams will soon get the message.

Remember, you and your colleague are in charge. Try and defuse situations before they get out of hand but at the end of the day you and your colleague are the boss.

[Number 6]

Missingleg - how's it all going now?

[missingleg]

It's, as expected, getting easier as it goes, thanks. I had a good, enjoyable game today. I was everyone's friend and it was an ideal cricket match (well, but for the drizzle!).

I'm fast learning to be helpful and chatty rather than officious and distant. Thanks to the advice and techniques offered on this board, I feel far more comfortable in my duties (I've always felt comfortablel with knowledge of the laws - such as today when the batsman was miffed that I didn't call no-ball to a ball he received at chest-height from a spin bowler. I've always known the relevant law, but I was able to explain it etc in a way in which the batsman accepted it.

On a lighter note, a batsman took his guard today, he asked for 'two please'. I kept on saying 'away from you, more, more...' until he did it himself - we all chuckled - turns out that 'two' means middle and leg. I always thought 'two' meant middle stump - as in 1 (leg), 2 (middle), 3 (off)!

[johnfgolding]

Glad to know it is getting better for you.
Just remember it is a slow ball, that has to be below shoulder height otherwise it is a no ball.
You are the judge of that.
Sometimes a bowler, spinner or not, of of a few paces can deliver a fairly quick one.
Best to be on the side of caution.

The 1-2-3 catches many out, but only once.