Fielding restrictions

[missingleg]

I'm just curious to know what you do when you notice an illegal field before the ball becomes live, either:

A) 3 fielders behind square on the leg side and

B) Fewer than 4 fielders in the 30 yard circle if you play with those regs.

I only ask because yesterday I had the B scenario and stopped the game to tell the captain, who was grateful. I could have just called no-ball at the striker's end when the ball was delivered.

However, that got me thinking - what if I'd only noticed it when the bowler started his run-up, or what if I'd missed it altogether and the batsmen told me after the ball was delivered - if he was clearly right should I then give a retrospective no-ball?

Do you think it opens a can of worms to prevent a no-ball by telling the captain, or should we be consistent and just call what we see when we know it's going to happen?

I suppose it could be compared to telling the bowler he's close with his feet or the keeper's gloves are in front of the wicket.

[Acumen]

If it was a competitive game, I would wait until ball is in play and call "No Ball" - otherwise the batting side could, justly, complain that you had deprived them of a run OR that you were coaching!

Obviously if it were a friendly game, I would take a more relaxed approach.

If I missed it and the striker complained, I might swallow my embarrassment and call late. However I would need to be certain that the fielder had not moved after the ball had been delivered.

[gooders]

All I would ask is that you bear in mind what we spoke about last time we stood together.
Don't go looking for problems, they will find you without any help from yourself.
You have to remember why you are there, and that is to make sure that with the skills you have learnt, and your knowledge of the laws, that the game is played according to the laws. Leave the coaching to the coaches, and after the game, when the teams are discussing what has happened, they will hardly notice a good umpire, because he has kept the game running smoothly without being obtrusive.

John