Positioning advice in Acumen News Letter

[duncanfrancis]

In the Acumen News letter sent round this morning the subject of "best and safe" positioning when at bowlers end was mentioned and I quote:
Some umpires are still interpreting “best and safe” as “ALWAYS move away from the ball”. In fact, if the ball is hit square or behind the wicket, then simple geometry shows the safer side is SAME side as the ball.
I find it hard to see how it can be best to put yourself between the thrower and the wicket. Any views ?

He later added "Apologies, I have just realised I have had a senior moment here. I read this as the ball being played square of the wicket at the bowlers end (therefore to mid on/mid off). Pennies just dropped, sorry for any confusion!"

[missingleg]

If the ball is hit square or behind square you won't be in the way of the ball unless either the throw is wayward or you overrun beyond the crease.

As long as you get square on on either side quickly and you do so without hesitation I'd say you've done your job in getting into position. The only way you'd get in the way of the throw is if you run to the same side of the ball being hit to cover or mid wicket, which would be the wrong decision in my opinion.

[sillypoint]

Wherever you position yourself when the ball is in the field you need to be mindful of possible line of throw between the ball and either wicket, as well as the position of fielders near you, as well as the line being taken by the running batters. It is never a simple either/or decision; you just have to keep your wits about you at all times concerning your own position and everything else that is taking place.

[jaybee]

It seems to me that when at the bowler's end a ball hit square or behind the striker presents the least likely danger to the umpire, to whichever side of the wicket he or she moves. The likelihood of being hit by a wayward throw must decrease the further away he gets from the stumps. So, while going to the same side as the ball is probably best, is this what should concern us most?
To my mind the most pressing danger to an umpire is when the ball is hit fairly straight towards him/her. At the bowler's end this is a drive straight back or ricocheting off the non-striker or the bowler's foot etc; at the striker's end this will usually be a pull or hook round to square leg.
Following what I was brought up to do in my playing days the first principle was to get in line with the ball so that any deviation is away from you. Of course, with advancing age, this relies upon adequate vision and reflexes, which is a constant worry - particularly with more powerful bats - but I think it's still a good principle.
The second factor in this event - and assuming you've got out of the way successfully - is what happens after the ball has passed you.
At the bowler's end you'll move square-on along the line of the popping crease so should be able to look to left or right to get sight of the throw. Apart from a brief glance to make sure that the batsman has made his ground when turning for a second run you can keep your eye on the ball and the throw.
At the other end turning 90 degrees allows you to switch vision tennis-spectator-style to keep checking the ball and what's happening close to the stumps while remaining in a good position to make a decision. This is something I've had to concentrate on as it didn't come naturally at first; I think it works and I'm surprised at how few colleagues seem to do this.

[gooders]

Ideally, move into a position where you can see everything you need to in order to make any decision you may be called upon to make.
Bear in mind you need to keep yourself safe as well, so stand so that you are able to judge the whereabouts of the ball being thrown in, and quickly check the popping crease for short runs and eventually the possibility of a run out decision you may need to make.