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Post by timetosanitise on Jul 20, 2021 15:19:16 GMT
I'm new to this umpiring thing - recreational only - but I've discovered what I see as a major issue: I sometimes have significant difficulty judging the landing position of the bowler's front foot.
Most bowlers seem to land either heel first or flat-footed - no problem. But when they come down on their toe, I often SUSPECT they've overstepped, but can't say for definite. And this has, more than once, landed me in hot water with the non-striker!
I stand about 8 ft back from the stumps; probably not QUITE to the point where the bails appear level with the 5' protected area line; more like such that the popping crease appears about halfway up the stumps. Am I too far back? Or too far forward?
Or am I just not good enough? What do I do?
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Post by sillypoint on Aug 6, 2021 14:04:18 GMT
I certainly consider that 8 feet is too far back. Be that as it may, try to estimate the span of the bowler's foot, then visualise an imaginary line that far forward of the popping crease. That then gives you a reference point beyond which you can call a No Ball. Bear in mind, however, a few other points: 1. The span of the bowler's foot is not necessarily the same as shoe size. Some slow bowlers land with their foot sideways, so the span may be somewhat smaller. However for a fast bowler you would generally take the shoe size as your guide unless the bowler has a peculiar action. 2. If the bowler lands the foot sideways and then swivels so that the heel comes behind the crease you have to judge whether the swivel is part of the landing action or a subsequent action—e.g. happens only after the ball is released. 3. Always keep in mind the words "whether grounded or raised" from the Law. 4. If a bowler is right up there and making it hard for you to judge, a good technique is to have a quiet word: "Front foot is very close, maybe bring it back a touch" or words to that effect will often get an adjustment. 5. If a quiet word has no effect, then a No Ball call might. 6. A bowler who never grounds the heel will often dispute a No Ball, or at least check it, by placing the foot on the mark and then lowering the heel. You can do the same when you've let one go that you thought was close; doing this will (1) help you to develop better judgement, and (2) show to the players that you are watching and thinking. 7. Quiet communication with the bowler by signals is often a good technique. If you've taken a close look at one, wait out in the bowler's run through path until you catch his/her eye, then hold up a hand with finger and thumb almost touching—to signal "that last one was nearly an overstep". 8. In the end, you just have to do your best to judge, make your call, and back your judgement if players challenge you.
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Post by Acumen on Aug 14, 2021 12:01:43 GMT
Modern thinking is that 12 feet back may be better. Whilst it is important to pick up No Balls, missing a fractional overstep is not disastrous.
It is more important to minimise eye and head movement, quickly refocussing on the ball for LBW, catches etc.
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