Overview DUTIES OF THE 3 rd (TV REPLAY) UMPIRE (2012) The 3 rd Umpire was brought into cricket to adjudicate on Run Out and Stumping appeals using TV replays. This has now been expanded by the ICC to include Boundaries and Catches and the application of DRS. Essentially the 3 rd umpire now is to assist with umpire generated reviews and player generated reviews on decisions. In Test Matches and One Day International series, if no 4 th umpire has been appointed, the 3 rd umpire duties shall also include: taking a box containing at least 6 new balls to the fielding side s dressing room, prior to each innings and supervising the selection of the match ball. In these circumstances, the 3 rd umpire shall also take control of any replacement balls. If this is your first appointment as 3 rd umpire, you should have already spent some time previously sitting with an experienced 3 rd umpire during a match to get the feel of the situation. If this is not the case, an experienced 3 rd umpire may sit with you for a few hours during the match. Although you don t have any control in the positioning of the 3 rd Umpire s Room, ideally it should be placed where it has quick and easy access to both the Umpires Room and the Ground. The indicator lights have to be positioned so that the spectators have a clear view of them. The room itself should be comfortably furnished. Remember you will spend up to 7 hours a day in the room either with the Referee or by yourself. The room should be equipped with: 1. A high quality TV Monitor, which has the direct TV picture sound feed 2. A telephone (or sound connection) with a direct line to the TV Director. 3. A portable radio or dedicated communication system for contact with the Umpires on the field and other Officials. 4. A switch pad for the signalling lights or computer laptop for replay screen decision notification. 5. A separate telephone for contacting the Scorers, ground staff, etc. 6. A back up radio communication system between 3 rd umpire and director. PAGE 1 OF 1 UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2012
COMMUNICATION : ON-FIELD UMPIRES AND THIRD UMPIRE Requests initiated by On-Field Umpire/s 1. The on-field umpire wishing the assistance of a TV replay with run-outs, stumpings, bump ball catches and DRS player reviews shall signal to the 3 rd umpire by making the shape of a TV screen with both hands. Other assistance in the areas of clean catches and boundary decisions will be directly through radio contact and be in the form of consultation. (Note: the on-field umpires may also call for TV replay assistance in the event of uncertainty over which batsman made good his ground first when both batsmen have run to the same end in a run out situation.) 2. The 3 rd umpire only adjudicates on those appeals that are the subject of an umpire review (run outs, stumpings, hit wicket and bump ball catches) referred to him by the on-field umpires. 3. Player generated reviews using the DRS are in the form of a consultation process with the 3 rd umpire with the decision being made by the on field umpire. Communication initiated by Third Umpire 1. The 3 rd umpire may initiate contact with the on-field umpires if the TV coverage shows a boundary line infringement or other act that needs attention. Response by Third Umpire: Use of the Signalling Light System Other than in the Boundary and which batsman made good his ground first all other decisions are to be made using the signalling light system. Once an appeal has been handed to you, a decision of OUT- RED LIGHT or NOT OUT- GREEN LIGHT must be made. You can t hand the decision back to the on field umpires. Limits placed on Third Umpire in assessing Video If the 3 rd umpire in reviewing the TV replay finds that the batsman has been bowled rather than hit wicket or stumped, the Red Light will still be used to indicate that the batsman is dismissed. In a Caught decision, the 3 rd umpire is to determine whether the batsman has been fairly caught (ball carried) and not whether he hit the ball, unless in viewing normal replays it becomes apparent that the ball has not touched the bat. Timeliness of Decision-making As a guide, a decision should me made within 30 seconds after getting the first replay wherever possible However, as the 3 rd umpire you will have the discretion to take more time to finalize any decision. Above all, it is vital to remain calm and in control and take as much time to get the pictures and audio required to make the best decision possible. ROLE OF THE 3RD UMPIRE UPDATED WITH DRS (2) 3 RD SEPTEMBER 2012 UPDATE PAGE 2 OF 2
Player generated requests for decisions (DRS) The 3 rd umpire needs to be aware, following any appeal, if the player is going to ask for a decision to be reviewed. Once the appeal takes place, the 3 rd umpire should note the time and keep track of the 15 second guideline for a review to be accepted by the onfield umpire. (Record appeal time) Once the onfield umpire has made the TV signal, contact needs to be made with the director to begin the decision review. The director should provide the fairness of delivery replay first (ensure this happens and ensure it is the right delivery replayed). Ensure that the only audio feed being used on the replay is the clean replay feed and no commentary feed For LBW decisions, ensure hotspot is used to check for bat first element, then the ball tracking technology will provide graphics and wording on the LHS of the screen outlining ball pitching, point of impact and predictive path. An umpires call graphic means that the original decision of the onfield umpire should stand. For caught decisions, there needs to be a high degree of confidence that the original onfield decision by the umpire was incorrect for the 3 rd umpire to advise the decision should be changed. All the available forms of technology should be used with particular attention paid to the clean audio feed, hotspot and ultra slow motion replays. Keep a record of unsuccessful player reviews (where onfield umpire decisions have not been changed) for each team. Once a team has had two (2) unsuccessful player reviews in that innings, they are not permitted to request any more onfield decisions to be reviewed. Note the only time an unsuccessful player review shall not count in this process is when a not out decision is unchanged based on an onfield umpire missing a fairness of delivery (feet) no ball call. Other Duties as Third Umpire You should keep count of the balls in the over as the on-field umpires may request your assistance in this matter during play You should also record the ball and the over number of any contentious matters that may assist the on-field umpires in post match reviews of performances. Another, but equally important, duty is to watch for and record times for breaks in play or disputes on the field. This can be invaluable information for the Referee and the Umpires when determining penalties. Contact with Broadcaster s OPU Another task that you should complete before the match commences is a visit to the Broadcaster s Outside Production Unit (OPU). This should preferably be done the day before the match if possible. You should aim to make contact with the producer / director and develop a rapport with him and discuss how you will be working with each other during the match. ROLE OF THE 3RD UMPIRE UPDATED WITH DRS (2) 3 RD SEPTEMBER 2012 UPDATE PAGE 3 OF 3
While in the OPU you can view all the camera angles and positions on their production wall. Ask the director for a ground location print out of camera positions and keep that in the 3 rd umpire s room. Discuss with the producer communications issues like 3 rd umpire decision protocols, start and finish timings to sessions and drinks breaks notification anything that can assist the broadcaster in your role will be a step in the right direction for a successful match. For matches using the DRS, you should make contact with the ICC provided technical advisor at the ground and ensure you are familiar with the audio communication equipment with the onfield umpires. This person will also facilitate the clean audio feed for replays from the broadcaster, monitor quality and deal with any equipment issues as they arise. A meeting with the director pre match should cover the following check list points as a bare minimum... Camera angles and locations (names of cameras or angles) Types of replays available (names of types of replays) Other decision making tools super slow motion, magnifying glass, zoomer, etc Clean audio feed for caught decisions slow motion and real speed Hawkeye vision graphics (what will be displayed on screen) Communication protocols / timing between you and the director Match Day Attire and equipment You will be dressed to umpire, as you are the reserve. You should take with you o a ball counter o writing pad o pens o playing conditions book o DRS checklist sheets (if applicable) o bowler s overs cards (if a one day game) o calculator o 3 rd umpire radio o a watch or small clock (time code clock on the monitor is preferred) o over rate sheets from the Match Referee o and anything else needed to survive the session of play. ROLE OF THE 3RD UMPIRE UPDATED WITH DRS (2) 3 RD SEPTEMBER 2012 UPDATE PAGE 4 OF 4
Arrival Arrive at the ground at least 1.5 hours before scheduled play on any day Go to the room early, at least 45 minutes, to complete the following checklist: 1. Check that the TV is operational 2. Check that the phone works (contact the TV Director) and introduce yourself to the TV Director, you may need his help during the match. It is also a good idea to find out what camera angles are available and what other features are available (such as the magnifying glass ) for later reference and possible use. 3. Check the decision lights / computer program. 4. Also obtain a telephone contact list for ground maintenance staff to assist with things like turning the ground lights on or getting weather updates for the on field umpires. 5. Ensure that other room facilities are functioning properly such as lights, air conditioning, fridge etc. 6. Ensure that all officials radios are on the SAME channel. After completing the checklist above, return to the umpire s room and report that all is in order Check with them to see what particular assistance, help or other duties they might want from you (particularly if you haven t worked with them before) Depending upon the location of the 3 rd umpire s room, you should be leave for that position no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled start with the Match Referee. Start of Play When the umpires walk on to the field for EACH session, make radio contact with them and ensure that they can hear and understand you and visa versa. Take nothing for granted if you are unsure about a piece of communication or a tool of communication, do not dismiss it, make sure everything works and is understood. If NO TV or Phone Links If for ANY REASON the TV or Phone links do not work display the WHITE LIGHT and radio the Umpires. This means you can t make a decision until the fault has been fixed and the Umpires must make all decisions. Turn off the White Light and radio the Umpires when it is fixed. ROLE OF THE 3RD UMPIRE UPDATED WITH DRS (2) 3 RD SEPTEMBER 2012 UPDATE PAGE 5 OF 5
Making a Decision When you are called on to make a decision: Don t be influenced by outsiders. You will immediately feel pressure and nerves, but it is important at this time to remain calm and take your time in order for you to be able to display clear judgement. Procedures It is suggested that you do listen to the commentary while play is in progress, but not at the time when you are called on to be involved in making a decision. 1. Speak to the TV Director, you will be talking to him all through the process. It is important at this stage not to panic and to take your time, look at things twice and make sure that the wicket has been broken fairly as well as the batsman making good his ground. 2. Ask for other angles, if what he is showing you isn t good enough. He has to provide you with as many replays so that you can make a decision. 3. Remember YOU are in control. Don t be afraid to ask for things like Take it back / replay it slower / backwards, forwards etc. 4. If it is a close decision ask the director Is there anything else available? or is that everything you have? Ask him twice as there is nothing worse than a shot coming up minutes later which you did not know existed. 5. When you have made a decision, tell the Director I m ready to make a decision so they can get a shot of the lights. For the DRS process, when you have given sufficient advice to the onfield umpire and he is ready to make his final decision, then tell the director the onfield umpire is ready, wait for the camera picture of the onfield umpire and then advise the onfield umpire that he can make his decision. 6. If the replays are inconclusive and do not clearly show that the batsman is out the benefit of doubt must be given to the batsman. When using the DRS, there has to be a high degree of confidence that the umpire has erred in order to advise him that he needs to change his original decision. 7. In relation to a boundary decision... If the TV replay evidence is inconclusive, the TV umpire must still make a decision. His decision must be made using the existing convention in cricket which dictates that the status quo prevails - i.e. because no evidence exists of a boundary being scored, no boundary should be awarded. ROLE OF THE 3RD UMPIRE UPDATED WITH DRS (2) 3 RD SEPTEMBER 2012 UPDATE PAGE 6 OF 6