Cricket: Umpiring Signals
Created | Updated Jan 5, 2006
Umpires use signals for two reasons; to inform the scorers of runs and how they should be recorded, and to let the players know what is going on. Signals must always be clear for these reasons, and sometimes are accompanied by a call. This entry will explain the signals covered in the Laws - some signals made by umpires, for example the 'drawing a box' used to refer a decision to the third umpire, are included in specific Regulations for specific competitions and will therefore not be covered here.
Out!
A batsman is indicated to be Out by the umpire raising one finger above head height. Ways that a batsman can be out are studied in detail in a seperate entry.
No ball
A No ball is, effectively, one that has been delivered unfairly in one of the following ways:
The bowler's arm may have straightened during the delivery.
The bowler's front foot may have landed partly in front of the popping crease, a line drawn 4' (1.22m) in front of the wicket.
The bowler's back foot may have landed partially outside the return crease, a line drawn 4'4" either side of the middle stump.
The ball may have bounced twice, or rolled, or even stopped, before reaching the striker.
There are other criteria, such as the wicket-keeper or fielder being in the wrong position or the bowling being 'dangerous and unfair'. These are quite extensive, mentioned in Law 24 (No ball) and covered in detail in other parts of the Laws.
A No ball is not considered to be one of the over, meaning that the bowler effectively has to bowl an extra ball. A batsman can only be out on a No ball by:
- Handling the ball.
- Hitting the ball twice.
- Obstructing the field.
- Being Run out.
The umpire will shout 'No ball!' immediately, and signal by raising an arm at 90 degrees to his side. He will repeat the signal once the action has ended for the benefit of the scorers, who will add one run, recorded as a No ball extra.
Wide ball
Like a No ball, a Wide ball is considered to be unfair, as it has passed him in a place where it is impossible for him to hit it. If he is unable to hit it by a normal cricket stroke1 in a normal guard position, it is a Wide ball - unless he has moved to bring it within reach, in which case he is considered to have simply missed it!
Like a No ball, a Wide ball is not considered to be one of the over. A batsman can only be out by:
- Handling the ball.
- Hitting his wicket.
- Obstructing the field.
- Being Run out.
- Being stumped.
The umpire will shout 'Wide ball!' immediately and signal this by extending both arms horizonally from his body. When the action is finished, he will repeat the signal for the benefit of the scorers, who will add one run to the Wide balls section of the scorecard.
