Umpiring
How to signal 5
The accepted method for signalling "5 runs" to the scorers is to show them
a face-on open hand with the fingers splayed. It is advisable to only half
raise the arm that is being used so as not to give the bye signal. The
umpire would normally check with the scorers at the first opportunity, that
the correct entry has been made in the scorebook. Nowadays the umpires in
all international matches have radios and it is easy to check that the
scorers have correctly recorded the event.
In other matches it may even be necessary for the umpire to move towards
the scorers and advise them verbally, whilst not wasting time.
That is the standard "five" situation. But what do you do if it is more
than five?
EXAMPLE:
The ball passes the wicketkeeper without touching the striker or his bat.
They run three before the ball is fielded cleanly but returned wildly. The
batsmen run one overthrow and just as they cross for the second the ball is
fielded illegaly. The umpire calls and signals "dead ball" and now has to
signal ten byes!
One has to use common sense and a lot of improvisation sometimes as an
umpire, but you have to check as soon as possible with the scorers if it is
not possible to do so immediately.
Source:: IAN ROBINSON, Administration Manager, Zimbabwe Cricket Union
Date-stamped : 19 Feb1998 - 14:19
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