Association of Cricket Officials Issue 30 | Page 21

‘Acceptable’ Player Behaviour – The Role of an Official For over 20 years, Martin Bodenham was a Football League referee, including six years in the Premier League, taking charge of the 1997 League Cup Final. His decision in 2005 to switch fully to cricket made the headlines; he made the full First Class List in 2008, a position he held until 2016. With player behaviour under the spotlight in both the new Laws and the media, Bodenham offers his view on the role of officiating and whether it has changed, over 50 years since he first officiated in Brighton parks football. There is a general feeling that the standards of acceptable player behaviour on the cricket field are on the decline – I have to agree with this. Having spent 10 years umpiring professional cricket it came as quite a shock when I chose to return to the recreational game. In my time away things have, unfortunately, changed considerably. Dissent has increased and there is general decline in respect for both opponents and umpires. These shortcomings make umpiring much more difficult because umpires now need a far more stringent management ethic. As a result, while it is important to have a thorough knowledge of the Laws of Cricket, it is not enough if an umpire needs to progress further along the umpiring pathway. While it is imperative that players take responsibility for their actions and there is no doubt that efforts to circumvent playing conditions to their advantage is much more prevalent than it was 20 years ago, umpires can also contribute, unknowingly at times, to ill-discipline. Let me cite a few instances which can affect player behaviour: 1. Looking the part does not necessarily mean that you will be a good umpire, but giving that good first impression to players goes some wa y to gaining some respect. 2. Not signalling clearly and concisely, and taking too much time to make decisions, without confidence or conviction. 3. Lack of knowledge of the playing regulations to be used for the game. 4. Not working with your colleague/incorrect number of balls delivered in an over. 5. Lack of understanding of the behavioural pattern of players. Every player is different; sometimes a quiet word is more appropriate than a formal admonishment. This lack of basics will result in the captains and players not being able to build any respect for the umpire's ability to perform, and when more demanding situations arise it can then, understandably, lead to dissent or worse. Umpires will then be subjected to added pressure – not only for those umpires who have caused the problem but their colleague on the day, and also the umpires that officiate these teams in future games! It goes without saying, however, that umpires are committed to ensuring and maintaining that the highest standards of behaviour and conduct are met. Sometimes, acts of ill-discipline need to be reported and umpires must not shirk their responsibilities. Equally, leagues must give clear guidance on what should be reported and umpires should adhere to such guidance in order to achieve a wholly consistent approach. By doing so, an improvement in player behaviour could be achieved. Good luck with your umpiring aspirations moving forward. Above: Martin Bodenham dissolves tensions between David Warner and Maurice Chambers during a domestic T20, 2010. email us at [email protected] contact us on 0121 446 2710 21