If there are particular areas
of concern following an
inspection, the ground
staff, if available, should
be informed and a plan to
try to address the problem
should be agreed. Once both
umpires have decided the
Throughout all inspections,
conditions are fit for play,
umpires should be mindful
they need to set a time at
that every venue, at every
which play can start and
level of the game, has
then work closely with any
different characteristics
ground staff to ensure this
and support available. This
timeframe is met. They
range emphasises the need
should always allow enough
for all umpires to do their
homework before the start of time for ground staff (or
a game so that any surprises those responsible) to have
the ground ready and for
are kept to a minimum.
the umpires to complete
any overs or run-rate
calculations. Once a restart
has been agreed, the umpires
must remember to inform the
captains and the scorers.
The umpires’ opinions (either
before play or during the
course of a match) can then
be discussed between the
umpires to enable them to
arrive at a joint decision.
Following an inspection, the
umpires will agree together
the next course of action.
As noted, play should not
start, resume or continue
unless both umpires agree
that conditions are neither
dangerous nor unreasonable;
if an agreement cannot be
reached then play should
be suspended immediately,
not allowed to start or
not allowed to resume (as
appropriate).
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