The Ball's Aerial Umpire Report

8/2/2019 The Ball's Aerial Umpire Report

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APRIL 2012

The Only Way is Up:A Solution to theThird-Umpire Crisis

The Aerial Umpire:The full report

from 1998

By Simon Lewis(originally publishedin July 2005)

TheBallSPECIAL EDITION

THE AERIAL

UMPIREA SOLUTION TO THE THIRD-UMPIRE CRISIS

ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE

D R E A M S D O N T D I E

N O B U L L , J U S T B A L L

www . t h e b a l l . c o . z a


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THE ONLY WAY IS UPA solution to the third-umpire crisisThe Third Umpire system has gone a long way to changing the

face of cricket and ensuring more consistent umpiring decisions.

This is a good thing, given the level of television coverage that

highlights mistakes by the onfield umpires. But it is still not

enough. Its time we pushed our cricketing frontiers a little fur-ther westwards.

BY SIMON LEWIS (ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED 2000)

It should be so simple. We have the technology. We have the cam-

eras. And yet stil l we have umpiring controversies. We simply must

get it right.

Caught-behind and leg-before wicket remain an untapped area ofopportunity for the Third Umpire, which the current camera cover-

age cant provide sufficiently revealing replay footage to adjudicate

on accurately.

There is only one solution. And the only way is up.

A camera suspended over the pitch (an Aerial Umpire), erected

temporarily for big matches which receive major television cover-

age, will provide a whole new range of views and angles which the

Third Umpires will be able to access to provide a better quality of

decision-making on a highly consistent level. This camera could be

attached by cords to the grandstands, sightscreens, floodlight py-

lons or underneath a miniature hot air balloon. Technology will find

a way.

In addition, the side view should be used by the Third Umpire to

verify that the balls path does not indicate that the ball might pass

over the top of the stumps for leg-before appeals. Alternatively, the

square leg umpire could confi rm this to his fellow umpire - a backupsystem that could easily be extended to cricket at all levels.

Critics might point out that additional angles will further add to

the delays of waiting for a decision, but if there were two or even

three Third Umpires constantly reviewing video footage they would

be able to take advantage of these extra angles. This would be a

large extra cost, but the costs could be picked up by the broadcast-

ers and their sponsors, and perhaps even the players could chip into subsidise a portion of the costs after all , they stand to gain the

most from consistently accurate umpire decisions.

No-balls and wides could also be accurately picked up with the use

of an onscreen grid or lines on the umpires replay monitors. These

would effectively draw the line for no-balls, wides and run outs,

thus ensuring greater accuracy, especially with the chance to re-

view the action two to three times befo re the bowler bowls the next

ball. These umpires would work autonomously to the onfield umpires

- in other words, there should be no referrals. The onfield umpires

would adjudicate to the fullest, trusting their own judgement to

make correct calls as they see it, without worrying about making a

2 T H E B A L L M A G A Z I N E T h e A e r i a l U m p i r e r e p o r t D R E A M S D O N T D I E T H E B A L L . C O . Z A T H E B A L L M A G A Z I N E . B L O G S P O T . C O M

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mistake. Any mistakes that can be picked up by the Third Umpires

will be radioed in to the relevant umpire to change his decision. The

Third Umpire will need to do so before the next ball is bowled, thus

preventing time wastage. If they cant prove that a decision was

incorrect in the allotted time then the onfield umpires decision will

stand and play will continue.

When a wicket falls or an appeal is made the Third Umpire should

be able to request extra time to check more carefully before adju-

dicating on this more crucial dec ision. When a batsman is given out

the Third Umpire would have until the batsman leaves the field to

overrule the decision. The Third Umpires task would be to quickly

review TV replays, using the extra overhead cameras and existing

angles, to see if a glaring error was made.

We cannot achieve 100% accurate decisions with all decisions, but

we could eliminate any glaring errors that would be picked up by

the TV cameras, as well as providing a better judgement on LBW

through the use of the overhead camera. If replays dont provide

conclusive proof then the onfield umpires original decision would

stand, which thus reaffirms his role as an adjudicator and not just a

middle-man between the players and an umpire in a TV booth.

Cricket can only be the better f or such a system, and the Aerial Um-

pire could be extended to all sports for added visual appeal as well

as for decision-making, notably rugby (forward passes, off-sides,

conversions) and football (off-sides).

Having two to three Third Umpires would also ensure that no human

errors are allowed by one mans misjudgement. The Third Umpire

is still making some shocking errors, even after repeatedly viewing

clear footage, and is still under enormous pressure because his role

is seen as being easier than that of the onfield umpire. The two or

three Third Umpires would need to all view the relevant replay foot-

age for dismissals and then agree on a decision. If they cant agreewithout doubt that the onfield umpire erred then there is clearly

further doubt, and the onfield umpires decision would stand. This

further allows the onfield umpires to retain their decision-making

power, with the assurance that the Third Umpires have a better view

and the chance to review the play to eradicate possible errors.

Everyone benefits, and cricket is the winner.

To further speed up the process, the Third Umpires replays need to

be separate to those seen by TV viewers, the latter showing more of

the action for entertainment value. Third Umpires need their replay

feeds to be focussed in to the critical moment of action and replayed

back and forth quickly. The most telling piece of footage could then

be highlighted for viewers once the decision has been made.

The umpires would also be viewing as a matter of course the no-ball

l ine, and informing the umpire after every delivery if a no-ball was

bowled but not called. Many batsmen are given out off no-balls, as

these are not always easy for the onfield umpire to call correctly

due to the bowlers position on the crease and the angle from which


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the umpire is watching the crease. The Third Umpires will watch

every delivery for a no-ball , but when a wicket falls they will spe-

cifically double-check to ensure that the ball was legitimate. This is

essential for fair play and correct decisions. If a no-ball is called by

the onfield umpire but is found, on review, to have been a fair de-

livery, then the no-ball will be overruled, with no extra runs or balls

being awarded. If the batsman goes out on an incorrect no-ball callby the onfield umpire he will be given not out as he might have been

disturbed or changed his shot on the basis of the call .

A further innovation could be to rotate the Third Umpires with the

onfield umpires. The Third Umpire will be severely tested with con-

stant replays and would welcome a break out in the middle. It

would also prevent the onfield umpire feeling powerless due to the

Third Umpires ability to overrule him, as the onfield umpire wouldperiodical ly also have the power to do the overruling when he moves

to the Third Umpires seat. Further, their original decisions would

remain in the event of the Third Umpires not unanimously agreeing

to overrule a decision. If anything, the onfield umpires powers and

credibility would be strengthened under such a system.

Critics might argue that there will be a lack of consistency when

compared to non-televised or less comprehensively televised games.

My response is that the issue of controversy crops up most during

televised matches that allow players and spectators to pick up on

umpiring errors. It s a case of horses for courses.

The Aerial Umpire would be an incredible assistance for run outs as

it will provide a far superior view of the bat crossing the line and

the stumps being broken. The keeper would almost never obscure

the view from an aerial camera, as happens with side views, and the

moment at which the bails are lifted would be totally clear.

The Aerial Umpire would also improve caught-behind decisions, asthe Third Umpires would more clearly be able to see the exact point

of deviation (especially in cases where the ball brushes the bats-

mans shoulder, which, from the front, looks lik e an edge off the bat)

as well as fine edges. From above you will clearly see if there is any

deviation as well as the exact point it occurred in the balls flight

path. From the front or from rear views the batsmans bat obscure s

your vision of any deviation as it passes across the balls path.

The Aerial Umpire would revolutionise LBW decisions, as well as

casting a whole new level of understanding of LBW and the balls

flight path. This in turn would greatly educate and inform umpires at

all levels, empowering them to adapt this new knowledge to umpir-

ing at first-class, club and school level. Using a grid or line system

indicating clearly the line from stump to stump will eradicate any

undesirable guesswork from the Third Umpire as to the line the

ball pitched and the exact line it struck the pads. We will also be

able to clearly see the line of the ball and be in a better position

to judge its likely path after it struck the pads. The aerial view will

give an idea of the amount of swing and, based on the flight path

from the bowlers hand to the pad (a longer distance than from pad


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to stumps), we could more accurately predi ct if the ball would have

held its line to hit the stumps. We might even find that balls pi tching

on off and striking the batsman in line of l eg stump might be worthy

of an LBW dismissal after all . We will not know until we start viewing

decisions from above. Until then LBW will always remain a mystery

and accurate decisions will never be possible. It would clearly elimi-

nate a large area of doubt, speculation and guesswork which hasarisen from decades of a one-dimensional view, that of judging LBW

purely from a frontal perspective.

The aerial view remains the only frontier yet to be fully explored

in televised sport, and it could be one of the most dramatic, not

to mention facilitating a massive paradigm shift in understanding

LBW, off-sides, forward passes and so on. It would also provide a

more awe-inspiring view of the action and the players position onthe field: think of a slip cordon standing way back to a fast bowler;

fielding positions and the gaps in the field clear for all to see; of-

fensive and defensive moves in rugby and football; court coverage

in tennis. Pick a sport!

This will happen one day I have no doubt. But why wait when its

possible now, and can only benefit sportsmen, officials and specta-

tors alike.

The Third Umpire

It should be so simple. We have the technology. We have the cam-

eras. And yet still umpiring controversies persist, even with the

extension in responsibilities of the present Third Umpire.

By Simon Lewis

While I yearn for the days of cricket whites and no advertising bil l-

boards, I am realistic enough to realise that, failing the intervention

of an anti-Kerry Packer bil l ionaire, those days are gone. We have

the pictures and TV footage to remind us of those simple days, but

we are l eft with the reality of highly-intrusive television coverage

and blockbuster TV replays which show everyone what the correct

decision should be. This will not change. And in the highly-profes-

sional cricketing world incorrect decisions can no longer be a partof the equation. We simply must get it right. The effect on players

livelihoods and the outcome of major events deserve correct and

fair decisions; it s not asking too much, given the available technol-

ogy. And for the umpires it will provide relief from unnecessarily be-

ing at the centre of controversy as well as allowing them a greater

hand in ensuring that correct decisions are made.

Can you imagine spending five to 10 years earning a Test call-up

and then being dismissed twice for low scores when TV replays

show the debutant should not have been given out on either occa-

sion? Selectors, although acknowledging that incorrect decisions

occur, are less likel y to accord a player the relevant future opportu-


C a l l u s f o r a f r e e a n a l y s i s o f y o u r p h o t o c o p i e r a n d P A B X n e e d s .


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nities on that basis, remaining loyal instead to runs in the book. We

have side views, stump views and super slow-mos. They are perfect

for many decisions, and yet caught-behind and leg-before wicket

remain an untapped area of opportun ity for the Third Umpire, which

the current camera coverage cant provide sufficiently revealing re-

play footage to adjudicate on accurately.

There is only one solution. And the only way is up.

By having a camera suspended over the pitch, erected temporar-

ily for big matches which are receiving major television coverage,

we will be provided with a whole new range of views and angles

which the Third Umpires will be able to access to provide a better

quality of decision on a highly consistent level. This camera could

be attached by four wire cords to the grandstands, floodlight py-lons or underneath a miniature hot air balloon. In addition, the side

view should be used by the Third Umpire to verify that the balls

path does not indicate that the ball might pass over the top of the

stumps. Alternatively, the square leg umpire could confirm this to

his fellow umpire for leg-before appeals, a backup system which

could easily be extended to cricket at all levels.

Critics might point out that additional angles will further add to

the delays of waiting for a decision, but if there were two or even

three Third Umpires constantly reviewing video footage they would

be able to take advantage of these extra angles. No-balls and wides

could also be accurately picked up, especially with the use of an

onscreen grid or lines on the umpires replay monitors to effectively

draw the line for no-balls, wides and run outs, thus ensuring great-

er accuracy, especi ally with the chance to review the action two to

three times before the bowler bowls the next ball . These umpires

should work autonomously to the onfield umpires - in other words,

there should be no referrals. This will allow the onfield umpires to

adjudicate to the fullest, trusting thei r own judgement to make cor-

rect calls as they see it , without worrying about the possibility of

making a mistake. Any mistakes by the onfield umpire which can

be picked up by the Third Umpires will be radioed in to the relevant

onfield umpire so that he can change his decision. The Third Umpire

will need to do so before the next ball is bowled, thus preventing

time wastage. If they cant prove that the onfie ld umpire was incor-

rect in the allotted time then the onfield umpires decision will stand

and the play will continue.

Obviously, when a wicket falls or an appeal is made the Third Um-

pire should be able to request a specified delay to check more

carefully before adjudicating on this more crucial decision. This de-

lay would need to be time-regulated beforehand and the time limit

adhered to. When a batsman is given out by the onfield umpire the

Third Umpire would have until the batsman leaves the field to make

his decision. Once the batsman has left the field of play the deci-

sion can not be reversed. The Third Umpire could request extra time

to review replays, thus keeping the dismissed batsman on the field

of play for an extra 20-30 seconds, although this would be on rare

occasions as the Third Umpires task would be to quickly review TV


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replays, using the extra overhead cameras and existing angles, and

if they can pick up a glaring error, as would TV viewers, then they

will overrule the decision.

This should not be seen as an attempt to gain 100% accurate deci-

sions (which is not possible with some decisions), but rather to elimi-

nate any glaring errors which would be picked up by the TV cameras,

as well as providing a better judgement on LBW through the use of

the overhead camera, or Aerial Umpire. This will guard against hu-

man error, which is understandable when an umpire has to adjudi-

cate on a split-second of frantic action, as well as ensuring fairness

and consistency for players and spectators who have access to TV

replays. Any inconsistencies which they can pick up on TV replay

can not be allowed to be passed by the umpires. And if replays dont

provide conclusive proof then we will rely on the onfield umpiresoriginal decision, which thus reaffirms his role as an adjudicator and

not just a middle-man between the players and an umpire in a TV

booth. Cricket can only be the better for such a system.

Having two to three Third Umpires would also ensure that no human

errors are allowed by one mans misjudgement. The Third Umpire

is stil l making some shocking errors, even after repeatedly view-

ing clear footage. Although he has a far easier task than the on-

field umpires, the Third Umpire is stil l under enormous pressure not

to make an incorrect decision, especially as TV viewers have the

chance to watch the replays with him, thus forming their own deci-

sions at the same time as he is making a binding decision. For major

decisions all two or three Third Umpires would need to quickly view

all the relevant replay footage and then agree on a decision. If they

cant agree without doubt that the onfield umpire erred then there

is clearly further doubt, and the onfield umpires decision would

stand. This further allows the onfield umpires to retain their deci-

sion-making power , with the knowledge that the Third Umpires have

a better view than him as well as the chance to review the action

to eradicate any possible errors.

Everyone benefits, and cricket is the winner.

To further speed up the process, the Third Umpires replays need to

be separate to those seen by TV viewers, the latter showing more

of the action for entertainment value. Third Umpire s, who are under

heavy time constraints, need their replay feeds to be focussed into the critical moments of action, and be replayed back and forth

quickly. The most telling piece of footage can then be highlighted

for viewers once the decision has been made. The umpires would

also be viewing as a matter of course the no-ball l ine, and inform-

ing the umpire after every delivery if a no-ball was bowled but not

called. Many batsmen are given out off no-balls, as these are not

always easy for the onfiel d umpire to call correctl y due to the bowl-

ers position on the crease and the angle from which the umpire is

watching the crease. The Third Umpires will watch every delivery for

a no-ball , but when a wicket falls they will specifically double-check

to ensure that the ball was legitimate. This is essential for fair play

and correct decisions. And if a no-ball is called by the onfield um-


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pire but it is found, on review, to have been a fair delivery, then

the no-ball wil l be overruled from a point of extras and there will

be no extra delivery awarded. If the batsman goes out on a no-ball

which was called early by the umpire (ie called before the batsman

played his shot) then the batsman will be given not out as he could

have been disturbed by the call or have changed his shot on the

basis of the call . The alternative is that the onfield umpire doesnt

call out loud a no-ball , in which case he can signal a no-ball and

be overruled by the Third Umpires without it having influenced the

batsman or fielders. The same would apply to wides called by the

onfield umpire.

A further innovation could be to rotate the Third Umpires with the

onfield umpires. The Third Umpire will be severely tested with con-

stant replays and would welcome a break out in the middle. Itwould also prevent the onfield umpire feeling powerless due to

the Third Umpires ability to overrule them, as the onfield umpire

would periodically also have the power to do the overruling when

he moves to the Third Umpires seat. Further, as mentioned, their

original decisions would remain in the event of the Third Umpires

not being unanimously agreed on overruling a decision. If anything,

the onfield umpires powers and credibility would be strengthened

under such a system.

Critics might argue that there will be a lack of consistency when

compared to non-televised or less comprehensively televised games.

My response is that the issue of controversy crops up most when

matches are so highly-televised, thus allowing players and spectators

to pick up on umpiring errors. It s a case of horses for courses.

The overhead view, or Aerial Umpire, will be an incredible assistance

in run out decisions as it will provide a far superior view of the bat

crossing the line and the stumps being broken. Viewed from above

the keeper would almost never obscure the camera, as is sometimes

the case with the side view, and the view of the moment at which

the bails are lifted would be totally clear.

The Aerial Umpire would also improve caught-behind decisions, as

the Third Umpires would more clearly be able to see the exact point

of deviation (especially in cases where the ball brushes the bats-

mans shoulder, which, from the front, looks like an edge off the

bat) as well as for very fine edges. From above you will clearly seeif there is any deviation as well as the exact point it occurred in the

balls flight path, which will be seen more exactly from overhead.

From the front or from rear views the batsmans bat obscures your

vision of any deviation as it passes along the balls path.

The Aerial Umpire would revolutionise LBW decisions, as well as

casting a whole new level of understanding of LBW and the balls

flight path, which could greatly educate and inform umpires at all

levels, empowering them to adapt this new knowledge to their own

umpiring at first-class, club and school level. Using a grid or line

system indicating clearly the line of stump to stump (thus eradicat-

ing any undesirable guesswork from the Third Umpire as to the line


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that the ball pitched, as well as the exact line at which it struck the

pads), we will be able to see clearly the line of the ball and be in

a better position to judge how it was likely to continue on its flight

path after it struck the pads. The aerial view will give an idea of

the amount of swing and, based on the flight path from the bowl-

ers hand to the pad (a longer distance than from pad to stumps)

we will be able to accurately predict if the ball would have held its

line to hit the stumps. We might even find that balls pitching on off

and striking the batsman in line of leg stump might be worthy of

an LBW dismissal. We do not know until we start viewing decisions

from above. Until then LBW will always remain a mystery and ac-

curate decisions will never be possible. It would clearly eliminate a

large area of doubt, speculation and guesswork which has arisen

from decades of a one-dimensional vi ew, that of judging LBW purely

from a frontal perspective.

The aerial camera might detract from the atmosphere of a cricket

field, and Id personally hate the idea as a cricket traditionalist .

However, Im sure that it could be done in a subtle and unobtrusive

manner, using a small camera like that used in the stump cam. And

the resultant benefits to televised matches would be enormous. It

remains the only frontier yet to be explored in cricket, and it could

be one of the most dramatic, not to mention facilitating a massive

paradigm shift in understanding LBW.

Ideas of using computer chips in a cricket ball are, in my own opinion,

undesirable as it would be a dramatic leap forward, too far ahead

of its time, I feel. It would tear from the game the human element

of a person using his judgement to make decisions, albeit with the

aid of TV replays that afford a superior view and point of reference

than is currently the case. A computer chip system might, in fact, be

able to provide the correct decisions for most bowlers appeals, but

at the same time it would dramatically reduce the human element

of umpiring, which would alter the face of cricket irrevocably. Is it

so necessary to achieve perfection in umpiring decisions, or should

we rather be seeking to reduce the amount of clearly incorrect de-

cisions as can be seen on TV replay?

Certainly we should use the TV replay to allow humans to give

better decisions, as well as providing them with better angles and

views from which to make their decisions. But we need to keep the

umpires human, for our sanity and for theirs.


A c c e s s t h e V o I P n e t w o r k s c h e a p e r c a l l s r a t e s f o r b i g s a v i n g s .


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CRICKETS AERIAL UMPIREA Solution to the Third Umpire CrisisA Report by Simon Lewis

(first published 1 September 1998)

1. THE THIRD UMPIRES

The current high level of television coverage of top-class cricket

makes the onfield umpires job extremely difficult . Television view-

ers at home and at the ground are in a better position than him to

make accurate judgements, aided by super-slow, close-up action

replays, and yet he must make tough decisions in the heat of the

moment and under enormous press ure. To fall back on the old faith-

ful comment that it all evens out in the end is no longer relevant

in the Test arena. If the camera is now able to tell us with greateraccuracy if a batsman is out or not, then the umpires must use the

cameras to help them strive to ensure that no blatant mistakes (as

viewed on TV replay) can slip through. It should be a partnership,

and the main aim should be ensuring that no glaring errors occur.

There will be two to four Third Umpires making their adjudications,

and they will swop places with the onfield umpires at the end of

every session of play so that they are all kept fresh and involved in

all levels of umpiring.

The onfield umpire should ONLY give a batsman out when he is

100-percent certain that the batsman was in fact out, that there is

no doubt in his mind whatsoever. It currently seems that umpires at

all levels of cricket are striving to make decisions, a fact possibly

exacerbated by unsporting and increasing appeals. Umpires should

be more responsible for giving batsmen out only when they can be

certain that they are out - if they were to call for the Third Umpire

that should indicate doubt, and therefore the benefit should then be

given to the batsman. The Third Umpires should be constantly moni-

toring the play, viewing video replays, and they should inform the

onfield umpire when an incorrect decision has been made so that

the onfield umpire can change his decision. The onfield umpires aim

should be getting through a match without making an error. If that

means he rules every appeal to be not out then so be it. The Third

Umpire will be there to rule on the close decisions that require care-

ful analysis of slow-motion replays.

It will be embarrassing for the onfield umpire if he gives a bats-

man out but the Third Umpire rules not out. Equally it will serve as

evidence of an umpires ability when he gives a decision which is

backed-up by a well- informed Third Umpire watching a set of slow-

motion replays. The onfield umpire should never approach the Third

Umpire for assistance, for that could hamper the entire process as

he then holds sole right to call for the Third

Umpire. Would Javed Akhtar have called for the Third Umpire to

adjudicate on any of the LBWs he gave against South Africa in the

Headingley Test? If he had that would have implied doubt, which

would imply having to give the batsmen the benefit of the doubt.

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The onfield umpire should act independently of the Third Umpires

and make his own decision employing a high regard for the benefit

of the doubt. The Third

Umpires will contact him to inform him of any incorrect decisions

which can be verified by two of the Third Umpires on-screen in a set

time, failing which the onfield umpires decision stands.

The current Third Umpire system has already usurped the onfield

umpires position as sole judge and executioner, yet it stil l allows

him to make a mistake if he fails to call for the Third Umpire on a

close decision. Theres no point having a foolproof back-up umpiring

system if it s not going to be used in a consistent manner. The Third

Umpire must have autonomy to make or reverse any decisions that

he can back-up with video footage evidence.

Television coverage has advanced so radically that Test cricket is in

the position where it must now reinvent itself. Failure to do so can

only lead to increasing displays of poor sportsmanship in the face

of umpiring errors. In the past batsmen would always wal k off berat-

ing an umpire for a poor LBW decision. Everyone knew that in most

instances he was covering up his disappointment at being given out

and was, usually, totally unaware of whether he should or shoul d not

have been given out. His anger soon subsided.

But today a batsman can walk off the field and watch conclusive

evidence on a TV monitor that shows that he should not have been

given out. And the evidence gets more conclusive as technology

advances. It s not fair for professional batsmen or for Test cricket

and its supporters.

The only incorrect decisions that should be allowed under the Third

Umpire system are the not out ones when technically a batsman

might have been out in a really close decision that cant be con-

firmed easily . It s far better for the umpire (either onfield or the

Third Umpire) to give the batsman the benefit than to make a

judgement and gi ve a ba tsman ou t when he is n t a bsol utel y c er ta in .

The Third Umpires primary task should be to ensure that no bla-

tant errors are committed by the onfield umpires, and secondly to

award any decisions that are clear and obvious as viewed on his

TV replay. He mustnt search for the answer if it s staring him in

the face then he must make the relevant decision, but if theresdoubt then he must award it to the batsman or go with the onfield

umpires decision. At present the Third Umpire sometimes views

run out situations for a couple of minutes, trying desperately to

see if the batsman was out and then, it would seem, trying to con-

vince himsel f that the batsman was out. Theyre searching too hard

for the answer. He should have a quick look at the replays from

all angles, possibly a second look if required but if more than that

is required it should be given as benefit to the batsman and play

should continue.

The aim is not to achieve 100-percent perfect decisions, but rather

to ensure 100-percent error-free and consistent umpiring. If the




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batsman sometimes gets the benefit of the doubt when he should

have been given out, that is better than some batsmen sometimes

being given out incorrectly.

To ensure that cricket continues as a fair and honest gentlemans

game, the use of TV and video replays needs to be expanded and

at the same time stream-lined. Here follows some ideas that could

be considered.

2. THE THIRD UMPIRES CAMERAS

The Third Umpires will need more cameras to help them make more-

informed decisions, but specifically they will need more stationery

cameras. Currently the cameras all tend to jump around too much,

focus close-up and then pan out again. That doesnt help the Third

Umpire make his decisions as he needs to rely on consistently clearand focussed pictures to provide his hard evidence. Having addi-

tional stationery cameras will also benefit TV viewers as they will

also be shown live-action and action replays of a stil l , clear shot.

There will be an Aerial Umpire camera. The logistics of this are not

within my technical knowledge. If it can be implemented (techni-

cally, aesthetically and financially) then it alone would be able to

provide almost 100-percent accurate decision-making reference for

the Third Umpires. The concept would be hanging a camera (similar

in size and structure to the stump-cam) directly above the pitch. It

would naturally have to be high enough not to interfere with any big

hits from the batsman, and constructed in such a way as not to de-

tract from the pleasure of spectators watching at the ground. Such

a structure exists, I beli eve, at a good many soccer stadiums around

the world, not to mention in South Africa. The camera could either

be draped from above one grandstand to another, or it could be

strung up on four cords attached to the floodlights found at most

major cricket grounds. This camera will provide the sort of views

never before seen on a cricket field, and I believe they will be il-

luminating in the extreme. I believe it will revolutionise the face of

umpiring understanding, which will have far-reaching consequences

in terms of education and learning for umpires at all levels. I believe

it will give us all a totally new perception of leg-before-wicket deci-

sions. Furthermore, the view will be able to assist with almost every

possible umpiring decision, as well as being a dynamic new view

for replays and cricket education. Ideally there would be one aerial

camera to take in the whole pitch and two more focussing up closeron each set of stumps.

A system of onscreen grids is also essential to the success of any

Third Umpire system. These will be computer-generated onscreen

grids or templates which will assist the Third Umpire in making

fast and accurate decisions, as well as giving viewers a clear idea

of why a certain decision was given. These grids will be aestheti-

cally messy and thus will only be shown to the viewers once a

decision has been given. The Third Umpire will have these grids on

his screens all the time, giving him clear lines from which to tell

if the bowler overstepped the mark, if the batsman reached the

crease before the bails were removed, if the ball pitched on leg


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stump or outside, and if the ball hit the batsman in line of wicket

to wicket. They will be integral to any success of the Third Umpire,

as he shouldnt be forced to make judgement calls. He must have a

clear view of exactly where the ball pitched, and so on. He cannot

be forced to guess if it was on the line or outside. The line needs

to be shown on his screen for him to make accurate and consiste nt

decisions.

The stil l camera shots will add value to the cricket broadcast as it

will show the action in one clear shot, as if the viewers were sitting

at the ground. This will also provide a better source of stock foot-

age for use in compiling cricket coaching videos. It also guarantees

that certain pieces of the action are not missed by the cameraman

through bad luck or when focussing on something else . It will require

an investment in more cameras, and it will need greater control andmanagement in the production and editing department, but these

extra cameras will not need to be manned like other cameras.

Ideally sponsorship would cover the additional costs.

There will be a camera at mid-wicket/cover on both sides of the

wicket. This stationary camera will take in the whole pitch, from

stump to stump, to give viewers a clear picture of the action from

side-on. The current Pana-eye camera can be kept to help adjudi-

cate on run outs, no-balls, stumpings and short runs, although it

will have to be lined-up 100-percent accurately with the popping

crease to ensure accurate decisions using the onscreen grid. There

will also be two to four (depending on costs) Pana-eyes about 30-

metres in the air positioned at mid-on and mid-off on either side of

the field.

These steady views will help with judging the height of the ball

(LBW) and giving steady, totally focussed views of the batsman,

allowing as many options as possible for the Third Umpire to tell

if the batsman edged a delivery or not (especially bat-pad) and

whether or not the batsman hit the ball into the ground or not (ie

a bump ball) .

There will be a stationery camera at either end of the ground directly

behind the middle stump and positioned above the sightscreen or at

as high a point as is possible (on top of a grandstand). This will help

with LBWs and caught behind, as well as providing superb views ofthe bowler running in and the batsman playing his shots. This will

also help with technical analysis during broadcasts, as there will be

consistently good images on which to discuss points of technique,

and will be invaluable for live-action cricket coaching videos.

3. SPEEDING UP THE DECISION

The Third Umpire system has caused a great many stoppages in

play, partly because the Third Umpire views the same monitor as

the television viewers, so he often has to wait for the action to ar-

rive at the crucial moment when he can make his decision, causing

play to come to a halt as the action replay is broadcast across the

airwaves. He needs to have access to that crucial moment or two


C a l l u s f o r a f r e e a n a l y s i s o f y o u r p h o t o c o p i e r a n d P A B X n e e d s .


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when the batsman ran his bat into the crease, etc, not the fielder

throwing the ball in, which is essential to show television viewers,

but equally hampers the Third Umpires ability to make quick deci-

sions as vital seconds are being eaten up by the action replay. He

should have immediate access to whatever action he needs to view

and should be able to vi ew it however he needs to in order to make

his decision.

To run the system efficiently decision -makers should only be shown

footage a few frames either side of the relevant moment of action,

thus affording them more time to view other angles and review

them all again in the same time it usually takes the current Third

Umpire system to view two angles. The emphas is must be on a slick,

no-nonsense operation. This will naturally require more manpower

to source and play these views to the Third Umpires.

He should be able to go straight to the crucial moment once an

appeal has gone up, view the incident two or three times with a

cue/review freeze-frame system, and then make his decision. Im-

portantly, his monitor will not be seen by television viewers as the

pictures will be jumping backwards and forwards, thus not being

pleasing to the viewers who will be watching replays as normal.

Once his decision has been made the viewers can be shown the

most relevant and conclusive piece of action which will prove the

decision, accompanied at that point by the onscreen grids which

are available on all the Third Umpires replay monitors.

Two umpires will have to verify each decision and if they cant

both give it quickly then the benefit must go to the batsman. For

instance, in the event of really close run outs, if it cant be seen to

be out after looking at the slow-motion replays for 10 seconds then

you have to give the benefit to the batsman. Theoretically he might

stil l be out, but if it s not conclusive then the Third Umpire should

give the benefit and get on with the game. If you cant prove it in

10 seconds then youre not going to be able to prove it , but will be

relying on subjectivity to insist on giving the batsman out.

The Third Umpire should have no more time than the bowler walk-

ing back to his mark, which is the normal time from the ball going

dead til l the bowler starts his next run up, which then makes the

ball alive - the time in which a team can make an appeal and in

which the umpire can answer it . Once the ball becomes alive againthe fielding side can no longer appeal, as a new ball is in progress,

and the result of the previous ball can not be altered by any of the

umpires. The time available for a dismissed batsman to be called

back to the wicket would obviously be greater, although as with a

normal appeal or cancelling of a decision the batsman would stil l

have to be on the field of play, for once he leaves it his innings

can under no circumstances be continued. There would of course

be leeway to allow the Third Umpires to, on occasion, halt play for

a while longer if the replays are complex or if there is some valid

reason why they are not easily able to pick up the most important

piece of action. This would have to apply to spin bowlers especially,

whose run-ups are shorter, which therefore allows even less time


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for the Third Umpire. This would suggest extra stoppages and some

time-wasting, but it would clearly be much less than would be the

case if there had to be constant appeals to the Third Umpire using

conventional replays.

The possibility of having a limited amount of appeals to the Third

Umpire is impractical and would be unfair. Imagine if only a certain

amount of run out consultations were allowed under the present

Third Umpire system?

The Third Umpires will beep the onfield umpire on a walkie-talkie or

cell phone to inform him of an incorrect decision. As with the possi-

bility of the onfield umpire making a mistake, through error of judge-

ment or not being able to see the action clearly, it i s vital that TWO

Third Umpires confirm all the decisions that they make. They needa sounding board and a second opinion, especially if they are going

to operate the system quickly and efficiently. Neither should they

be subjected to the intense pressure of having to make a decision

alone. This second Third Umpire should be a guarantee that no um-

piring errors occur. As there will be major pressure on the umpires in

the booth, which is why it will be imperative to swop positions every

session with the onfield umpires, as well as giving all the umpiring

officials a chance to perform all the various umpiring duties.

4. AN END TO UNCALLED NO-BALLS

One of the Third Umpires could be permanently watching a split

screen that shows the bowlers crease from the side (with an on-

screen gird in place), and from the Aerial Umpires view, also with

a grid in place. As soon as he spots or can confirm a no-ball he

informs the onfield umpire and no-ball is signalled on the field of

play. This might sometimes be called rather late, certainly always

too late for the batsman to capitalise on the no-ball by having a

free hit at it , but at least it would ensure fair and honest deliver-

ies, consistent and objective no-ball calling, and a reprieve for any

batsman unfairly given out off a no-ball . It would probably take a

while longer to spot the no-ball, but there should be enough time in

the case of a dismissal, the major reason for concern anyway; for a

delivery which has not yielded a wicket, if the umpire cant pick it

up clearly and early before the bowler starts his next delivery, then

thats too bad. But at least the glaring and clear mistakes would

be picked up, which in the long run would save the onfield umpires

from embarrassment as well as ensuring a fair and even contest.

This umpire would need one of his fellow Third Umpires to con-

firm his decision as well , by showing them the most obvious frame

of footage. This umpire would also be responsible for adjudicating

on run outs, stumpings and short runs which might not have been

picked up by the onfield umpires.

5. LEG-BEFORE-WICKET

To solve the problem of leg-before-wicket decisions, any one of

the cameras mentioned in the introduction would be used for clar-

ity, although undoubtedly the most effective cameras will be the

following:




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i) The side-view camera

To judge the height and path of the ball in relation to passing over

the top of the stumps;

ii) The stump-cam

Using a grid to show the position of the stumps in front of the bats-

man on the screen, thus giving a clearer, more accurate picture of

which stump the ball hit the pads in front of, etc, and grid l ines from

stump to stump to accurately pin-point where the ball pitched; and

iii) The Aerial Umpire

Using a grid to show the line of the stumps from wicket to wicket

to clearly show where the ball pitched and which stump it hit the

batsman in line with, but also giving a better view of the path of

the ball and the likelihood that it might stay on path to hit thestumps or not, to see how far the ball still had to travel and what

its course was likely to be. This could also be invaluable for giving

umpires a better view of the path of the ball in general, with access

to different views which would help coach umpires at all levels to

have a better understanding of LBW and all that it entails, which

would improve the standard of umpiring at all levels.

The present stump-cam could be used with a grid showing the

stumps (transposed over the batsman on the screen), as well as a

grid showing the line from wicket to wicket, bearing in mind that it

is distorted with the stump-cam, so the distortions would have to

be represented on the grid, otherwise the umpires would be making

incorrect judgements on the line that the ball pitched (it needs to be

definite and exact and not reliant on any judgement calls - if it g ets

to the stage of a judgement call then the benefit should go to the

batsman). This should enable the umpire to accurately tell where the

ball pitched and where it hit the batsman in relation to the stumps

behind him (which are shown in front of him on s creen). This clearly

shows the point of impact. This will primarily gauge the height, but it

will also be useful for direction, although this will best be seen by the

Aerial Umpire. Naturally, the two will work well together.

Leg-before is an incredibly difficult decision. The factors involved

are so complex that errors should be expected on a regular basis. It

is unavoidable.

The biggest problem is the fact that umpires base their decisionon learned principles from years of umpiring with a single focus or

viewpoint - straight on to the batsman. Having a view from above

would make for almost perfect decision-making. It will also open

up a huge new understanding of leg-before-wicket, especially with

a view to the path of the ball after it strikes the batsman. Perhaps

we shall find that presently umpires are too lenient and that indeed

many more batsmen have been giv en out who should otherwise not

have been, or the other way around.

6. CAUGHT BEHIND

Using the Aerial Umpire camera, there will be a far better view of

the line of the ball from bowler to keeper (where the majority of




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controversial snicks go), thus giving the clearest and most unob-

structed view of the ball s path and the likelihood that it might have

deviated. From the front or from behind it s difficult (for the onfield

umpire or an umpire watching a replay on TV) to see a faint nick,

as the batsmans bat passes across the line of the ball as it goes

through to the keeper, thus obscuring the view of any deflection.

Seen from above and on a slow-motion repla y you will be able to see

if there is a point at which the ball actually deviates or edges off

an otherwise straight path through to the keeper. All balls bowled

have a natural drift through the air, which is what sometimes leads

to incorrect caught-behind decisions as the umpire sees the ball

drifting to leg or off after passing the bat, incorrectly assuming this

to be an edge when in many cases it might be the balls natural

late swing. Viewed from above it will be possible to see if the ballstarts its deviation as it passes the bat. There will be a clearer view

as well of any air between bat and ball . Equally, this view will sup-

port not-out decisions when the ball has passed the bat and struck

the batsmans shoulder or arm directly behind the bat, causing a

deflection which, when viewed from the front by the umpire or on

a front TV view, justifiably looks as if it came off the edge of the

bat. Seen from behind one is often abl e to spot this, but undeniably

viewed from above it will prove in most cases when the ball hit the

batsmans body and not his bat. From above this sort of unavoidable

and honest error could be eliminated in most cases, certainly avoid-

ing any blatant errors slipping through the cracks.

7. RUN OUTS

The present Third Umpire system is close to perfect in the case of

run outs, but obviously the Aerial Umpire would give one extra view,

as well as providing a far clearer perspective on the bat crossing

the line in relation to the bails being lifted. The no-ball l ine view

can also help if used with a split screen for replays played at the

same time as other angles, allowing the umpires to see the various

pieces of action in relation to one another.

It would also provide a better view of the bat sliding past the crease,

unlike the side view which can be blurred depending on the state

of the popping crease and the pitch, which tend to get dusty and

smudged as the match goes on. Using a similar onscreen grid would

provide a clean and consistent view of the actual line that the bats-

man needs to cross in order to make his ground safely. This wouldalso provide the Third Umpire with more of a tangible and real de-

termination upon which he must make his decision. At present Third

Umpires are being forced to guess to a certain degree exactly where

the line is which the batsman must cross. If there was a clear line

on screen for the Third Umpire to use to help him in his decision-

making (and which could la ter be shown to viewers to prove the ac-

curacy of the decision) it would further reduce the margin of error,

if not eliminating it altogether. Furthermore, the wicket-keeper or

fielder usually breaks the wicket from the side and not from above,

thus ensuring an even clearer picture from the Aerial Umpire to

show exactly when the bails are removed, which in itself would be

clearer from above than the present TV angles.


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8. WIDES

In Test matches wides are dependant on a batsmans height and

reach, not allowing for a consistent onscreen grid. However, the

Aerial Umpire will give a clearer idea of how close the ball was to

the batsman as it passed him.

There would be a general grid guideline, but it would have to be

discretionary. It s difficult for umpires to always get this one right,

but with an overhead view there would be a greater degree of ac-

curacy. In one-day cricket the grid system fits in perfectly and would

ensure against the onfield umpire anguishing over calling a wide in

the final overs of a match, which could unfairly affect either sides

chance of winning. Furthermore, having an umpire away from the

pressure and able to have a second or third look at the action be-

fore having to make a possibly match-affecting judgement will notonly reduce the pressure on the onfield umpires but also ensure that

a fair result can be achieved and eliminate any need for calls of

poor umpiring by the losing side and their supporters.

9. B AT-PAD CATCHES

Bat-pad catches are possibly the second-most difficult decision to

adjudicate on, after leg-before-wicket. The aerial view could help

in this decision, although most likely a separate aerial camera at a

45-degree angle to the pitch would give a better view inbetween

the bat and the pad. That extra camera might not be worth the ef-

fort for a somewhat occasional dismissal (although it would also

provide viewers with a further unusual view of the action, taken

from the top of one of the four floodlight pylons at a ground), espe-

cially seeing as the noise factor plays a large part in the dismissal

and in that regard the onfield umpire is in a good position to judge.

As a back-up, the stump-cam and other views can be replayed to

the Third Umpires who, if they spot a glaring mistake either way,

can hurriedly inform the onfield umpire.

Once again, to achieve absolute perfection with every single deci-

sion will almost certainly never be possible, but at least every rea-

sonable means should be employed to ensure that no major umpir-

ing errors (out or not out) which can be spotted on a slow-motion

replay are allowed to stand, not when the stakes are so high and

the pressure so intense.

10. IN CONCLUSION

Major cricket matches and tournaments are in need of a system

that eradicates major and blatant errors by the umpires. They need

help simply because the current high level of camera work and

camera technology has meant that errors are so much more visible

to the layman. It is not the umpires who are at fault or who should

be blamed. Theirs is a near impossible task - that of making fault-

less decisions in high-pressure situations with only a split-second

of information at their disposal. It is only right and fair that the

umpires are able to utilise or rely on an accurate Third Umpire

system to ensure that they cant be accused of making poor deci-

sions that ruin Tests and one-day matches. Cricket is a gentlemans

game, but it s so difficult to remain a gentleman when everything is


A c c e s s t h e V o I P n e t w o r k s c h e a p e r c a l l s r a t e s f o r b i g s a v i n g s .


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at stake and yet you have clear evidence of unfair decisions going

against you.

The umpires need to remain involved with the decision and the play,

and they need to be the ones making the decision, albeit with an

increasing amount of assistance from visual views and TV screens.

But it will sti l l be the umpire, an impartial but human observer, who

will be making the decisions and informing the players, spectators

and scorers what the decision is based on what they see before

them on the TV replay monitor.

Umpires skil ls will become far more analytical, and umpires at all

levels will benefit by being exposed to the new views and angles

of the action shown on TV, and seeing how certain factors affect

what the decision should really be will enable them to apply thatknowledge when they go in the field to umpire without the aid of

technology, but with a clearer understanding of the path a ball is

likely to take after hitting a batsman on the pads. If the overhead

view proves that a ball pitching outside off-stump and hitting the

pads in line with leg-stump can stil l hit the stumps (if it s possible),

then umpires all over the world will be able to view LBW appeals in

a new light.

The truth will be revealed, there will be less speculation, guesswork

and personal opinions, and cricket will benefit from more correct

decisions.

However, I personally believe that the Aerial Umpire will prove that

in the majority of instances the batsman should be given the ben-

efit of the doubt when it comes to LBW. I believe the Aerial Umpire

will prove to be that conclusive and, with that in mind, umpires at

all levels will have to adapt their decision-making to only allow leg-

before decisions which they are certain are out.

The aim is to have a team of umpires on the field and in the Third

Umpires booth all working together to ensure that they uphold the

laws and make correct decisions, all working together and perform-

ing equal tasks, aided by camera angles to make the correct deci-

sions, thus maintaining the human element whilst ensuring a higher

level of umpiring accuracy. That would be a fair system for all .

Everyone loves the run out assistance from the Third Umpire be-cause it ensures that a quantifiable decision is not made incor-

rectly. Now it is time for the same level of accuracy and chance to

recall applies to all umpiring decisions. The technology exists right

now, it can be put into place very easily (once a few minor logisti-

cal problems have been overcome), and it can ensure that humans

can make more informed and accurate umpiring decisions, under

less pressure and therefore less likely to make a mistake, rather

than being embarrassed in front of the public (who can see when a

blatant error has been made).

The fact that the Third Umpire is already being used for so many

decisions (run out, bump ball catches, fielders or ball touching the




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boundary rope, ball carrying the rope for six) should make it an

easy decision to progress one step further, especially since the

aforementioned methods do not change the face of cricket in any

more drastic way than the initial introduction of the Third Umpire.

We are already travelling down the road of decreasing onfield um-

piring responsibilit ies lets now complete the journey, quickly,

safely and as affordably as possible.

SI MON LEWI S The Ball magazine

[email protected] www.theball.co.za

2 0 T H E B A L L M A G A Z I N E T h A i l U i t D R E A M S D O N T D I E T H E B A L L C O Z A T H E B A L L M A G A Z I N E B L O G S P O T C O M


The Ball's Aerial Umpire Report

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