CRICKET CONTROL

Taranaki Daily News, 13 November 1934, Page 3

CRICKET CONTROL

LATE STARTING OF MATCHES. COMPLAINT FROM UMPIRES.’ That severe action should be’ taken to prevent a continuance of the practice of late starting of matches under the juris-, diction of the northern division of the Taranaki Cricket Association was the opinion expressed by members at a meeting of the division last night. The secretary was instructed to write to ail club captains asking them to enforce prompt starting of games. The subject was introduced by a letter from the Umpires Association stating that the majority of matches were not commenced until well after 2 o’clock. Teams then mutually arranged to play extra time to make up for the late start It was felt that it was asking too much of the umpires to continue the matches after the appointed time for drawing stumps. It was felt that the association should take steps to prevent such occurrences. It was unfair to the umpires, said Mr. Mason. It should be impressed upon teams that a punctual start was imperative. Mr. Carroll: There is no doubt there is a free and easy feeling about starting. It was pointed out that if for any reason play did not begin at the time appointed the rules provided that the team prepared to commence play should have the option of either claiming the match or calling on its opponents to make up lost time. The toss for choice of innings should tak§ place not later than five minutes before the appointed time for starting. “Prepared to commenced play” meant on the ground prepared to commence play. Mr. Quirk said what was wanted was a team in the association to claim a match. He thought that would have the desired effect. He knew of a case where a team had refused to toss at 2 o’clock, let alone commence play. He urged that the Umpires’ Association be supported in the matter. Mr. Beard said some games were 29 minutes late in starting and those seeking an extension of time were often the offenders. COMMENTARY BY UMPIRE. The 1 attitude of an umpire in keeping up a continual commentary during the progress of a game was the subject of a complaint by Mr. Quirk and it was agreed that the matter should be brought to the notice of tire Umpires’ Association. The relationship between the umpires and the players was a delicate matter for discussion, Mr. Quirk said. While he realised an umpire should receive respect he thought an umpire should remember he had his duties to perform. It had been his experience to play in a game when the players were subjected to what he termed “objectionable practices.” The umpire kept up a running commentary on every ball and every stroke. In fact he gave instructions to the batsmen and bowlers how the shots or bowling should be played. On one occasion he was so engrossed in his commentary that he was unable to give a decision and admitted so. It was probable that the umpire concerned was doing it out of goodness of heart, and Mr. Quirk said he would be content if the umpires were reminded that their work was to umpire. Commentary was not a general practice. A very small estimated surplus on the year's working was shown in a statement of the association’s estimated income and expenses, submitted by Mr. S. O. Jones. It was reported that the grounds committee would be without the services of a horse for the week after next and Messrs. Beard and Quirk were elected a deputation to wait on the Western Park committee in connection with a proposal to borrow the park committee’s mower. The committee is to report to the emergency committee. IMPROVEMENT OF FINANCES. With the object of bettering the finances generally Mr. Quirk gave notice of motion that at the next meeting he would move that the division adopt the following method of raising money for the benefit of the Taranaki Cricket Association, the north and south divisions and the affiliated clubs: That ground membership tickets be issued at the rate of £1 Is annually and be divided equally between the Taranaki Cricket Association, the division in which the member is resident and a club in that division nominated by the member; that in return for this support the member be admitted without further charge to' all matches under the control of the association and its divisions and that such members be entitled to attend the annual meetings of the association and divisions. Mr. Carroll, while approving the scheme, pointed out that the north and south divisions were already permitted to issue 50 tickets at 10s, which gave the privilege of attendance at all matches without further charge. The following applications for regrading were approved: G. Haughton, from senior to senior B and R. Hoskin from senior B to junior. The transfer of L. Larkin from Western Park senior to the New Plymouth club from the beginning of the season was authorised.

Umpires are to receive tickets admitting them to all matches conducted by the division, it was decided. Messrs. Clarke and Sarten reported that certain umpires were giving decisions based on the proposed new l.b.w. rule, which allowed an “out decision” to be made from a break ball from outside the wickets. They understood that the rule was not in force and asked that umpires be instructed on the subject. Mr. Abram said the Umpires’ Association had not authorised the proposed l.b.w. rule. The question of 1.b.w.. de; cisions would be discussed at a meeting of the association and he would bring the matter up.

Those present were Messrs. C. J. Carroll, J. Quirk, W. Sheard, R. Sarten, A. Clarke, E. L. Mason and the secretary, Mr. H. J. Abram.