Rules-2-3

Updated 26 Apr 2025 with more information on Club Umpires

2.3. Umpire Appointments

2.3.1. The Management and Appointment of Panel Umpires in GMCL

2.3.1.1. Greater Manchester Cricket League Umpires Association (GMCLUA) 

2.3.1.1.1. GMCLUA manages recruitment, training and qualifications of all panel umpires independent of the GMCL Board

2.3.1.2. Appointments

2.3.1.2.1. The GMCL Umpires Association will appoint Umpires as follows, where numbers of available umpires allow

2.3.1.2.1.1. Saturday Competition

2.3.1.2.1.1.1. Two umpires for all matches in Premier League, Premier 2, Championship and Division 1

2.3.1.2.1.1.2. For Division 2 and Division 3, 1st XIs will be allocated a panel umpire.

2.3.1.2.1.1.3. Should there be a shortfall the Umpires Association will give advance notice.

2.3.1.2.1.2. Sunday Competition

2.3.1.2.1.2.1. Two umpires to each match in the Sunday Premiership and  Divisions 1 and 2 

2.3.1.2.1.2.2. PLEASE NOTE that the Umpires Association will only provide umpires to rearranged games in those divisions where that rearrangement is for ground unavailability.

2.3.1.2.1.3. GMCL Cup matches & GMCL20

2.3.1.2.1.3.1. Two umpires to each match in the Cup and GMCL20

2.3.1.3. Matches requiring umpires appointed by the club (club umpires)

2.3.1.3.1. All other divisions not listed in 2.3.1.2.1.1. and 2.3.1.2.1.2. will require a club umpire 

2.3.2. The Management and Appointment of Club Umpires in GMCL

2.3.2.1. Background (added Apr 2025)

2.3.2.1.1. Since the inception of the GMCL it has been the responsibility of the GMCLUA to provide Umpires for as many fixtures as possible, however, it has proved impossible to provide Umpires for all matches. Thus, the role of Club Umpire was introduced. 

2.3.2.1.2. This role is solely the responsibility of the respective club, GMCLUA plays no role in the recruitment or selection of these Umpires. The role of a Club Umpire is not limited to Saturday matches as they occasionally are required to Sunday matches and even some GMCL20 matches.

2.3.2.1.3. Prior to the start of each season depending on Umpire Numbers GMCLUA will announce which Saturday Sunday GMCL20 and Sunday cup matches it can provide umpires for. The gaps will then be filled by Club Umpires.

2.3.2.2. Recommendations (added Apr 2025)

2.3.2.2.1. When a club recruits a club umpire, we recommend the following (for all club umpires that the club will use):

2.3.2.2.1.1.The Club Umpire as a minimum should complete the ECB Laws of Cricket via the ECB website https://www.lords.org/mcc/the-laws-of-cricket   and preferably the Laws test via https://laws.lords.org/login/index.php where the Club Umpire will need to register and then proceed to take an exam at the end.

2.3.2.2.1.2. The Club Umpire must obtain and retain a valid DBS via the ECB

2.3.2.2.1.3. The club should register any Club Umpire with the League via the relevant CLO

2.3.2.3. Help and Support (added Apr 2025)

2.3.2.3.1. GMCLUA is happy to provide support and guidance for clubs and club umpires wherever it can, and our resources are available to all clubs. We have several roles within GMCLUA which may be useful for clubs should they need support the main email contact is umpiresmaster@GtrMcrcricket.co.uk  and for any DBS enquiries, the contact is umpirecompliance@GtrMcrcricket.co.uk 

2.3.2.4. Qualifications & Registrations of Club Umpires (updated Mar 2025)

2.3.2.4.1. A club umpire must either be a qualified umpire or if a new umpire, as a minimum, have completed the ECB Laws of Cricket test via the ECB website. Link to the Laws https://www.lords.org/mcc/the-laws-of-cricket    

2.3.2.4.2. Should club umpires wish to attend the ECB Umpires Training course run by the ECB, they should register via the ECB and the cost borne by the individual or the club. 

2.3.2.4.3. they must also have a valid DBS certificate,

2.3.2.5. Club Management of Club Umpires

2.3.2.5.1. It is the club’s responsibility to ensure the club umpire has a valid DBS and

2.3.2.5.2. to arrange a suitable fee with their club umpire for each match.

2.3.2.6. Club Umpires - Equity of Treatment

2.3.2.6.1. Club Umpires are to be afforded the same level of respect as League Appointed umpires at all times

2.3.3. Where Club Umpires are not present at the start of the match

2.3.3.1. To ensure that at least one umpire is present at a game,

2.3.3.1.1. Where one or both clubs do not have a club umpire available we would expect both clubs to have spoken to each other in advance of match day.

2.3.3.2. Should neither club have a club umpire available,

2.3.3.2.1. The clubs are to make arrangements between themselves to ensure the game takes place

2.3.3.2.2. In these circumstances, players will have to play their part and umpire the game to make sure it takes place.

2.3.3.2.3. Matches should not be called off because of the lack of Umpires.

2.3.4. Umpire Absent at short notice

2.3.4.1. Where one of the Umpires (League Appointed Umpire or Club Umpire) cannot attend for whatever reason,

2.3.4.1.1. A suitably responsible person can be appointed where there is agreement between the umpire and captains to stand at the Strikers End (Square Leg) or take a full part in the game where qualified or

2.3.4.1.2. Players from both sides will be expected to assist the one Umpire present by standing at the Strikers End (Square Leg). This player must be over 18 or over 16 if holding umpire qualifications.

2.3.5. Umpire Fees (umpires fees are under review for the 2025 season)

2.3.5.1. The standard fees for League Appointed Umpires where there is any play

2.3.5.1.1. Saturday League Games Prem 1 and Prem 2  - 50 overs - £70.00

2.3.5.1.2. Saturday League Games (Champ down to Div 4 inclusive) - 50 overs - £60.00

2.3.5.1.3. Saturday League Games (Divisions 5 and 6) - 45 overs - £55.00

2.3.5.1.4. Sunday League Games - 40 overs - £50.00

2.3.5.1.4. Sunday Cup Games - 45 overs - £60.00

2.3.5.1.5. Sunday Cup Games - 40 overs - £50.00

2.3.5.1.6. GMCL20 Games - £40.00

2.3.6. The fees for Club Umpires

2.3.6.1. Each club using a club umpire should agree to the fee they will pay their Club Umpire. 

2.3.7. Umpire Fees where Match Abandoned 

2.3.7.1. The fee is 50% of the normal match fee for the game in question if the game is abandoned before the start time, without a ball bowled

2.3.7.2. 100% of the normal match fee if abandoned after the scheduled start time

2.3.7.3. For Club Umpires each club to negotiate fee for abandoned games with their Umpire

2.3.8. Umpire Fees Payment in GMCL

2.3.8.1. Payment by clubs

2.3.8.1.1. The general rule is that each club bears one umpire’s fee for each game (home and away) whether in the league, cups or GMCL20 and shall pay this at or before the toss. This is subject to the following:

2.3.8.3.1.1. If there are 2 league appointed umpires attending then each club pays one umpire and if 2 league appointed umpires are appointed but  only one attends then the one attending is paid 1.5 X the divisional fee (paid as to half each by each team)

2.3.8.3.1.2. if there are 2 club umpires each team shall pay its own umpire

2.3.8.3.1.3. if 2 club umpires are due to attend and only one does then the breaching club shall pay the attending club’s umpire 1.5 X the relevant divisional fee (see Penalties Appendix)

2.3.8.3.1.4. if a club umpire and a league appointed umpire attend then the team with the club umpire pays that umpire and the other team pay the league appointed umpire

2.3.8.3.1.5. if a club umpire and a league appointed umpire are due to attend and the league appointed umpire does not attend then the club umpire is paid 1.5 X the relevant  divisional fee (paid as to half by each team)

2.3.8.3.1.6. if a club umpire and a league appointed umpire are due to attend and the club umpire does not attend then the breaching club pays the league appointed umpire 1.5 X the relevant divisional fee (see Penalties Appendix)