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Cricket · Level 2: Elementary · Sub-level 2.4

Umpires and Decisions

10 tests · 100 facts · updated 12 October 2026 · markdown

This sub-level teaches how the two on-field umpires run the game — their authority over the conditions and over fair play, the set of signals and the wait for the scorers, how an appeal works and which umpire answers it, and the technology layer on top: the Decision Review System, the "umpire's call" margin on ball-tracking, and the separate jobs of the third umpire, the fourth umpire and the match referee. It also covers players' conduct under Law 42, umpiring at the top level, wasting time, and what the umpires carry.

Each test below is ten questions on Insporta. The list under a test is what the questions check: one fact per question, with the source it was written from. Read it before the test, or come back from a wrong answer.

Test 1The two umpires and their authorityTake a test

  1. Each umpire stays at his own end: the one at the bowler's stumps goes out to square leg for the next over and comes back for the one after, so both cover both roles.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · recall

  2. The Laws leave the judgement of what is fair and unfair play to the umpires alone, from the first ball to the last.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · recall

  3. Whether ground, weather or light make play dangerous or unreasonable is a call for the two umpires alone, taken together.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · recall

  4. An umpire is allowed to reverse a decision provided he does so promptly, before play has effectively moved on.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · applied

  5. Each umpire answers the appeals and makes the calls for the events he is responsible for; neither overrides the other's proper decision.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · recall

  6. The umpires check the pitch, creases, wickets, boundaries and the ball before they let the match begin.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · applied

  7. The umpires agree how many balls have gone; a miscount does not mean the over begins again.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 17 · recall

  8. Dissent at a decision is a conduct offence the umpires can act on, with warnings and penalty runs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 42 · applied

  9. An appeal must come before the call of Time; after that the chance to appeal for anything in that session has gone.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 31 · recall

  10. Suspending play for dangerous or unreasonable conditions is entirely the umpires' decision, whatever the sides want.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · applied

Test 2The signalsTake a test

  1. That gesture signals a short run, made when a batter turns for another run without grounding bat or person behind the crease.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · recall

  2. Out is given by raising one index finger above the head; if the batter stays, the striker's-end umpire says "not out".

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · recall

  3. Repeated tapping of one shoulder signals five penalty runs to the batting side, most often for illegal fielding.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · recall

  4. A hand simply rested on the opposite shoulder signals five penalty runs to the fielding side, for a batting-side offence.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · recall

  5. The umpire raises the ball above the head to signal that the fielding side has taken the new ball.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · recall

  6. That gesture tells the players and scorers that the last hour of the day's play has begun.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · recall

  7. Each signal to the scorers has to be separately acknowledged by a scorer before the umpire allows play to continue.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · recall

  8. In-play calls such as no-ball are made at once, but signals to the scorers are given when the ball is dead.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · recall

  9. The short run is signalled by the umpire at the end where the batter failed to make good his ground.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · applied

  10. Both a player review and an umpire referral are shown by the umpire drawing the outline of a TV screen in the air.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · applied

Test 3Appeals and the decisionTake a test

  1. Without an actual appeal the umpire has no power to give the batter out, however clear the catch looked.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 31 · applied

  2. "How's that?", often run together as "Howzat", is the usual appeal, though any words that pose the question will do.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 31 · recall

  3. An appeal must be made before the bowler begins his run-up for the next ball or, at the end of a session or innings, before Time is called; a ball later it is too late.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 31 · applied

  4. An appeal is a general "how is that?", so the umpire may give the batter out by any mode the same delivery supports.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 31 · applied

  5. Stumpings, hit wicket and run outs at the striker's end are for the square-leg umpire; the bowler's-end umpire should leave them.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · applied

  6. Once an event has been decided, appealing again for the same thing changes nothing and the umpire disregards it.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 31 · applied

  7. Umpires are encouraged to consult each other where one of them had a clearer sight of the relevant moment.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 31 · applied

  8. The fielding captain can withdraw an appeal, and so recall a dismissed batter, with the umpire's consent, before the next delivery is bowled.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 31 · applied

  9. Walking is entirely the batter's choice; the Laws neither require it nor forbid waiting to be given out.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 31 · recall

  10. Not out is a full decision; short of a review where one is available, the players have to accept it and get on with the game.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 31 · applied

Test 4The Decision Review SystemTake a test

  1. DRS applies only when it has been adopted in the playing conditions for that particular series or tournament.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · recall

  2. There is a short window to ask for a review, made by the captain or the dismissed batter signalling a T.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · recall

  3. A side can keep reviewing until it runs out of its allowance of unsuccessful reviews; a successful one is not deducted.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · recall

  4. The figure has moved between revisions and differs by format, so it is the principle that is taught, not a set number.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · recall

  5. Test cricket gives a side more unsuccessful reviews per innings than the limited-overs formats do.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · recall

  6. Clear evidence that the original decision was wrong, here a gap between bat and ball, means the on-field decision is overturned.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · applied

  7. Without clear evidence to overturn it, the umpire's original call is upheld.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · applied

  8. On "umpire's call" the on-field decision is kept, and under current conditions the reviewing side does not lose the review.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · applied

  9. The tight limit is there so a review is the players' own instant judgement, not a message relayed from the balcony.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · recall

  10. Once the allowance of failed reviews is gone, the side cannot review again until its next innings.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · applied

Test 5Umpire's call and ball-trackingTake a test

  1. The three checks are pitching, impact, and whether the ball was going on to hit the wicket.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · recall

  2. A ball that pitches outside leg stump cannot bring an lbw, regardless of the impact or the projected path.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · recall

  3. Where ball-tracking is within its margin of error, the on-field decision, out or not out, is retained.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · recall

  4. With ball-tracking on umpire's call, the on-field decision stands, and here that decision was out.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · applied

  5. An inside edge onto the pad is a plain fact, not a margin, and conclusive bat-first contact makes it not out lbw.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · applied

  6. Impact outside off stump lets the batter off only when he offered a real shot; playing no stroke takes that protection away.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 36 · recall

  7. When every element of the review is conclusively out, the on-field not-out is overturned and the batter given out.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · applied

  8. The umpire's-call zone for hitting the wicket is the stumps and bails with a set margin around them.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · recall

  9. A review made inside the time limit that then fails on clear evidence costs the side one of its unsuccessful reviews.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · applied

  10. The system projects the onward path from the data up to impact, and that projection carries a margin, which is the reason umpire's call exists.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (DRS) · recall

Test 6Third umpire, fourth umpire and match refereeTake a test

  1. Run-outs and stumpings referred to the television umpire are decided by him from the replays.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (third umpire) · recall

  2. Under current playing conditions the third umpire watches the front-foot landing on every ball and relays any no-ball to the middle.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (front-foot no-ball technology) · recall

  3. The ICC dropped the soft signal in June 2023, so a referred catch now goes up without any on-field call attached to it.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (June 2023) · recall

  4. A referred catch often looked inconclusive on replay, and the clear-evidence burden meant the soft signal was rarely overturned.

    Source: ESPNcricinfo · recall

  5. With no soft signal to fall back on, the third umpire now reaches his own decision on the available evidence.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (June 2023) · applied

  6. The fourth umpire manages the spare-ball box, logistics and twelfth-man liaison, and is a reserve official on hand if someone cannot continue.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (match officials) · recall

  7. The referee deals with Code of Conduct matters, over-rate penalties and player discipline, but plays no part in on-field decisions.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (match referee) · recall

  8. On-field umpires report a conduct offence, and the match referee decides the charge and the sanction afterwards.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (Code of Conduct) · applied

  9. The match referee has no power over on-field or third-umpire decisions; his remit is conduct and administration.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (match referee) · applied

  10. The reserve officials cover exactly this, so one moves onto the field and play carries on with two umpires in the middle.

    Source: ICC Playing Conditions (match officials) · applied

Test 7Players' conduct under Law 42Take a test

  1. A Level 3 offence takes the player off the field for a set period as well as costing five runs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 42 · recall

  2. The most serious offences remove the player from the match altogether.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 42 · recall

  3. The levels run from Level 1, the least serious, to Level 4, the most serious.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 42 · recall

  4. Law 42 lets the umpires act on misconduct on the field, during the match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 42 · recall

  5. Five penalty runs are added to the total of the side that did not offend.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 42 · recall

  6. Before 2017 serious misconduct was mostly dealt with after the match; Law 42 gave umpires on-field sanctions.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 42 · applied

  7. On-field sanctions do not stop the match referee hearing a charge after play.

    Source: ICC Code of Conduct · recall

  8. The first Level 1 offence brings a warning that lasts for the match; any further one costs five runs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 42 · applied

  9. These are examples from Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 42 · applied

  10. A Level 2 offence brings five penalty runs at once, with no warning first.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 42 · applied

Test 8Umpiring at the top levelTake a test

  1. The best-rated umpires form the ICC Elite Panel.

    Source: ICC umpiring records · recall

  2. Pakistan's Aleem Dar passed Steve Bucknor's record in 2019 and finished with the most Tests of any umpire.

    Source: ICC umpiring records · recall

  3. The West Indian Steve Bucknor reached 100 Tests in 2005.

    Source: ICC umpiring records · recall

  4. National boards nominate umpires to the International Panel, the step below the Elite Panel.

    Source: ICC umpiring records · recall

  5. Every decision is reviewed, which is how umpires' accuracy is measured.

    Source: ICC umpiring records · applied

  6. Harold 'Dickie' Bird, from Yorkshire, umpired 66 Tests and was famous for his care and his reluctance to give lbw.

    Source: ICC umpiring records · recall

  7. Many top umpires are former players, but it is not a requirement.

    Source: General playing principle · applied

  8. Bird first stood in a Test in 1973, Bucknor in 1989 and Dar in 2003.

    Source: ICC umpiring records · recall

  9. Umpires work up from club cricket through domestic first-class matches to the ICC panels.

    Source: ICC umpiring records · applied

  10. England's David Shepherd hopped at 111, the score known as "Nelson" that superstition holds unlucky.

    Source: ICC umpiring records · recall

Test 9Wasting timeTake a test

  1. Needless delays by a batter can be treated as time-wasting.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 41 · applied

  2. Slowing the game with unnecessary field changes is time-wasting.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 41 · applied

  3. Time-wasting is a matter for the umpires' judgement.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 41 · recall

  4. A side facing defeat late in a match could otherwise run down the clock.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 41 · applied

  5. A fixed minimum of overs means slowing down cannot cut the last hour short.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 12 · applied

  6. A bowler may set his field, but not so slowly that it holds up the game.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 41 · applied

  7. Over-rate penalties are handled after play under the playing conditions.

    Source: ICC Men's Test Match Playing Conditions · recall

  8. The fielders are warned once; delays after that are punished with runs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 41 · applied

  9. Batters who waste time after a warning cost their side five runs.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 41 · applied

  10. One warning has already been used up, so this delay is penalised.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 41 · applied

Test 10What the umpires carryTake a test

  1. If the ball no longer passes through the gauge, it may be replaced.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 4 · recall

  2. Big hitting has made the bowler's-end umpire's position more dangerous.

    Source: General playing principle · recall

  3. The umpires are the timekeepers of the match.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · recall

  4. It is a long custom for the umpire behind the stumps to hold the bowler's things during his spell.

    Source: General playing principle · recall

  5. Umpires keep their own count of every ball rather than relying on the scoreboard.

    Source: General playing principle · recall

  6. A meter reading set a benchmark so that later light could be compared fairly.

    Source: ICC Men's Test Match Playing Conditions · applied

  7. The umpires hold the match balls and decide when a ball is replaced.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 4 · recall

  8. A ball that has gone out of shape is replaced by one in similar condition.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 4 · applied

  9. Equipment is checked and guard given before the umpire calls play.

    Source: MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 2 · applied

  10. On-field umpires in internationals talk to the TV umpire through a radio and earpiece.

    Source: ICC Men's Playing Conditions · applied

Sources

MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022) for the Laws themselves; ICC Playing Conditions per format for the officiating and regulation detail that overrides the Laws in international cricket (DRS, powerplays, over rates, concussion replacements, the free hit); ESPNcricinfo for recent changes such as the soft-signal retirement. Questions are authored from these sources, not reproduced from them.

  • ICC Playing Conditions (DRS)20
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 219
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 4210
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 3110
  • ICC umpiring records9
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 418
  • General playing principle4
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 43
  • ICC Playing Conditions (June 2023)2
  • ICC Playing Conditions (match officials)2
  • ICC Playing Conditions (match referee)2
  • ICC Men's Test Match Playing Conditions2
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 171
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 361
  • ICC Playing Conditions (third umpire)1
  • ICC Playing Conditions (front-foot no-ball technology)1
  • ESPNcricinfo1
  • ICC Playing Conditions (Code of Conduct)1
  • ICC Code of Conduct1
  • MCC Laws of Cricket 2017 code (3rd edition 2022), Law 121
  • ICC Men's Playing Conditions1