Respecting the Umpire is About More than the Spirit of Cricket
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that cricketers disrespect umpires.
The incident in the IPL where Harbhajan Singh argued with the umpire so hard he forced a review is just another example of the Spirit of Cricket being ignored. Dissent goes back as far as WG Grace (probably further). Cricket is not a gentleman’s game.
But the thing that got me about the Mumbai Indians vs. Deccan Chargers flare up was that Harbajan wasn’t playing the game to his advantage.
By arguing with the umpire he has built a reputation for someone who disrespects the men in charge.
Umpires are only human and humans tend to favour people they like. Its subconscious and no self-respecting umpire would ever admit it but it happens. That’s why it’s a well-established tactic to get on-side with umpires.
You might say that this is a cynical view. You could argue that cricket should be played in the right spirit regardless of whether it gives you a tactical advantage. But we live in a world where technology can instantly prove the facts: even at grass-roots level. Technology is becoming the authority over the infallible human umpire.
It’s no wonder respect is vanishing at every level. The world has changed and there is a higher authority the judge fairness.
Part of the attraction of any sport, cricket included, is that it is played on equal terms: it is a fair test of participant’s physical and mental skills. But the judge of that fairness has moved from an umpire to a computer.
Of course, the problem then becomes that we don’t have technology at every game. So while respect is chipped away from umpires, there is nothing to replace it and we end up bemoaning the attitude of the youth of today.
In fact, what we need to do as players and coaches is reset. We need to learn that respecting the umpire is a tactical advantage and not part of a lofty ideal. If it ever really was.
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Comments
What's the best way to get decisions to go your way?
Is it to appeal for everything in the hope that every "not out" now will make the chance of an out more likely when you have a good shout next over, or appeal for virtually nothing so that he thinks you're being selective and therefore it must be out when you do appeal?
Is it to be friendly and hope he does you a favour because he likes you, or to subtly apply pressure "what was wrong with that one, ump?" in the hope that he caves in?
David, I read a lot on here that is sound advice and helps a lot of cricketers, but this article does no one any favours.
I still encourage all of my cricketers to walk, this doesn't make them any less competitive but does make them acutely aware that an umpire's job is a difficult one at the best of times and that if the players can make that job easier they should do so.
I also encourage them to appeal when they genuinely think they have a wicket (which with junior cricketers can often be a little optimistic) but then to accept the umpire's decision as final, although there is nothing wrong with AB's 'what was wrong with that one, ump?' so long as the answer is taken in good grace. This has no alterior motive in terms of applying pressure, but helps them learn what a good appeal is.
Sorry if all this sounds too old fashioned, but having seen other sports fail to control their players, I hope cricket does not follow the same path. It is not the 'attitude of the youth of today' that needs to be questioned but those who are entrusted in introducing and developing their love of the game that have this responsibility
I think perhaps you overestimate the power of the coach over the irresistible march of progress. And by progress I don't mean arguing with the umpire like Harbajan demonstrated. I just mean we need to understand how the nature of authority is changing in society and adapt our methods to reach our goals.
Pretty sure every coach up and down the country is encouraging respect for the umpires, match situations can get the better of all of us, but one thing I've noticed over the last 6 or 7 years is that parents are becoming more of a problem, when their child gets out or their appeal is turned down a parents is always prepared to use bad umpiring as an excuse for things not going their way. This is a powerful group that has a huge influence on how our new generation of players behave. Maybe they need coaching in the spirit of the game.
Appeal for what you think is out. That's it. No more no less.
I totally agree with TonyM and in no way overestimate the power of the coach and/or manager.
Lowering of standards comes from above. Of course all children will push the boundaries... that is their job and ever was it so. I have my standards and principles and I really do not care too much about what happens elsewhere e.g. parents, teachers etc.
Teach the children what is expected and they will grow with that expectation. Children are not stupid; if they can get away with something, they will and all credit to them for trying. If something is unacceptable, it is unacceptable. If a player cannot abide by the spirit of the game, they do not play until they can. Full stop!
However, players have the right to know what went against them. It is common courtesy and I have total contempt for so called 'umpires' who say, "Because I say so!". No REAL umpire would be so patronising. More often than not it betrays their ignorance and should be challenged. This too is within the spirit of the game.
If a player has failed in some way they should know it and abide by decisions. If a player does not know it then it is not necessarily the fault of the player but possibly the instructor and one, or both, of them need further education [not punishment].