Umpires and Match Referees Explained: Who Does What in Cricket
Understand the roles of on-field umpires, the third and fourth umpires and the match referee, plus the main umpire signals every cricket fan should know.
A cricket match is overseen by several officials, each with a distinct job. At the top level, the group includes two on-field umpires, a third umpire in the television room, a fourth umpire and a match referee. Together they apply the Laws of Cricket and the playing conditions of the competition.
The on-field umpires
Two umpires stand on the field. One officiates from behind the stumps at the bowler’s end, and the other stands at square leg, roughly in line with the batting crease. At the end of each over, they swap roles. The umpire at the bowler’s end counts the six legal balls, watches for no-balls and wides, and makes decisions on leg before wicket appeals. The square-leg umpire has a better view of run outs, stumpings and the position of the wicketkeeper’s gloves, and he or she is also responsible for many calls on the leg side.
Umpires also decide when play begins and ends for the day, judge whether light or weather make play unfit and ensure that the ball and pitch are treated fairly. They keep track of how many balls have been bowled and tell the scorers about boundaries, extras and dismissals.
Common umpire signals
| Decision | Signal |
|---|---|
| Out | Raised index finger |
| Four | Arm waved from side to side across the chest |
| Six | Both arms raised above the head |
| Wide | Both arms extended horizontally |
| No-ball | One arm extended horizontally |
| Bye | Open hand raised above the head |
| Leg bye | Fingers touching a raised knee |
| Dead ball | Wrists crossed and uncrossed below the waist |
| Short run | Fingers tapped onto the near shoulder |
| Third-umpire referral | Hands drawn in the air to outline a television screen |
The third umpire
The third umpire sits off the field with access to replay technology. On-field umpires can refer run outs, stumpings and boundary-line catches to the third umpire, and the third umpire also makes decisions about the Decision Review System (DRS) when a team has asked for a review. The third umpire reviews the footage and advises the on-field umpire, who communicates the result to players and spectators.
The fourth umpire
The fourth umpire is a back-up official who does not normally take part in the decision-making. Their duties include bringing out drinks and equipment, checking that replacement balls and bats are available and standing in for an umpire who is injured or unwell. In some matches, they also help to monitor over rates and keep the match running smoothly.
The match referee
The match referee does not stand on the field. In international cricket, the referee is appointed by the International Cricket Council and works separately from the umpires. The referee’s tasks include applying the ICC Code of Conduct, deciding penalties for breaches such as dissent or ball tampering, reviewing the pitch and outfield conditions and enforcing minimum over rates. The referee also sits with the captains and umpires when conditions are disputed and ensures that the playing conditions are followed.
Decisions and appeals
A batter cannot be given out unless the fielding side appeals. Players typically call out an appeal, such as “How’s that?”, and the umpire then decides whether the batter is out. If the umpire is unsure, he or she can ask the third umpire for a replay where this is allowed. Under DRS, teams can challenge on-field decisions, and where the technology cannot overturn the original call, the on-field decision stands.
Levels of the game
At club level, the system is much simpler. Often there are only two umpires, who may be volunteers, and there is neither a third umpire nor a match referee. The same principles apply: umpires apply the Laws, keep the game fair and settle disputes quickly. Whatever the level, players are expected to respect the umpire’s decision.
Frequently asked questions
How many umpires are there in a cricket match?
Two umpires stand on the field. In international and many professional matches, there is also a third umpire, a fourth umpire and a match referee.
What does the match referee do?
The match referee enforces the code of conduct, decides penalties for breaches, oversees playing conditions and over rates and does not make on-field decisions about dismissals.
What does the third umpire decide?
The third umpire uses television replays to help decide run outs, stumpings, boundary catches and reviews requested by teams under the Decision Review System.