Umpire’s decision is final
You should always accept the decision of the umpire.

Whether you think it is the right decision or not you should never show any dissent.

You will soon find that some decisions will go in your favour and others against.

Walk when out
Sadly this is a tradition that has gone out of the game at the highest level.

But there will be occasions when you know that you have got an edge through to the wicketkeeper that the umpire has missed.

Whether you own up and walk is your decision.

But if everyone adopts this attitude then the game would have far less controversy.

Applaud the new batsman
It is recognised as good sportsmanship in village and schools cricket to applaud the new batsman as he makes his way to the wicket.

Changing condition of the ball
Polishing, drying or removing mud from the ball is fine so long as no artificial substance is used.

Any other interference with the seam or surface of the ball in an effort to alter its condition is not allowed.

Distracting the batsman
As a fielder you can't make any deliberate attempt to distract or obstruct a batsman.

If this does happen a dead ball wil be called by the umpire and five penalty runs will be awarded to the batting side.

Dangerous bowling

Repetitive short pitched or high full pitched bowling which could cause physical injury to the batsman will be called as a no-ball and will result in a warning for the bowler.

If the bowler continues with these tactics then he will receive a final warning.

If the tactics are still not changed then the umpire can direct the captain of the fielding side to take the bowler off.

The bowler will then not be able to bowl again during that innings.

Time wasting
If any player attempts to waste time the umpire should give a first and final warning to the whole team.

Any repeat within that current innings would see five runs awarded to the opposition.

Damaging the pitch
All players are responsible for seeing that the pitch is not damaged during play.

Bowlers must stay off ‘the protected area’ of the pitch.

This is regarded as an imaginary rectangle that covers one foot either side of the middle stump and five feet in front.

A bowler will be warned twice before the umpire can direct the fielding captain to take the bowler off and prevent him from bowling again in that innings.

If a fielder damages the pitch then a caution will be issued to the fielding captain.

Any repeat of this action from any fielder during the innings in progress will result in five runs being awarded to the batting side.

A batsman who damages the pitch will receive a caution from the umpire.

A second occurrence during the same innings will earn a final warning and any runs scored from that delivery, other than no balls or wides, will be disallowed.

Further damage is caused by the batting team then again any runs scored are disallowed and five penalty runs are awarded to the fielding side.

Stealing a run
Batsmen are not allowed to try and ‘steal a run’ during the bowler’s run up, unless the bowler has made an effort to run out either batsman.

Any attempt made to steal a run will see five penalty runs awarded to the fielding side.