Minutes of the meeting with the captains on Aril 7^th 2004 at FSC

All clubs were represented although some clubs will be fined for not having the required members present, as per minutes of the league meeting

Apologies had been received from A Greenhalgh and E Smith

The chairman of the umpires association, Mr P Dalton welcomed everyone to the meeting, and said there were quite a few changes to be aware of for the coming season, both in law and in administration. All clubs were given a sample copy of the newsletter containing the new laws, a copy of the new ECB team card and a copy of the new mark sheet for umpires.

Law changes Mr Elmore and Mr Heap spoke on the new changes. Two concerns arose: Where to record a ball that doesn’t count in the over if runs have been scored from it. (There are three times when this can happen). Mr Elmore said this had been taken back to the scorers committee at Lords and they weren’t interested in producing a different symbol to use. Scorers would have to record it in the margin somewhere.’ The other was illegal fielding. If this happened the ball does not count in the over, but 5 penalty runs would be issued to the batting side. It meant some sides could commit this offence so that they could try again to get the last man out. All the umpires could do as report it to the league as any issue of penalty runs, other than the ball hitting a helmet on the ground, had to be reported. The league would have to decide what to do.

Umpires mark scheme Mrs Knott spoke about the new marking system for umpires. It would not be on the result sheet, but on a separate form. Clubs had 7 days for it to reach Malcolm Kinder. Clubs would have a choice of E mailing the form or by normal post, The following clubs elected to send by normal post. AB, EA EG, FA, FSC, GR, HO, LL, TO, WA. These clubs would be issued with forms and stamped addressed envelopes at the next league meeting. The form would be on the league website for those wishing to use E-mail.

ECB Team card Captains were informed the umpires would carry these with them this year. Both sides needed to be completed before the game started

New BCL rules There was only one re 30 yd circles for all first team games. These should be marked with discs, not paint. Clubs were reminded there must be 4 fielders other than keeper and bowler within the circles, at the instance of the bowlers delivery. Extra time was not given for these games, 49 overs had to be completed within 3 hours and 4 minutes

Discipline Mr Kay reminded clubs of the leagues disciplinary policy, which would be the same as last year. Clubs were also informed that the Umpires governing body was very concerned about player discipline and asked umpires associations to report outcome of league disciplinary hearings that they were not happy with. The ACU&S would then look into it themselves.

CRB and Child protection Mr Hutchinson was asked to remind clubs what they should be doing as far as this new initiative was concerned.

Any other business

Umpiring at junior level was discussed, as was wides in senior cricket. If players wanted a change then it was up to them to put in an amendment to rule.

There being no further discussions Mr Dalton thanked everyone for coming and wished everyone a successful and enjoyable season.

The meeting closed at 9.15pm.