No match should normally last longer than forty minutes. Please ensure that the captains do not unduly hold up play while changing the field, especially during the progress of an over. However, discretion should be used to allow the unfamiliarity of having only four fielders plus a wicket-keeper. (NB. there is no requirement to have a wicket-keeper.) Please note rule 4 above. If an innings is dragging on, you are at liberty to impose a penalty. In the case of lost balls, play should not be held up for more than a couple of minutes. It is then the primary responsibility of the batting side to continue searching.
Bowlers should not be allowed to bowl unplayably wide of the stumps, especially down the leg side.
The LBW law should be applied leniently unless the batsman/woman is making no attempt to play the ball. However, if it’s plumb, it’s plumb.
Some bowling actions are bound to be suspect, but no action should be taken unless the bowler is using a suspect action to unfair advantage. In this case, a warning should be given before a no ball is called. Underarm bowling is allowed, but, if the ball makes prolonged contact with the pitch, a no ball should be called. Please note rules 7 and 8. An attempt to warn the bowler before delivery should be made in the case of rule 8. If a fast bowler refuses a request to slow down, they should be no-balled.
Please keep an eye out for (metal) spiked shoes as these damage the artificial pitch. Not likely to be an issue these days, but if anyone is seen to be wearing spikes, they should be asked to remove them, at least while batting or bowling.
