At the League Committee meeting of 29th November some discussion was made of the increasing difficulty for clubs to provide a competent umpire for away games in 2nd and 3rd XI fixtures.
In many cases home sides are being asked to provide both umpires for games, with the away side 'returning the favour' on the return fixture. Often this can be seen as as advantageous - where home umpire are able to cover more than one game by not having to travel to the away fixture.
In support of this situation the League Committee agreed the following rule changes for 2007. The following paragraphs relating to the availability of umpires for 2nd, 3rd, and Central League games, replace corresponding paragraphs 17.5 thru 17.8 in the MRHA Rules. These changes are effective for all league games from 1st January 2007.
17.5 For the 2nd XI, 3rd XI League and Central League matches clubs will be responsible for the appointment of umpires. For the 2nd XI League umpires must be qualified to at least umpire Level 1 (unless the Divisional Secretary has granted a specific dispensation). For the 3rd XI League the umpires should be qualified to umpire Level 1 For each match the home club shall be responsible for the provision of 2 umpires. The away club is entitled to provide an umpire. If they wish to do so then they must notify the home club that they will be bringing an umpire. In the absence of any such notification the home club should provide 2 umpires.
17.6 If at any match there is an umpire short, whether through no appointment or non-availability or non-appearance, every effort must be made by both clubs (and especially the home club) to provide a competent umpire.
17.7 Clubs must endeavour to use a club umpire before the use of players, but in the absence of any one, or both club umpires, the club which has not provided an umpire in accordance with its obligations under this rule shall withdraw one player from their side and that player shall act as umpire for the entire match. (It follows that the lack of an umpire or umpires can never be a reason for the postponement of a match.)
Please note the wording. Clubs that do have travelling umpires may still use them as before - the important point is in the advance notification of arrangements between the clubs.
