Bowden

[Scallywag]

Having recieved a umpires signal chart it shows that B Bowdens signals are not quite what the ICC regards as umpires signals.

I know it sounds pedantic but if he can stretch the laws to add a bit of flair to the game at the same time as the ICC is telling the players that they have to abide by the laws.

I dont think the umpires need to come up with ways to make themselves stand out and should be looking to do what good umpires do and thats not be noticed.

I have no problem with Bowdens umpiring but it could snowball with umpires trying to be entertainers and forget the real reason they are there. The line will need to be drawn at some stage and maybe its best for cricket to nip it in the bud.

 

[Mr Casson]

He's not hurting anyone and everyone can understand his signals. Fine by me.

 

[James90]

I enjoy Billy Bowden's actions and I think he's a fine umpire, I have no problem with it

 

[Pratters]

Bowden knows the rules of the game very well IMO. Not that other umpires do not. But what he did today was exceptional. Hayden was wasting time and he made it a point to remind him that it is within the cricket rules that a batsman has to be ready when a bowler is bowling.

In another instance today itself, he was talking with Shephard at square leg when Akhtar was going back to his run up to ball. Bowden literally ran behind the wicket to ensure that he was ready before Akhtar was ready to bowl.

His entertainment isnt disruptive and so I dont see any problem with it either. A good umpire must make the right decisions and shouldnt insult the profession. He doesnt do either and has my upmost respect.

 

[nookie_lk]

Bowden, Great for the game

 

[Josh]

His leg bye signal makes me **** myself laughing.

 

[Dasa]

I have no problem with Bowdens umpiring but it could snowball with umpires trying to be entertainers and forget the real reason they are there. The line will need to be drawn at some stage and maybe its best for cricket to nip it in the bud.

Agreed - for the first time I think.

 

[Deja moo]

I thought he had arthritis which explained the bent finger signals..

 

[Richard Rash]

Having recieved a umpires signal chart it shows that B Bowdens signals are not quite what the ICC regards as umpires signals.

I know it sounds pedantic but if he can stretch the laws to add a bit of flair to the game at the same time as the ICC is telling the players that they have to abide by the laws.

I dont think the umpires need to come up with ways to make themselves stand out and should be looking to do what good umpires do and thats not be noticed.

I have no problem with Bowdens umpiring but it could snowball with umpires trying to be entertainers and forget the real reason they are there. The line will need to be drawn at some stage and maybe its best for cricket to nip it in the bud.

It is harmless. As long as he continues to umpire well it doesn't bother me. It brings life to the game.

 

[Sehwag309]

Having recieved a umpires signal chart it shows that B Bowdens signals are not quite what the ICC regards as umpires signals.

I know it sounds pedantic but if he can stretch the laws to add a bit of flair to the game at the same time as the ICC is telling the players that they have to abide by the laws.

I dont think the umpires need to come up with ways to make themselves stand out and should be looking to do what good umpires do and thats not be noticed.

I have no problem with Bowdens umpiring but it could snowball with umpires trying to be entertainers and forget the real reason they are there. The line will need to be drawn at some stage and maybe its best for cricket to nip it in the bud.

..althought a completely different aspect but have lotta similarities

I was living in Rhode Island, USA and there was this cop who used to dance like Michael Jackson to control the traffic, this small intersection had no lights so he used to take upon himself to do the job with his own style and flair

Its not i the rule book, but it had a very good effect in addition to the crowd he generated

Dacning Cop

 

[Sehwag309]

Having recieved a umpires signal chart it shows that B Bowdens signals are not quite what the ICC regards as umpires signals.

I know it sounds pedantic but if he can stretch the laws to add a bit of flair to the game at the same time as the ICC is telling the players that they have to abide by the laws.

I dont think the umpires need to come up with ways to make themselves stand out and should be looking to do what good umpires do and thats not be noticed.

I have no problem with Bowdens umpiring but it could snowball with umpires trying to be entertainers and forget the real reason they are there. The line will need to be drawn at some stage and maybe its best for cricket to nip it in the bud.

..althought a completely different aspect but have lotta similarities

I was living in Rhode Island, USA and there was this cop who used to dance like Michael Jackson to control the traffic, this small intersection had no lights so he used to take upon himself to do the job with his own style and flair

Its not in the rule book, but it had a very good effect in addition to the crowd he generated

Really something to watch, expecially the moon walk

http://www.providencedancingcop.com/

Dancing Cop

 

[marc71178]

So long as he gets the decisions right, I don't think anyone can complain, but if he starts to make wrong calls whilst still making the same hand signals, then I think something is up.

 

[GotSpin]

I thought he had arthritis which explained the bent finger signals..

Thats what i heard too, and also why he couldn't play cricket anymore himself

 

[shaka]

Bowden IMO is a good umpire who hardly gets anything wrong. The entertainment factor brings int he crowds.

 

[marc71178]

I don't think the crowds really show up to watch Bowden umpire!

 

[Pratters]

I don't think the crowds really show up to watch Bowden umpire!

Characters are always better for the game, and ultimately have a positive impact on the game and the crowds. We have a thread on Bowden. I doubt we would have one on Cyril Mitchley.

 

[Josh]

Thats what i heard too, and also why he couldn't play cricket anymore himself

both of you are correct.

 

[Richard]

You're correct in that he got arthritis that stopped him playing - but not correct in that he's physically unable to straighten his finger, that's just a joke.

 

[Richard]

Having recieved a umpires signal chart it shows that B Bowdens signals are not quite what the ICC regards as umpires signals.

I know it sounds pedantic but if he can stretch the laws to add a bit of flair to the game at the same time as the ICC is telling the players that they have to abide by the laws.

I dont think the umpires need to come up with ways to make themselves stand out and should be looking to do what good umpires do and thats not be noticed.

I have no problem with Bowdens umpiring but it could snowball with umpires trying to be entertainers and forget the real reason they are there. The line will need to be drawn at some stage and maybe its best for cricket to nip it in the bud.

I see what you mean with regards expecting everyone to follow the rules.
Guess the best thing to do would be to relax the rules on signals.
Given that no-one really has a problem with his signalling or decision-making.

 

[marc71178]

Characters are always better for the game, and ultimately have a positive impact on the game and the crowds. We have a thread on Bowden. I doubt we would have one on Cyril Mitchley.

But that doesn't answer my question at all.

The only person I know who would go to a game just to watch an umpire is Eyes.