Posted: March 26, 2008

Pitch and outfield marking will be introduced to the JCT 600 Bradford League when the new season opens on April 19.

The scheme is based on one piloted by the ECB with a small number of leagues last season and the marking will be done by the match umpires.

They will be asked to rate pitches in four categories, uneveness , seam movement, carry or bounce and turn.

In each of the categories the umpires will be asked to give a 0-5 ratiing. One is very poor, two is below average, three is above average, four is good and five is very good. Only e pitch that is considered dangerous will be given a zero.

The Management Board outlined their plans to the JCT 600 Bradford League Umpires Association's Executive last month and as a result of the discussions it was agreed to include marking of outfields.

The categories include appearance, grass length, boundary markings and condition of sightscreens. Again umpires will give a mark from 0-5. A zero can only be awarded when the outfield is dangerous.

Club Representative Rodney Heyhoe, an official with the Institute of Groundsmen, said: "This is a scheme which is aimed at raising standards.

"It is believed that we are the first league to introduce outfield marking and I am sure other people will be watching to see how our scheme operates.

"This scheme isn't aimed to catch clubs out. it is meant to be a way of helping to raise the standard of pitches and outfields.

"By marking something it becomes important. Our aim is to provide help and support for those clubs whose pitches receive low marks. It isn't a plan aimed at punishing them."

Special cards are being produced for marking the pitches and these will be handed out to members of the JCT 600 Bradford League Umpires at their meeting on April 10.