Tom Smith's Cricket Umpiring & Scoring

by Tom Smith

This reference book contains the complete Laws of Cricket, help on interpretation and practical hints for umpires and scorers. This edition has been revised under the auspices of the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

225 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Ernest]

The edition I have is based on the 2017 Code 3rd Edition 2022. Even though there is now a new edition of the Laws of Cricket, this book remains a valuable resource, including as not all Laws have changed. The examples remain useful, and it is in the practical application of the Laws that this book’s value has shone over many years (matched with on-field experience). I look forward to continuing to use this book until a new edition comes out.

My original review is below. It was about an older edition of the book, yet the newer and updated interpretation and applications of each edition ensure that this book continues to serve as a significant resource for cricket umpires the world over.
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Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring is the definitive commentary to the Laws of Cricket. With a forward by respected cricket commentator and former Australian captain Richie Benaud, this book is the staple of umpires, administrators and commentators the cricket world over. Each law is both quoted in totality and explained with pictures, diagrams and clear and concise commentary. Many umpires and commentators consult Tom Smith’s to understand or clarify an understanding of a law or its application in unusual situations. I attempt to reread this book once a year to improve my umpiring.

I note that this book’s edition related to the Laws of Cricket 2000 Code 4th Edition 2010. Since then, there have been limited but still important to know changes to the Laws of Cricket, coming into effect in 2013. Umpires and those interested in cricket should be aware of those changes when both reading this book and in applying the laws of cricket.

This book is a staple of cricket umpires the world over and after the Laws of Cricket themselves, should be read by every new cricket umpire to aid them in their progress. Regular umpires will also gain much from (re)reading this book, refreshing their knowledge or gaining understanding on a point previously assumed. More widely, those involved in cricket more generally, including players, coaches, and administrators, can also benefit from reading this book to actually understand the laws under which they play, and not what they believe the laws to be.

[Arjun]

So, I read "Tom Smith's Cricket Umpiring & Scoring" by Tom Smith. And let me tell you, it's a real page-turner. If you're into cricket, that is. Smith knows his stuff when it comes to umpiring and scoring, and he breaks it down in a way that's easy to understand. And hey, even if you're not a cricket fan, you might learn a thing or two. But let's be honest, this book is not gonna be for everyone. If you're looking for a wild ride with twists and turns, this ain't it. But if you're a cricket nerd, you'll dig it. Cheers.

[Marco]

For those interested in the Umpiring and Scoring of Cricket matches, this book contains everything you could be looking for. Unfortunately the way it is written, its as boring as hell to read, hence why is took me 6 weeks to read it. While it contains everything you could want to know about Umpiring and Scoring, it is hard to read more then a few pages at a time. May be best left to the collectors and the cricket buffs, and even they may struggle to get through this one.

[Imran]

rerading