While an on-field umpire is expected to handle such instances, it does prove to be an occasional problem. “The terms and conditions of the rules are laid down in what is called the COC (Code of Conduct). That is what is given to the players and the umpires. We do allow the game to go a few things because else the game will be drab.”
And just like any other professional, it’s a learning curve for the umpires as well. Tarapore says that there’s a system in place. “We have something known as the self-assessment report. There are certain yardsticks given to you to make certain assessments about yourself at the end of the game.”
The Code of Conduct included, all umpires have a deep knowledge of the game. Given that everyone is on an equal footing, it is imperative for an umpire to gauge his performances and try to improve oneself. And Tarapore explains exactly what all aspects are reviewed in the self-assessment system.
“It is not just on decision making: right from your appearance, your clothing, equipment, match and man management, there are five/six yardsticks which are common to all games. The higher you go, they tend to include a few more things, like knowledge of the game and playing conditions.”
While the laws of the game don’t change, the conditions do. And this is what tests an umpire’s mettle. “You may be playing a one-day game, or you may be standing in a school game which is 30 overs. Playing conditions revolve around the laws of the game. Hence, you have to be updated and thorough with that. That way, you are judged.”
And, it doesn’t stop at your own self-assessment. One gets responses from other quarters too, a secondary view of your work. “There is also a system after self-assessment, where you are marked by the two captains and the match referee, who puts their personal report. On the highest level, there is also a scale of 100, where you get your percentage overall.”
The rules were laid quite a while ago. The game, however, is not what is used to be. Various changes, coupled with technological advancements, have given the game a different look. An umpire is surely not expected to fall behind? “As the game has changed, bats have become better, the color of the balls has changed, and there has been an influx of cameras. The umpires also have to change with it. You cannot be found wanting”.
“And, I find that technology makes you feel at ease as an umpire,” he adds.
Yet, there are differing opinions on the Decision Review System (DRS). Tarapore has his say: “It has come a long way and has been accepted. It makes the players feel at ease in the sense, that whether right or wrong, they get the immediate reaction. They are also given the importance of being in a position to make X number of appeals as the tournament rule.”
Giving it a thumbs up, he adds, “A number of players have taken to it, and we, as umpires, have also taken to it.”
The margin for error is pretty thin, and you got to be on your toes all the time. With so many cameras trained on the umpire, each decision is carefully scrutinized. “There are times when people the world over, who are watching at home, become your biggest critics, my own family included. Supposing you make a mistake, you see them talking about it, because of technology, they are viewing it, listening to commentary. That is part and parcel of the job”.
But then, it is an occupational hazard. “You have to be mentally very strong. There are some very good days, where people will talk highly of you. Umpires are humans as much as a player. If a player makes a mistake, he gets criticized, and it is the same for us. If we make a mistake, we get criticized, or we get a pat on the back if we do a good job.
Technology aside, the game itself has evolved into a more powerful version of its former self. The smash and bang format has seen batsmen hitting deliveries at tremendous bat-speeds, and the umpires wouldn’t want to get caught in the radar. “I have absolutely no inhibitions in saying that if players can have safety, then why not umpires (equipment wise). Slowly, you are seeing umpires wearing the arm guard.
“There are umpires now who have started donning the helmet. Even the lawmakers have planned that a certain type of helmets be given to umpires.”
Looking back and reminiscing on the matches he has been part of, Tarapore talks about the fact that despite having responsibilities during a game, it doesn’t make it difficult for him to admire the actual play. “It’s a two-way traffic, firstly, you have to concentrate on the job, and it doesn’t happen once or twice, it happens regularly. It comes in a circle – you do your job and enjoy the individual's performance, or at times, you enjoy the atmosphere around you.”
And there’s always something to look forward to and rejoice in a game, however drab it might seem. “If the game is not really going as expected by everyone, you enjoy the experience, and you enjoy the crowd atmosphere. I have really enjoyed what I have done as an umpire. There is so much to it.”
While several professional cricketers make their way to the commentary box after retiring, very few take up umpiring or even progress to umpiring at the highest level. Tarapore however, feels that should one possess the passion, they must go for it.
“In umpiring or refereeing, there are two P’s: Passion and Patience. Unlike a player, who does well and takes the next step, umpires don’t come into the limelight suddenly. It takes years to take the next step. I have always said to myself that passion and patience are keys.”
It’s this passion that keeps Tarapore going, as he gears up for the upcoming domestic season. Life as an umpire has now come full circle for him. From domestic cricket to international cricket and then back, he has quite simply seen it all.
And as he shares his years worth of knowledge in the game, with peers and youngsters alike, the game remains indebted to personalities like him. For, there are few that continue to pursue their passion and love for the game, turning it into something far greater.
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