Match officials workshop held in Dubai
The changes brought out by the MCC in the new Laws of Cricket, 2000 code 4th edition - 2010 and the changes to the ICC playing conditions for Tests, ODIs and T20 matches.
The Decision Review System and the consistent implementation of the protocols.
Other General areas included code of conduct, media training, assessment, appointments, security and general logistic matters.
Initially the RUPMs met for a day focusing on their role as performance managers as well as reviewing their DRS workshop modules they had developed, covering the protocols and processes of LBWs, faint edges, umpires reviews as well as the whole nature of the relation of third umpires, TV director and the relationship with the broadcasters was discussed in detail.
"The umpires are supportive of the Decision Review System and comfortable with how it operates in practice - the modules ensured the consistent approach required. The stated aim of the DRS is to remove those obvious errors that occur from time to time as well as attempting to ensure that every decision is correct," said International Cricket Council (ICC)'s Umpires and Referees manager Vince Van Der Bijl.
"Statistics show that since the introduction of the DRS the percentage of correct decisions has risen from around 92 per cent to more than 97 per cent. That figure is expected to rise as umpires and players get more and more used to the system. We believe that the combination of human expertise and technology produces the very best result we can possibly have and the results have backed up that belief," said Van Der Bijl.
"The match officials live around the world and these workshops are the only time that they get together as a group to discuss the issues that concern them as well as changes to the Laws, playing conditions and how they interpret and implement them. It is a very important time to take stock and plan the way ahead," added Van Der Bijl.
At the Referees workshop held on 3 September, the referees discussed their specific role which helps to promote a consistent approach and common understanding.
"We discussed a wide range of issues on various aspects of the game like player conduct, pitch assessment, umpire assessment and every other aspect of the general management of the game, that directly affects the referees," added Van Der Bijl.
"In future, we are going to now have two Elite Umpire and Referees workshops a year, one which is normally before a ICC event like the World Twenty20 tournament this year, and the second one which will invariably be held before the new playing conditions become operational in October every year. So, next year the workshop is just before the World Cup and the other one will be similarly timed like this year. With Elite group of match officials meeting at least twice a year in a workshop environment the information and ideas are disseminated in a more effective way," informed Van Der Bijl.
The International umpires in each of region will have a similarly focused local workshop annually and will include the Elite panel and the resident RUPM and will have a similar agenda.
"The PCT is an intimate, yet wide spread, body, who have the very important role of ensuring the smooth running of Tests, ODIs and International T20s.The workshops play a fundamental role to ensure that that happens and that the Laws and playing conditions are consistently applied around the globe," said Van Der Bijl.