Replay blackout ‘a safety measure'

Amidst continued criticism over a decision to black out television replays in the stands of umpiring verdicts, the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) says the decision was made against the background of a bottlethrowing incident at Kensington Oval two years ago.

BCA secretary Philip Nicholls said yesterday that several replays of a decision in the 1999 One-Day International between West Indies and Australia appeared to have triggered the throwing of bottles onto the field.

We have to try to prevent or take all the possible catalysts that could precipitate such an incident, Nicholls said.

To this end, the BCA, after discussions with its security advisers and the match referee, felt it was prudent to censor television replays of all umpiring decisions in the current third Test between West Indies and South Africa.

Nicholls also pointed out that it was an offence to abuse officials, including umpires.

Everybody wants to argue and run to the replays to make a judgement, he said. Very few people give a thought for the two umpires who don't have any replays and have to make an instant judgement. But we then want to pass severe criticism on them when they get it wrong.

Since the 1999 Kensington incident, international guidelines were also issued surrounding the safety of players and officials.

If you can't ensure it, there is a great possibility you will not be selected as a venue, Nicholls said. Exchanging what people see as the right or the convenience of seeing a replay is a small price to pay.

Nicholls was also of the view that the average Barbadian did not know how much the bottle-throwing incident tarnished the reputation of Barbados' cricket.

He added that the situation would be reviewed next year with a view to finding a solution. One suggestion was to show at least one replay of umpiring decisions.