CLARIFYING THE OVERS

The powers-that-be in London who run the newly-established Association of Cricket Officials have sent members a welcome Christmas present in the shape of a handy, laminated card setting out the new regulations for youngsters bowling during 2010.
Up to 13: Maximum 5 overs per spell, 10 per day;
Under-14/Under-15: Maximum 6 overs per spell, 12 per day;
Under-16/Under-17/Under-18/Under-19: Maximum 7 overs per spell, 18 per day.
Accompanying the card is a copy of Newsletter Number 3, which includes much of interest, including full-page articles about the 'Spirit of the Game Debate'. Michael Atherton (broadcaster and ex-England captain) wonders whether the spirit of cricket pre-amble to the Laws of the Game should be 'given out', while MCC secretary Roger Knight (experienced ex-player) puts the other side of the coin.
A matters of huge interest to all clubs, and umpires, up and down the country is the level of expenses paid to officials. So - at long last - it seems to ACO is to address this vital issue. It merits one paragraph on page 14 - but it's a very welcome paragraph.
The aim, we are told, is 'to search out a nationally-acceptable formula for match renumeration'. They hope to persuade all county boards and leagues to adopt a national structure. That shouldn't be too difficult. Why should clubs in some leagues have to cough up more than those in similar neighbouring leagues? And why should umpires get less in some competitions than their colleagues standing just a few miles up the road?
The present system involves local umpiring associations trying to agree how much to ask for from particular leagues and then making a suggestion once a year, which the competition may, or may not, accept.
It will be much better to establish a standard national expenses fee for ECB League games, and those in lesser competitions - linked to the number of overs in the innings. Those expenses to apply across the entire country.