Third Umpire
In cricket, an off-field official who uses television replays and technology to review decisions referred by the on-field umpires or triggered by players.
Definition
The third umpire is a cricket official stationed off the field with access to television replays, ball-tracking, and other technology. On-field umpires can refer close decisions, such as run-outs, stumpings, catches, and boundary calls, to the third umpire, who examines the footage and relays a verdict. The role adds a layer of accuracy for events that are difficult to judge in real time.
The third umpire also administers the Decision Review System, adjudicating player challenges to on-field calls using tools such as edge detection and ball-tracking. Although the third umpire has significant influence over reviewed decisions, the on-field umpires retain authority over calls that are not referred. The position is distinct from the match referee, who oversees conduct and discipline rather than playing decisions.
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Officiating
- UmpireA match official who rules on lines, serves and dismissals in racket, bat-and-ball and net sports such as tennis, cricket and baseball — and, in racket sports, also keeps the running score.
- RefereeThe primary on-field official who enforces the rules, controls play, penalises fouls, awards restarts, and blows the whistle to start and stop a match.
- Line JudgeA boundary-line official who calls whether the ball or player is in or out and flags foot faults, working under the head referee across many sports.
- Penalty SignalA standardized hand or flag signal an official uses to announce a foul, penalty, or restart so players, teammates, and spectators can read the call.
Positions
- Goal shooterThe goal shooter is a netball attacker who scores goals and is one of only two players allowed to shoot, working within the attacking goal third and circle.
- Centre (netball)The centre is netball’s link between attack and defence, the only player allowed in every third except the two goal circles, and the player who takes the centre pass.
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- Content updated
- 2026-09-01
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