WE seem to have lots of what I call "boundary umpires" at present who delight in finding something an umpire has, in their eyes, missed or done wrong.

Take the no-ball for instance. There are a few grounds which enable spectators to line themselves up with the popping crease and they become front-foot no-ball experts from afar.

They take great delight in letting the umpire know what they have missed with their comments.

The law says the umpire must be satisfied that some part of the bowler's front foot, whether grounded or raised, must be behind the popping crease at the instance of delivery.

It’s the raised part that probably causes the hard part as an umpire who is looking at a rear view for a split second and then has to concentrate what is happening at the other end.

It was interesting talking to a county umpire last season who said they were told to concentrate on the flight of the ball and what happens once the ball was delivered, rather than spend time on watching the front foot because if an appeal went up, the first thing that would be checked on a TV replay would be whether it was a fair ball.

There is now talk of the third umpire in Tests calling front-foot no-balls, as he can very quickly replay the footage and give a decision.

At present it is reviewed only if a wicket falls and not at any other time.

This way all front-foot no-balls would be called.

Grassroots umpires don’t have the benefit of TV replays and have to make their own mind up about the no-ball.

Remember an umpire also has to keep an eye on the bowler's back foot which must not break the return crease when bowling.

A relatively new call of no-ball was introduced for a bowler whose feet transgress an imaginary line joining the two middle stumps.

A bowler has to keep his feet on the same side of this line pertaining to his action.

So there is plenty to think about and yes we may miss a few close decisions.

But we do not need the help of the boundary umpires.

I suggest if they feel so strongly about it then come along to a course and take up umpiring next year.