Beard Liberation Front
Media Release
3rd August
Contact Keith Flett 07803 167266
Rise of beards in cricket requires regulation with independent beard assessors
The Beard Liberation Front, the informal network of beard wearers, has welcomed the views of former Umpire John Holder on how to deal with the impact of the rise in the number of beards in cricket.
Holder opined on the matter on Test Match Special’s Ask the Umpire slot on 2nd August during the second day of the Ashes Test at Edgbaston in response to questions from BLF Organiser Keith Flett and Peterborough supporter Toby Wood.
Holder noted in response to Flett that while players might try to ‘improve’ the ball by rubbing it in a beard previously enhanced by beard oil or balm, it was a matter for the Umpires on the field to intervene if they were concerned.
Likewise Holder suggested that if a player’s beard was long enough to obscure an Umpire’s view of play they could be asked to tuck it into their shirt.
The Beard Liberation Front says that while it totally accepts that Holder’s comments were made in good faith they might lead to dissent on the field. Criticising the length of someone’s beard or suggesting they were using it to illegally change the ball could be a very sensitive issue.
The campaigners say that it would be better for each Test to have an independent beard assessor who could deal with any facial hair related disputes under a previously agreed Code which should sit alongside but not be part of the Laws of Cricket
BLF Organiser Keith Flett said, imagine what W G Grace would have said and done if an Umpire had attempted to intervene on a matter relating to his beard. An independent assessor would make sure there were no close shaves on the field.
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