Many recorded cases of Australian CRAP may be attributable to misdiagnoses and are more likely as a result of a deliberate usage of PR (Positive Reinforcement).

CRAP (Constant Repetition of the Appeal Process) is a psychological disorder that affects (although not exclusively) a high percentage of bowlers and is especially prevalent in Grades cricket.

It is a mostly instinctive, reactive condition triggered by an impairment of visual acuity and/or perception. Bowlers are particularly susceptible as a consequence of their unique perspective of any given delivery and their innate belief in their own ability to accurately target the stumps.

Common triggers

Constant LBW appeals are the most common symptom of CRAP. "Claimed" bat/pad catches are less common in Grades cricket unless tail-end batsmen are involved, in which case, the greater number of close fielders makes it more likely to induce the condition.

In games where the stakes are high or a result is in the balance, tension can trigger the widespread contagion of CRAP amongst the whole of the fielding side. This contagion is temporary, in most cases, but can develop into Collective CRAP (see below).

Variant forms of CRAP

Artificial CRAP (also known as Fool's CRAP)

The increasing coaching of PR (Positive Reinforcement) techniques, which includes constant appealing (to pressurize umpires and batsmen) as a component, has led to many misdiagnoses of CRAP, most frequently in professional cricket, but to a lesser degree in the Grades. Classified as Artificial, or Fool's CRAP, such cases are not considered to be related to real CRAP, as they are a result of deliberate, pre-meditated actions and not induced by physiological or psychological factors.

Numpty CRAP

A variant disorder of CRAP, Numpty CRAP affects less than one player per team in the Grades. It can be clearly distinguished from regular CRAP, as the affected individual, invariably, and often, inexplicably, appeals for a decision (most often an LBW but occasionally a catch), without any support from his fellow fielders. His isolated shouting can be highly embarrassing to the individual concerned but as it is a compulsive action, it is important to administer some sympathetic consolation.

Collective CRAP

Collective CRAP affects a whole team. Even debutants are infected with it. It is extremely rare within the Grades, limited to just one or two sides, but it's rate of incidence is proportional to the standard of cricket played, peaking with professional cricket in general and Australasian and South African cricket in particular (although Artificial CRAP may account for many cases, see above). Grades Collective CRAP is mild in comparison.

Drawbacks

CRAP can induce a violent reaction in others and CRAP sufferers, in some societies, can fall victim to both physical and verbal abuse.

CRAP, especially the Collective variant, can have a de-sensitizing effect on umpires, dramatically reducing the rate of successful appeals.

Clubs infected with Collective CRAP can see their reputation sullied and they may even be subject to disciplinary action. To date, no Grades clubs have been, officially, punished for behaviour as a result of Collective CRAP, although Bon Accord C.C. were reported, by an umpire, for excessive appealing during the 2005 Aberdeenshire Cup Final, although the club in question is not (and has never been) regarded as a breeding ground for the disorder. (Note: no disciplinary action was taken against the club)

(Note: the term CRAP appears here 24 times (25 if you include this note). That's a lot of CRAP! (and now that's 26))