...has to be a step in the right direction!
Having just seen his photo on the umpires and scorers website (www.niacus.co.uk) in his new attire, he certainly looks the part, and like all his colleagues appears to relish the opportunity of jazzing up the old white coat attire. I don’t see anything negative about this progressive step, as I’ve always believed that when you look good you feel good. Let’s give the umpires a pat on the back for their initiative, and embrace their smart appearance in the modern era. If you lose sight of the ball in their colourful attire then you are already looking in the wrong direction!
There’s a lot happening within the umpires code these days, and it is wonderful that the Internet has allowed us to share their developments and good news. We should never forget the huge contribution of our umpires down the years, although I’m sure some of their predecessors would turn in their graves at the thought of the new coloured shirts, T20 matches and pyjamas attire. But we live and play in real time, and what has gone before is now history. Thankfully our umpires have moved with the times, and their enthusiasm and commitment to raise the bar has been the hallmark of their success. And success they have had at the highest level, with people like Paddy O’Hara and the late Trevor Henry doing it on the international stage. Others have followed in their wake, and who knows, but will we eventually see an Ulster umpire reach the lofty heights of the ICC Elite Panel in the future? It would be tunnel vision to limit umpires to the level of their home country, because there must be umpires of excellent quality in countries that are not test nations. They simply need exposure and fast-tracking to get to the highest level.
At club level the umpires are the life and soul of any cricket match, and if you doubt this accolade, then play a match without them see how it degenerates into a shambles. Of course, they make mistakes, but haven’t we all? If there is one thing that players and spectators need to embrace in the modern game, then it is respect for the umpires, as the occasional mistake does not impinge on their impartiality, and at the end of the day, that’s their major contribution to a good game of cricket. Umpires are the custodians of the laws of cricket, and captains of teams who do not show that respect are not worthy of their position.
Every year the call goes out for new recruits, and the low numbers that respond is a serious challenge to the long-term future of the game. We need to attract more umpires into the game and we need to widen the net. I don’t subscribe that you have to play the game at the highest level to umpire at the highest level, although at times there are issues that may require a “feel” for the game. However, our top umpires have shown they have the ability to reach international status within their own discipline, and they are to be lauded for their efforts. Perhaps we also need to widen the net from the players past and present, and look at ways to recruit from schools, ladies, and spectators! Yes, perhaps there are a few potential umpires on the critics bench just waiting to be asked, and they don’t need to do it every week, just get involved.
Many young people enjoy the statistical challenge of cricket, and perhaps within our schools there are budding umpires and scorers that need an outlet to get involved. And what of the ladies? There may not be a lot of ladies cricket teams, but that should not deter opening the door for prospective recruits. Sex is not a deterrent.
The umpires have come a long way in the last two decades, and full credit to chairman Noel McCarey and his hard-working committee for moving with the times and setting higher and higher standards. All through the years the umpires committee has given Trojan service, and if you were fortunate to get invited to one of their annual dinners then that was a night to savour. These guys know how to enjoy their sport and the camaraderie that comes with it. They could teach some of the players a thing or two about job satisfaction.
Keep up the good work the multi-coloured brigade.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
