Like most cricketers over the years a few decisions went the wrong way, but if we were being honest, (a rare quality in modern cricket), then we would all agree that we got a lot more good decisions than bad ones. And, at the end of the day, where would cricket be without them?
Their importance was brought home to me recently when the 2012 ICC Associate and Affiliates International Umpires Panel was announced and Ireland’s Mark Hawthorne and Richard Smith were worthy appointees. It says much for the standard of local umpires that we can boast two members in the 12-man panel and we have some excellent contenders coming through the ranks. Well done to the local umpires because just like any representative honour, it has come from a background that involved a lot of people past and present. Mark also stood in the Ireland-England ODI at Clontarf this season and he continues to take local umpiring to another level.
The umpiring fraternity is a lively bunch these days and it surprises me that more and more players don’t join the ranks and don the white coat. It seems logical for retiring players or players who have the ambition, but perhaps not the ability, to reach representative level. After all, umpiring can be just as rewarding a sporting career as playing and, if we look at contemporary sports like rugby, football and hockey we can see many examples of local sportspeople rising to the highest level. Now through the expertise of Mark and Richard we have two aspiring umpires that will travel the world to officiate at a highest level available to them. It is a tremendous achievement and surely an inspiration for others to follow?
When we look back at umpiring down the years it was a motley array of characters and representative recognition was often down to long service rather than qualifications or expertise. But it was the order of the day and it served cricket well. The average age seemed high compared to modern times, but those wise old sages were just as big a part of the game as the players. And they had total respect.
The dynamic in modern sport has changed beyond all recognition and it is sometimes futile to make comparisons, but the respect for umpires in the current game has certainly deteriorated and it is shameful how the modern player feels justified in challenging and disputing umpiring decisions. If there is one part of cricket that is sacrosanct then it is the authority of the umpire and when it is challenged the game suffers. Food for thought going forward, and perhaps the time has come for a union directive to have zero tolerance for dissent?
The umpiring brigade has come a long way from the halcyon years of Gentleman Joe Vaughan, the delightful Dai Jones, George Archer, and Pete Reith et al. Long-serving stalwarts like Peter Lunney, Ian Houston and Paddy O’Hara maintain important links with the past, but there is a new breed of umpires and they are just as polished in their skills as the modern players. This is no accident given the training and commitment all top umpires give to their sport and, regular visitors to their website will see an organization that is vibrant, dynamic and enthusiastic. It is great to see former players like Jimmy Ireland and Howard Bingham joining the ranks and also young umpires like the McCormick brothers Gary and Geoff from Donaghadee following in the footsteps of the popular Reid brothers. New Chairman is Alan Neill, a superb cricketer in his day, and with all the qualities to continue the tremendous work done by his predecessor Noel McCarey.
Local umpiring is in good hands with doyens like Paddy O’Hara still involved, but they need to grow their numbers and they can only do that with the support of the clubs and the players. Young and old are welcome so let’s take our inspiration from the success of Mark and Richard and join their umpiring club.
Clarence Hiles
Editor
