Forum

On the lack of umpires. Maybe all the available umpires on a weekend should just do Junior League games and then the Senior players will realise what its like to play without umpires.

Wednesday 18th April
Sport NI are running a "Child Protection Course for coaching cricket" for us here at CIYMS CC this evening from 7pm - 10pm. We have a couple of spaces, £15 per head.
Probably a bit late but if needed please contact me at alan.mcilwaine@gmail.com
Thanks

Alan

Sincere condolences to George and Gary as the loss of their lovely Iris. She was a gem and well known throughout the cricket fraternity. She bore her illness with great courage as indeed she faced her many challenges in life. I know from experience as she not only "mothered" George and his RUC cricket mates after cricket matches, but she inherited a few North Down friends during many late celebrations after Sixes successes in the Seventies. RUC or North Down usually won, but it hardly mattered as the two teams were virtually inseparable in the clubhouse. Poor Iris was the driver on many occasions, but she was also great company on her nights off! When I saw her last year at Stormont we rolled back the years, but little did I know it was the last time I'd see her. Cricket is not all about the best players and the big names, but about people like Iris who shared so much of the fun and enjoyment we had over the years and who enriched our lives in so many ways.
Rest in Peace you lovely lady.
Clarence Hiles

Stuart Hughes doesn't see any onus on clubs to provide umpires nor should anyone be "forced" down that road. He also feels it is right to critise "poor" umpires. Speaking personally I find this attitude disappointing as I wonder on basis he feels that he has the knowledge to make any assessment of umpires. If potential umpires are not encouraged by their clubs and the NIACUS appeals continue to fall on deaf ears then it won't be too long before Stuart will have no official umpires to criticise and we'll be left with what happens in the lower leagues.

Victoria are running a pre-season T20 tournament between Victoria, Lurgan, Donaghcloney and Millpark on Saturday.

There is information about the competition on the NCU site, and if ya want further information you can search "Jubilee Cup" on Facebook.
www.northerncricketunion.org/database/2012/news/articles/article186.shtml

Condolences from myself and Dundrum cricket club to both George and Gary and family circle on the passing of Mrs Wilson our prayers go out to them all .

The Officers and Members of NIACUS wish to extend their most sincere sympathy to George and Gary Wilson upon the passing away of Mrs Wilson on Sunday night. Our thoughts and prayers are with both of them and we hope that they will be comforted by these at this very sad time.

Re Taito

Just to make it clear that there is no truth in any rumour that the NCU are considering moving fixtures on 28 April to allow people to watch the Ulster rugby semi final. This has not even been discussed, nor have we received any requests to do so. However, clubs may of course mutually agree an earlier start if they wish to have matches completed in time to view the rugby semi final, which I think starts at around 6.

did i hear a rumour the NCU were considering moving the first fixtures to another date due to the ulster rugby semi final?

Thanks to all at Glendermott CC for there hospitality to Victoria CC yesterday and best wishes for the incoming season in the North West

I don't think the onus should be in clubs to provide umpires at all. We can't force people down this route. I also reserve my right to complain about poor umpiring as well. I think we should make effort to encourage people to go down this route if they want but that's all.

The NCU Development Roadshow reached out to the clubs by holding regional meetings, why not do the same with the umpiring courses? (e.g hold one in say the Lurgan area and try and draw in a members from the local clubs over 3 week nights)

Other sporting committments in the winter and the associated expense of travelling to Belfast make the courses lasting a whole weekend too much of a committment, both in terms of time and cost. I have suggested this in the past and feel it could a way of recruiting potential umpires

Derriaghy CC are hosting their annual golf day on Monday 4th June at Down Royal Golf Club. The cost for a round of golf and a meal after is £25 and tee off times are available from 10am. If anybody is interested in entering a four ball please contact me via email, derriaghycc1@hotmail.co.uk. Thanks and good luck to all players, teams and supporters for the 2012 season, lets hope it stays dry!

Re. Lack of Umpires.
Without prolonging this thread, I would just like to note that I had made an enquiry about doing the course, but as it was run over a weekend, I was unable to commit to it, due to other sporting commitments. Perhaps there are others like me? Maybe it could be done over 3 evenings next year?

The shortage of active umpires is indeed a major problem for both Ian Houston and the NCU as the number of games increase each year and our numbers of umpires fall due to retirement and illness. NIACUS has actively campaigned for greater support from clubs and the initiative from the NCU with a nominated club member standing for one match this season is very welcome indeed. Alas our training course was poorly attended and our training officer Keith Smith who trains across Europe was disappointed but the onus is on the clubs to provide nominees but all ideas for recruitment must be give serious consideration as we require many new faces to replace the members that have left over the past five years. Clubs are good at complaining at the quality of umpires but are they prepared to stand in the middle? We all have opinions about match officials but my colleagues who go out each week during the season deserve greater support from the clubs. The quality of the umpiring is improving each year and the inclusion of so many on the ICC Europe list is a credit to the local game and those individuals who ensure that the game is played each week.