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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?
Agree 100% with that Marty, still a lot of guys commit to football, rugby, hockey over the winter. Might be worth a try at least.
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.
With the season on around the corner I thought more people would have been having predictions for the Premier and Other leagues
Here's mine
Premier League - Waringstown
Section 1 - Lurgan
Section 2 - Templepatrick
Section 3 - Donaghadee
well said andy what if clubs who do not put people forward to to do the course get no umpires at their games at any level that would tell the tale then
during the "close" season the usual appeals for umpires fell, as usual, on deaf ears and, speaking personally, I feel I feel it would be useful if a list of "active" umpires and their club could be published. This would highlight those clubs that don't provide for this important aspect of the game.
Our ex pro and South African international asked me to let all club cricketers know about this event.
"I’m looking at Hosting the following World Club 6 a side Cricket tournament in Pretoria -South Africa September .I’m looking at Hosting 40 cricket teams from around the world .We are looking at clubs from the UK ,Ireland ,West Indies ,Australia ,Holland and various other places that would be interested in participating in the event .Anyone can enter and this will be a great Friendship tour for cricketers from all around the world to gather and enjoy the game of cricket along with some cold beverages"
The details are as follows
Venue ; Super sport Centurion Park
Dates : 26th -30th September 2012
Format : 6 a side Cricket Tournament
email me at ivan@yellowtom.com and I will send you more informations and Rudi's contact details.
Muckamore Cricket Club are hosting a first aid course on Tuesday 10th and Thursday 12th April in the clubhouse from 6pm to 9pm. This course is open to anyone and especially anyone who needs this certificate to coach or captain in any sport. The cost of the course is £25 and certificates will be issued. If you wish to attend please email me on ivan@yellowtom.com with your name and club. This course is in general first aid and applies to any sport.
Folks, the News Letter is bringing out its annual cricket preview supplement just before the start of the club season at the end of April. Clubs in NCU Section One, Two and Three should forward me details of any ins and outs in their first eleven, name of captain, and name of professional (if appropriate). The email address is busheajb@aol.com
Ivan - the report is available on the IRFU web site.
ref michael kennedy it would help if clubs told their playres and members that these events are being held not everyone has access to the web
Andy
That IRFU document highlights a lot of issues that are familiar to cricket clubs all over Ireland. Where can we get a link to see a copy of this ? I am co ordinating a small sub committee on the NCU Development Directorate on "club development" and how each club can get more people involved in playing cricket and help Cricket Ireland achieve their goal of increased participation, so this could be very useful to understand how other sports aim to tackle this.
Great night at the umpires dinner on Friday past. Kyle spoke very well I thought, even though he kept mentioning how straight he bowls! However as he brought his good lady wife with him it renders 3/4 of Andy Kennedys material unsuitable for a ladys company! Food was excellent, and those there seemed to enjoy a great evenings craic.
Poor turn out from most clubs though, but maybe next year eh?
the IRFU has just issued a wide ranging report on "engagement" and some of the areas covered such as the loss of adult players, the attraction & retention of young people and the loss of alickadoos on retirement from playing equally apply to our game. Perhaps those in positions of authority at all levels from Cricket Ireland to club level would find the proposals of mutual interest.
