A CALL for umpiring recruits was made at this weekend’s cricket matches as some clubs have had their matches officiated by a parent or a volunteer in order to play.
Kevin Oakley umpired at the McIntyre firsts game between Broadford and Macedon on the weekend and he is also on the Gisborne District Cricket Association (GDCA) umpiring board.
Mr Oakley said the GDCA is desperate for umpires in Mitchell Shire.
“Especially for its women’s and U17 mid-week competitions,” he said.
“While umpires get paid to officiate each match, they do not get paid to drive.”
GDCA umpire coach Mick Nolan provides recruits with strategies on how to deal with any problems before the escalate.
“We teach them how to anticipate and manage any issues that could lead to a problem,” he said.
“You are not going to get rich umpiring cricket, but you will get the best seat in the house.
“When you join the GDCA you are providing your services under a volunteer agreement; this means you are protected by the associations insurance and also, any earnings are tax free.
“Umpires in senior grades (McIntyre Sheild) are paid $160 each when they umpire a game as a pair. If an umpire were required to umpire by themselves (with a club person assisting with the square leg umpiring duty) they would receive $200.
“This would be unusual though.”
Cricket Australia’s Community Officiating Accreditation Program replaces the old Level One Umpire Accreditation course.
It is an entry level course designed for anyone interested in becoming cricket umpires on a regular paid basis for the first time.
The course is also suitable for parents who officiate in junior competitions and teachers who supervise and officiate in school competitions; and finally, for anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of the game.
The course is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and information to umpire in competitive junior and senior community level matches as well as providing an entry for those with a desire to officiate at higher levels on a regular basis.
The cost of the program is $40 which will include access to the online section of the course as well as additional resources required for its completion.
People interested in umpiring can email community.cricket.com.au/umpire#
