VWCUA
Information in this booklet is provided by the Victorian Womens Cricket Umpires Association Inc with the view to assisting prospective umpires with the requirements for umpiring club cricket within the Victorian Womens Cricket Association.
Secretary (Victorian Womens Cricket Umpires Association Inc)
Russ Turner
11 Challis St
Newport 3015
AH 9391 3721
M 0407 740 717
Email russell.r.turner@gmail.com
What is cricket umpiring?
Being the official in a cricket match is the next best thing to being involved as a player. Many players for reasons of injury, work commitments or perhaps because of a lack of success and/or interest on the field choose to turn to umpiring to “give something back to the game.”
Whilst many of us see the umpire out on the park every weekend there is little appreciation of the work ethic and commitment these officials apply to their trade. Like any interest or hobby things they do become more comfortable and easier the longer the time involved, however it is prudent to be aware of the starting point.
The starting point
Most important is the attitude to begin the task . You must be prepared to continue on the journey no matter what confronts you on the way - nobody appreciates an effort that is half - hearted. The resultant joy in achievement is what drives most people and there is much satisfaction to be gained from becoming a cricket umpire. Having the attitude right we then move onto what the journey involves at various stages
Cricket Victoria winter classes
All umpires , experienced or prospective , are recommended to attend these classes which are conducted annually over the months of May and June . These classes are conducted by First Class and Senior Cricket Victoria Premier Cricket Umpires over six ( 6 ) evenings each of approximately
2 . 5 hours duration . The Laws of Cricket ( 2000 code second edition - 2003 ) and cricket umpiring techniques are discussed in an auditorium situation .
On the seventh ( 7th ) evening an assessment paper is available to be completed should those who attended these classes wish to do so . The paper is not compulsory however it is always recommended to test your knowledge against what you have learnt throughout the classes .
The Classes are advertised in the daily papers , and on Cricket Victoria website well beforehand and a registration fee is payable to Cricket Victoria , however many Cricket Umpires Associations are aware of the pending dates of these classes and are only too willing to assist those wishing to attend .
Over the past few years these classes have been conducted at:
Tuesday evenings
Holmesglen Conference Centre
Cnr Warrigal & Batesford Rds
Chadstone
RMIT - Bundoora
Western Campus
Plenty Rd, Bundoora
As has been the wont by many sports lately there is a requirement to become accreditated to a certain standard which is a must in order to coach/officiate etc in that sport.
It is foreseen that in the future unless coaches / officials etc are accreditated then the governing bodies of those sports will be hesitant to allow these people to become involved in the sport . For the
“paid umpire in the parks “it is necessary to become accredited to level 2 which in itself is not difficult . Level 3 is invitation only and applies to First Class Umpires whilst level 4 , also invitation only , is for umpires at International level.
Cricket Australia National Umpiring Accreditation Scheme - Level 2
The contents of the participant`s workbook involves:
Module 1 - Make effective decisions
Module 2 - Planning & Organisation
Module 3 - Self Management
Module 4 - Apply Health & Safety Principles
Module 5 - Apply Technical Knowledge
A current Laws of Cricket ( 2000 code - second edition 2003 ) is included in the kit .
The completion of this workbook may be over the period of a season and involves workshops which will be conducted by the Umpires Advisor ( usually at General Meetings of the Victorian Womens Cricket Umpires Association Inc ) .
Once this workbook is completed then to finalise Accreditation there must be on field assessments of the umpire`s performance. This is usually done from the captains` reports on the umpire observors` reports and Umpires Advisor`s assessment - this is done throughout the season whilst the participant is completing the workbook.
As is with this modern world there is a cost to undergo this Accreditation however this cost would see members accredited for a reasonable period of time.
Monthly Meetings
The Victorian Womens Cricket Umpires Association Inc conduct monthly meetings between August and March (excepting January) each cricket season. These meetings are for the conducting of Association business but primarily to receive tuition from the Umpires Advisor on the Laws of Cricket (2000 code - 2nd edition 2003) and playing conditions relevant to all Grades of club cricket within the Victorian Womens Cricket Association.
Umpires should make these meetings a priority on their cricket calendar as many important issues are discussed and an uninformed umpire, or ill informed umpire, does no justice to the game of cricket.
Presently these meetings are conducted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the second Monday of the month and commence at 7.30 pm for approximately two (2) hours.
Obligations of VWCUA Umpires
As is with most things in life you only get out what you put in. There are certain items which will assist in your enjoyment as a cricket umpire and they include:
- Attendance at all VWCUA meetings (particularly instruction)- Meeting the financial obligations that occur with becoming and maintaining the status of an umpire of the VWCUA
- Attiring oneself as one would see an umpire during a match i.e. trousers black, white VWCUA polo shirt (pressed), white footwear - your presentation is to be clean and tidy
- Maintaining knowledge of the Laws of Cricket (2000 code - 2nd edition 2003) and the Match Rules pursuant to VWCA club cricket
- Honouring appointments when given and advising the Advisor at the earliest possible date of any unavailability
- All applicants to the VWCUA must apply for a Working with Children Check
Where possible new umpires may be partnered with a more experienced colleague until they become more confident and competent - it is not the intention of the VWCUA to make umpiring any more difficult than it may appear.
What equipment does an umpire require?
An umpire should carry as little as possible onto the field. It is unnecessary for the umpire to emcumber himself/herself with items for players that will make the umpire uncomfortable when those items can and should be readily available from the dressing room.
A watch and a counter are essential items and because of the introduction of new provisions in the Laws and Rules a small card and pencil for recording times and overs could be useful.
It is customary to have a spare bail in the pocket, some umpires have two matching bails thus if one does need replacing then they can be made into a matching set. Markers for the bowlers also assist to make the game run smoothly.
A strong wide brimmed hat is essential for the long hours in the sun ( the VWCUA has been sponsored by SunSmart in this regard lately ) and as the umpire is on his / her feet all day good quality white shoes are a must. These may be sports shoes, bowls shoes or the like but they must be able to cope with a change in weather conditions and be comfortable.
Rule 22 ( VWCA Handbook )
“Coat, and/or jumper, shirt, hat and footwear must be clean and white, trousers or skirt black. The VWCUA polo shirt with suitable logo and white spray jacket, when necessary, are to be considered part of the uniform“.
The VWCA decreed some years ago the District First competition would have two (2) umpires officiating matches which was readily accepted by clubs in that Grade . This has now been adopted into District Seconds Grade when applicable whilst all other Grades are officiated by one appointed umpire with assistance given at the striker`s end (Square Leg), usually by a member/official of the batting team. However the VWCA does allow situations whereby an inexperienced umpire may be partnered by a more experienced umpire at the cost of the VWCA.
The VWCUA readily accepts members of both genders and encourages any person interested in becoming a cricket umpire. The VWCUA in co-operation with the Victorian Womens Cricket Association has a pathway in place for umpires and this is included in this booklet.
Hopefully this has wetted your appetite to join that band of “officials“ the game really cannot do without. Any further information may be obtained by contacting the Secretary listed on the front cover.
Umpires Code of Behaviour
In addition to the General Code of Behaviour set out in this By-law , you must meet the following requirements in regard to your conduct during an activity held or sanctioned by a Community Cricket Peak Body ,a Region or an Affiliated Club and Association and in your role as an umpire appointed by a Community Peak Body , a Region or an Affiliated Club and Association .
1 . Compliment and encourage all participants
2 . Be consistent , objective and courteous when making decisions
3 . Condemn unsporting behaviour and promote respect for all opponents
4 . Emphasise the spirit of the game rather than the errors
5 . Be a good sport yourself - actions speak louder than words
6 . Keep up to date with the latest available resources for umpiring and the principles of growth and development of young people
7 . Remember , you set an example .Your behaviour and comments should be positive and supportive
8 . Place the safety and welfare of participants above all else
9 . Treat the players with respect at all times
10 . Accept responsibility for all actions taken . Exercise reasonable care to prevent injury by ensuring players play within the rules . Reasonable care consists of advising players of illegal body movements , showing due diligence in detecting infringements and penalising rule breakers
11 . Umpires must be impartial and maintain integrity in their relationship with other umpires , players and coaches
12 . Avoid situations which may lead to a conflict of interest
13 . Value the individual in sport . Ensure the players have the opportunity for discussion with you after the match
14 . Encourage inclusivity and access all areas of officiating . Aim for excellence based upon realistic goals and due consideration for growth and development
15 . Be a positive role model in behaviour and personal appearance by maintaining the highest standards of personal conduct and projecting a favourable image of Cricket and umpiring at all times
16 . Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards players . This includes verbal , physical and emotional abuse . Be alert to any forms of abuse directed towards the players from other sources while they are playing . ( Abide by Community Cricket Member Protection By-law )
17 . Refrain from any form of harassment towards players . Treat all players fairly within the context of their sporting activities , regardless of gender , race , place of origin , athletic potential , colour , sexual orientation , religion ,sodo-economic status , political beliefs , and other conditions ( Abide by Community Cricket Member Protection By-law )
18 . Show concern and caution towards ill and injured players . You should enforce the blood rule and apply procedures regarding ill or injured players according to the rule book . Common sense must be applied in all cases
19 . In accordance with Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria guidelines , modify rules and regulations to match the skill levels and needs of young people
20 . Encourage and promote rule changes which will make participation more enjoyable
21 . Give all young people a “ fair go “ regardless of their gender , ability , cultural background or religion
22 . Institute disciplinary procedures when necessary without fear or favour in accordance with the rules of the competition and the Spirit of Cricket
23 . Participate in ongoing training , be aware of rule changes , be a member of an Umpires Association wherever possible and promote the Spirit of Cricket
