Local Cricket umpires top up their knowledge

Expect fewer complains about umpiring errors when the 2010 national Cricket competitions begin.

This is after local Cricket umpires held a one-day workshop at the Conference Room of the National Sports Council at Arnos Vale One Playing Field last Saturday.{{more}}

And, President of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Cricket Umpires Association Goland Greaves is hailing the day’s wok as a “success”.

Greaves, a member of the International panel of television umpires, told SEARCHLIGHT that his organisation was able to spark the interest of six would-be umpires.

“From that standpoint, I must say it was a success,” Greaves stated.

He was also pleased with the enthusiasm and the fruitful discussions.

“Such was the interest that there was a possibility of having an immediate follow up this Saturday, but this cannot now take place, because of the zonal Under-19 competition,” Greaves, who has umpired several regional first class and one day matches, said.

Greaves, however, said he was disappointed that younger prospective umpires did not attend, neither did captains of teams, so that they would have been exposed to a clearer understanding of the laws of Cricket.

Buoyed by those who showed interest, Greaves said: “We are looking at having another workshop as soon as it is possible”.

“We are also trying to get some practical sessions in,” Greaves advanced.

He revealed that his association is targeting a local examination within the coming four months to certify those new umpires. Among the topics looked at in last Saturday’s workshop were the mental strength of the umpire, match management and confidence, for which Greaves, the most accomplished local umpire, was the facilitator.

Other local umpires: Selwyn Allen, Dillon Child with over 30 years experience, Colbert Mc Donald and Robert Etienne looked at the Laws of Cricket.

The liveliest session was the plenary session on the contentious and debatable “Leg Before Wicket” decision.

Greaves reminded those present that the LBW is always an issue as it contains the umpire’s subjectivity, unlike the other forms of dismissals. (RT)