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Writer's pictureColin Newport

Friday Fireside # 18




Information and opportunities for VSDCA umpires - Round 14 continues

 

1. Extra umpiring opportunities

2. Overcoming distraction leads to better umpiring

3. Day 2 – how many overs?

4. Concussion protocols

 

1. Extra Umpiring Opportunities

In coming days we have some additional opportunities for VSDCA umpires, a couple of which are outside our own season. By date and location, they are


Sunday 25th Feb at Williamstown Bayside Secondary College

4th XI, Willy vs Hoppers Crossing

Sunday 25th February at Cranbourne/ Clyde Grice’s Rd Reserve

This is a great day conducted by the past students of two of Sri Lanka’s top schools. Entertainment, great lunch, and in immersion in Sri Lankan culture, Melbourne-style.

 

Monday 11th March at Moorleigh Reserve – MAACA Grand Final Day

Another beaut day, and high profile too, with local leaders, politicians, and officials from Cricket Victoria in attendance, PLUS the uplifting action of all-abilities cricket.  There are two x 30-over matches, one morning and one afternoon, and with the added bonus of cash payment!

 

If you are interested in any of these appointment opportunities, contact Neill

SMS: 0419881226

but please be quick!


2. Overcoming distraction – how the best do it

Most of us have had the experience of becoming distracted during a match. One thing that can lead to distraction is self-doubt, and while this can pop up at any time, we are especially prone to it when players make their feelings known about decisions that have not gone their way. Whether expressed verbally or by gesture, these moments may take our attention away from the next delivery, and into the realm of lingering self-doubt.


Umpires who attended the VSDCUA meeting in December heard  how Australian National Umpire Panelist Phil Gillespie works on maintaining concentration. One of Phil’s tips that has helped several umpires to stay switched on is to focus on a sound – any sound – that anchors you to the present moment…”What am I hearing? What am I doing? What is going to happen next?”


That’s a simplified re-telling of his full explanation, and although it’s brief, we repeat it here as it has helped umpires who have been able to harness it.


You might need something like it this weekend, so if you are feeling a bit “lost and alone”, it might be worth a try.


3. Day 2 – how many overs?

Umpires must understand VSDCA Rule 16.8 to 16.11.

Many matches last week featured the dismissal of the first batting side within 75 overs, meaning that the second batting side started its innings on Day1.


Therefore, that side is entitled to bat for the full allotment of overs for the day (minimum 80), except in these circumstances:


It is dismissed; or

It declares its innings closed; or

In either case above, a result has been obtained and by agreement between the captains, the game concludes.


Note that in all cases no match should be concluded prior to the completion of the tea interval.


4. Concussion Protocols

It can be very difficult to condense a task or discussion that warrants a half-day into a narrow wedge of time in a meeting. So it was at the VSDCUA meeting on 6th February, when led by Umpires Coach Brian Benny Goodman we engaged with the Cricket Australia Community Cricket Concussion Guidelines.


There was a lot to get through and many umpires asked questions and made comments, such that, in our combined thirst for understanding, some vital details might have become mixed up with others. Here is what we MUST understand:


Management of players’ injuries remains a club responsibility;

Our role as umpires is to facilitate to the extent possible, the club’s management of any concussion/ head injury issue;


This will mean in most cases our role is to ensure that proper access to the player is provided – play is stopped, and not re-started until the matter is resolved; or

should we observe player behavior consistent with head injury, stop play and advise the applicable club so that it can take action in accordance with the Guidelines.


We have a personal responsibility to ourselves and our match partner to act in accordance with the CA Guidelines in the event that one of us succumbs to a head injury.


Cooler weather – what a relief!  Have a great weekend – do your best, and have fun!

 

PS  And don’t forget those extra umpiring opportunities.

Contact Neill outlbw0@gmail.com or SMS: 0419 881 226

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