Information for VSDCA Umpires - Round 7
1st December 2023 – white rabbits!
Information for VSDCA Umpires
1. Wet weather is upon us
2.Your voice is needed for
a. Pitch ratings
b. Spirit of Cricket ratings
1. Wet weather is upon us
Several grounds are unavailable and more wet weather is forecast. This provides us with challenges to
a. Assess conditions and stay in control of the situation, especially in communicating with captains; and
b. Understand and apply the appropriate VSDCA match conditions and rules.
VSDCA Rule 16.1 to 16.5 outlines the conditions that apply in the event of weather delays. All umpires should read and understand these Rules. Having a solid command of them will be a key asset in gaining and maintaining the confidence of captains.
Please take the time to discuss Rule 16 with your partner before you go on to the ground.
2. Your voice is needed for
a. Pitch ratings – please endeavor to make a comment for every pitch rating you provide. Be aware that our CEO Mr. Ken Hilton uses YOUR commentary as a vital source of feedback for councils and curators. Err on the side of encouragement! A description of how the pitch played can be valuable intel for curators. It is pointless to provide a low rating, say, 7 or below, and not give reasons for your assessment. Similarly, if the pitch plays well and you rate it highly, make a comment to that effect.
From this Round forward, comments on your ratings are mandatory for all ratings of 7 or lower, and highly recommended for higher ratings.
b. Spirit of Cricket ratings – as with pitch ratings, we need your comments on the reasons for your Spirit of Cricket assessments. In addition to using the ratings to count toward the Spirit of Cricket Award, your direct feedback can be used to make club management (Presidents, Secretaries and Boards) aware of how their on-field behavior and performance is seen.
VSDCA Chair, Phil O’Meara, has written to all clubs this week seeking closer overview by clubs of their player behavior, and he has made that point in support of umpires.
YOUR comments can be used to help clubs in this endeavor. Phil has referenced the relatively higher numbers of “Mentions” from Umpire Reports and has urged clubs to address player behaviour issues.
An effort of this type is really seeking a cultural shift, something that is a longer term project. We can assist, give it a boost, by providing objective feedback and description of our observations of player behavior. To do this will add no more than a few seconds to the time to complete our Match Reports. Your comments (de-identified) can be passed on to clubs for their information and action as appropriate.
SO, please note:
From this Round forward, comments are mandatory for all Spirit of Cricket ratings.
Lets hope we get some cricket played- in any case, always do your best, and have fun!
Neill Murray VSDCA Appointment Manager
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