BECOME AN UMPIRE
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Canterbury Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association is embarking on a major recruitment campaign
that is aimed at the player who may have recently retired or is considering retirement, yet would still
love to be involved in the game in a direct way.
There is a serious shortage of umpires in the region which urgently needs addressing so this could be
one of the best decisions you ever make.
There is no better way to stay in the game than to have the best seat in the house, a position that
now has a very defined and definite career path that could take you to the very top of the ICC Elite
panel of umpires. Progression to this elite level commences with passing Level 2 of the umpiring
course, this will allow umpiring in club competition up to Premier grade. You then sit further exams
for Levels 3 & 4 that are prerequisites for advancing to higher levels of representative cricket. This
can then lead to the top panel of umpires in New Zealand and from there onto ICC panels.
Expert training & mentoring will be provided as you commence this journey.
So give it serious thought, you will be putting back into the game, become a member of a great
cricket fraternity and potentially, forge a career at the highest level.
If you are interested, please contact myself for further information.
Don’t take my word for it though, have a look at the attached comments from current umpires who
have come from playing ranks or who have umpired at the top level.
Cheers
David Brandon
President
Canterbury Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association
[email protected]
Cell : 0210619690
DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT ……….
COMMENTS FROM CURRENT & FORMER UMPIRES
Chris Gaffaney – ICC Elite Panel Umpire
“……….It was only after I finished playing that I seriously thought about taking up umpiring…….. As a
player, I didn’t realise how tough umpiring was. To succeed you have to have a real passion and
drive for the game. If you believe you have these qualities, it is a career option that can be very
rewarding. It is the best decision I have made. “
Derek Walker – ICC Panel Umpire
“…….. Cricket has been a large part of my life, as a player, 1st class coach and now umpire. I believe I
get more satisfaction out of umpiring than the other 2 disciplines. If you love the game, but your
body is saying you’re too f@#*ing old, give umpiring a go – by starting early, you will also be able to
get your own back on those players who pissed you off as a player!”
Kathy Cross – ICC Panel Umpire
“…….. Becoming a cricket umpire was not something that I contemplated at any stage during my
playing career………….. There have been many challenges being a female umpire, in terms of
perception, expectations and performance. But these have never deterred me …….if anything,they
have made me even more determined to succeed in going forward. There is now a definite pathway
for female umpires and I would like to think that I have played a small part in that. This is now being
recognised by the ICC and hence more female umpires are getting opportunities from other
countries to stand in international tournaments. The rewards are many in terms of meeting and
working with so many different personalities, making many friends and visiting different countires
around the world ……”
Richard Hooper – NZC Panel Umpire
“……. I basically became an umpire when my playing days were cut short due to injury ……. Once I
was appointed to my first club game, I have never looked back. I personally think coming from my
playing background made the transition a hell of a lot easier from player to umpire ………. I would
definitely recommend it to anyone who still wants to stay involved in the game.”
Chris Brown – NZC 1st Class Panel Umpire
“…………. One of the best things I have ever done. I recommend it to anyone who wants to make a
very positive contribution to this great game and who wants to put something back …………..”
Rod Tucker – ICC Elite Panel Umpire
“……………….. The most important point I would make is that you want to be involved in umpiring and
cricket for the right reasons……….. The game of cricket and the spirit of cricket need to be principles
high on the agenda for anyone looking to get involved. Former players have a head start when they
begin because generally they will umpire players they know and have played with and against …….it
is a rewarding job nowadays and knowing that I am contributing to this great game makes me very
proud …………”
Bruce Oxenford – ICC Elite Panel Umpire
“……….. It was one of the best decisions that I have ever made as I have enjoyed every step in my
umpiring journey. The early part standing on lesser grounds with lower grade cricketers, was every
bit as challenging and enjoyable as standing at Lords or Newlands. The amount of great friends and
good people that are now a part of my life, makes me wish that I had moved down this career path
much earlier in my life ………”
Paul Reiffel – ICC Elite Panel Umpire
“…………. I can’t recommend umpiring enough to anyone who wants to stay involved and to put
something back into the game ………. Requires a lot of hardwork & dedication but the rewards are
fantastic……..”
Simon Taufel – ICC Elite Panel Umpire (former)
“…… It is something that will deliver great personal satisfaction when you apply yourself to the
challenges. When you walk off the field at the end of the day with your partner and ask yourself ‘
would I change anything’ and the answer is ‘no’, then you have contributed to a great day of
cricket… There is a career path that can take you to the highest level if you are good enough and
determined enough – does your journey to be the best umpire you can be start here? ………”
Tony Hill – ICC Elite Panel Umpire (former) & current NZC Umpire Trainer
“……I always found that I had the best seat in the house for watching my favourite game, what
more could I ask for? I do wish I had started my umpiring earlier and would suggest to anyone
thinking about making the move to at least start the learning process early - keep playing if you still
have that desire but make contact with the local umpires and begin learning the Law and playing
conditions fully as it will help speed up the process if you do make the call later! And it may also help
you understand why some things happen on your playing days as well! …….”
Gary Baxter - ICC Panel Member (former)
“……… my experience as a senior cricketer enabled me to progress much quicker up the umpiring
ranks and very quickly made 1st Class and on to International level where I had the opportunity to
travel to many countries around the world while having the best seat in the house, along with seeing
and meeting some of the greatest players around the world, the main advice is don't leave it too
long as I did to start umpiring. All the support needed would always be available and the
encouragement from former top umpires and its a great family ......”
Billy Bowden – ICC Elite Umpire (former)
“…………….it’s certainly an exciting opportunity to create a wonderful career & to make a
contribution in what I believe is the best game on the planet. So give umpiring a crack & make a
difference! ......”