It's BACK!
For most of the country, the last three months has given everyone some time to take a break from cricket, whether that has been staying cosy indoors or pursuing a different hobby. Or, for the Northern Territorians, it has been all systems go for top end cricket.
Regardless of where in the country (or the world) you may have been, there has still been plenty happening in the world of umpiring!
CRICKET AUSTRALIA COMMUNITY MATCH OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR
During National Volunteer Week in May, Cricket Australia announced the 2024/25 community award winners which included the Match Official of the Year...
Amey Jambekar, a dedicated figure in Tasmania’s cricket community, has been named the Cricket Australia Community Match Official of the Year—a prestigious recognition of his contributions as a player, coach, administrator, and umpire. His journey from the cricket-loving streets of India to the heart of grassroots cricket in Australia is a story of passion, service, and unwavering commitment to the game. Read more
ACCREDITATION UPDATE
Community Accreditation online module is getting a refresh!
From Thursday 21st August, the Community Accreditation online component will take on a new look to be updated with recent Cricket Australia and Play Cricket branding, but also include some extra bits of new information we want umpires to be aware of. If you have completed your accreditation within the last 4 years, you won't need to experience the new look until you need to complete your re-accreditation.
For anyone who is currently completing their Community Accreditation, you may be affected if you haven't completed the online component. Those umpires who will be affected by the update will be contacted by email later this afternoon.
COMMUNITY UMPIRING TECHNIQUE GUIDELINES
Last season, we released an electronic resource that you can download and print for your kit bag. Over the off-season, we've been working on creating mini-videos to help explain and demonstrate all the pictures and diagrams.
The first 4 videos can be viewed via the Play Cricket Umpire Resources page here. Throughout the season, more videos will be released where you will need a Cricket ID to access!
OFFICIALS HQ PROMOTION
Register for your chance to win!
The OfficialsHQ random prize draw is back for those who register for the upcoming season. Prizes this year once again include a major prize of a signed cricket bat by the Australian Men's or Women's team, and minor prizes include signed shirts by the Cricket Australia Contracted Umpires Panel.
Entries open on Thursday 21st August. Keep an eye on your emails for the entry form!
2025/26 CACUP UMPIRES
Cricket Australia has confirmed the Contracted Umpires Panel (CACUP) for this upcoming season.
The 2025/26 panel sees three newly promoted umpires in Mitchell Claydon (NSW), Chris Grant (Vic) and Riki Wessels (Qld).
Whilst an exciting journey is about to begin for Claydon, Grant and Wessels, season 2024/25 was the last for others. Greg Davidson, Simon Lightbody and David Taylor all finished their careers.
Davidson finishes with a decorated career that spans 17 seasons. He stood in 43 first class matches, 36 List A, 108 T20s and 11 Women Internationals (2 Tests, 5 ODIs and 5 T20Is).
Lightbody was appointed to CA's inaugural Development Panel in 2015/16 and after 10 season, finished with 29 First Class, 20 List-A and 47 BBL games. He also umpired the 2021/22 WBBL and WNCL finals.
Finally, Taylor, who was elevated to the Supplementary Umpire Panel for the 2020/21 season, stood on-field in 4 First Class matches, 5 List-A and 17 BBL games.
Cricket Australia congratulates and thanks all three First Class umpires for their contribution to Australian Cricket. To see the full list of umpires, click here.
STATE & TERRITORY NEWS
NEW SOUTH WALES |
Looking for your next course to attend? You can find a full list of upcoming courses here. Find the course in your area and follow the links to learn more or register. |
NORTHERN TERRITORY |
International cricket is back in NT! Thanks to Cricket Australia’s On-Field Experience initiative, 10 new Territory umpires had the opportunity to attend the first T20I. A great way to inspire and engage our next generation of officials. We also had more than half of NT Cricket’s Match Officials Association in attendance. It was a valuable learning experience for them to observe ICC umpires, scorers, and match referees in action, a rare and enriching opportunity for our local Territory officials. |
QUEENSLAND |
Pre-season Seminars - SIGN UP Winter Training Session: Decision Making on Thur 4 Sep, 7 - 8pm - SIGN UP Queensland Cricket will be running a Representative Grade Face-to-Face on Saturday 30 August & Sunday 31 August. This is a great opportunity for existing Community Grade umpires to upskill and learn more about the finer skills of umpiring. Contact Matthew Skinner for more information. |
SOUTH AUSTRALIA |
On Sunday 27th July, SACA held their Match Officials Season Launch breakfast to thank umpires and scorers for their hard work, and welcome in the new season. The annual Umpiring Seminar followed in the afternoon, offering sessions which included Preparation, Routines & Professionalism, Practical Decision Making, and Resilience & Mental Wellbeing. Upcoming dates: Monday 11th August Community Officiating Accreditation, Karen Rolton Oval. Monday 25th August SACA Umpire Training, Karen Rolton Oval. Monday 8th September Community Officiating Accreditation, Karen Rolton Oval. Monday 22nd September SACA Umpire Training, Karen Rolton Oval. Saturday 11th October SACA Premier Cricket start date. |
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