State and Territory Umpire Managers and Coaches have recently held their annual meeting convened by Cricket Australia.
The meeting covered a range of topics relating to cricket umpiring in Australia. On the agenda was the umpiring pathway from Community and Premier Cricket level through to State and National panels. Another key discussion point focussed on the recruitment and retention of umpires. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on umpiring numbers, and much work is being done to attract more people to cricket umpiring.
Premier Cricket umpiring also featured with the topic of umpire observers a noteworthy discussion point. Each state and territory uses match observers to assist Premier Cricket umpires improve their game. Some states have a dedicated observer panel who travel to Premier Cricket grounds to observe and provide feedback. Other states have a panel of umpire coaches who fulfil this role. Some states also use in-game umpire mentors in lower grades to observe and provide feedback to newer umpires.
The annual meeting concluded with a session on umpire mental health and wellbeing. Strategies and plans were discussed to manage the mental wellbeing of umpires who officiate every week during the long summer.
The annual meeting of state managers and coaches aims to provide support to the states and territories from Cricket Australia in the advancement of cricket umpiring around the country.
For more information on Cricket Umpiring in Australia, visit the Community Cricket Umpire website here.