Association had to review and update a range of their policies to enable me to participate. This was really good of them to do this – the easy option would have been to just tell me to wait until I reached adulthood. With regard to ongoing support, at each match I am paired with a senior official. I find this really helpful. It gives me back-up and helps my confidence to grow. This allows me to improve my field-craft skills by learning from more experienced officials. I should also say that every official that I have been paired with has been very friendly and encouraging. This makes what could otherwise be quite an intimidating environment for a young and inexperienced umpire so much easier and allows me to relax and enjoy myself.
What Reaction Do You Get from Players on a Match Day?
The majority of players are very easy to work with – they are participating in the sport that they enjoy and for the fun of it. They are friendly during and after the match, and respect the decisions that I make on the field. I think that they simply see me as one of the umpires. At lunch and after the match, I really enjoy chatting to them in the clubhouse. Many of the players are very interested about why I am umpiring at my age, and are really encouraging when I tell them about my background and my ambitions as an official.
As you would expect, there are the occasional players who are very competitive and, how do I put it, more‘ challenging’ than others. I don’ t think that this is because of my age or lack of experience – it is more like a reflection of their personalities and competitiveness. I take pride in making sure that I have a good knowledge of the Laws and being able to refer to these when challenged usually helps deal with the situation. As I noted in a previous answer, if the situation gets a bit pressurised, it is good to know that I have the support of another, more experienced official.
Would You Encourage Other Young People to Take Up Umpiring?
Definitely! Not everyone can be a star player – for a whole variety of reasons and not just because of a disability. If you
like the game and want to be at the centre of matches, umpiring is the perfect way to do this. If you are cricket-mad, like me, umpiring gives you the best possible view of the game. It also provides the opportunity to regularly interact professionally and socially with so many people with the same interest.
If I manage to become a senior umpire I would hope to be in a position to encourage and help any young person who was interested in becoming an umpire. I have very much benefited from the enthusiasm and encouragement of people who have helped me at each stage so far, and I would see it as my responsibility to try to give something back to the sport that gives me so much joy.
What is Your Ambition as a Cricket Official?
My ambition is to achieve the highest level possible. I am a firm believer of giving everything my all and not to do things half-heartedly. To umpire in the Boxing Day Test match would be my ultimate dream, as I have been watching the match for many years and it is a very special occasion. Another dream of mine is to be the youngest official to officiate in an ICC World Cup Final.
I have already been given the opportunity to travel with my umpiring. Shortly after receiving my first certificate, I was offered a trip to the Caribbean with a local representative side, but unfortunately had to turn down the offer due to my studies. If I was given the chance again to travel anywhere, I would like to really consider the offer.
What Are the Biggest Challenges as a Young Official?
The maths! I find that there can be a bit of pressure on the officials when it comes to the time required to work out the maths when reducing overs and time. Anyway, I hope that this will become easier the more experienced I become.
Then again, as you would expect, that happens quite infrequently given the climate in Ireland!
Young Officials Christmas Quiz
As in previous years, we have kindly been donated some brilliant England Cricket‘ stash’ as prizes for the Young Officials Christmas quiz. To get your hands on some, please answer the following questions and return your answers to john. overton @ ecb. co. uk.
This competition is open to all ECB ACO members under the age of 25.
3) Which current England player is hiding behind his hat?
1) Can you identify the former member of the ICC Elite Umpires’ Panel?
2) Name the iconic cricket ground pictured.
4) Name the umpire and Australian international pictured.
email us at ecb. aco @ ecb. co. uk contact us on 0121 446 2710 19