Association of Cricket Officials Issue 30 | Page 11

Polosak Makes History On Sunday 8 October, Claire Polosak made umpiring history by becoming the first woman to umpire an Australian men’s domestic fixture when she stood in a cup match between New South Wales and a Cricket Australia XI. Prior to this, Polosak was also part of the groundbreaking women’s officiating team at this year’s Women’s World Cup alongside our own Sue Redfern, umpiring four matches across the tournament. Remarkably, Polosak has never played a game of cricket before, a fact that she hopes will inspire other women and girls to take up officiating as an alternative route into the game that she loves. ‘I never played cricket, which is a little bit interesting for some people,’ she said. ‘But I have always followed cricket, then my parents got me into it and dad would actually drive up from Goulburn for me to do the umpire’s course here. It took a few times to pass, but it was something I was determined to do. Lina Nenova pictured with her trophy after umpiring the Presidents Cup final. most games teaching me the Barnsley ‘slang’. All this is done with a smile and I am learning quickly. My favourite Barnsley slang is ‘shudup’ which translates to ‘be quiet’ or ‘make less noise’. This is used mainly when players or teams get a bit too boisterous and overzealous. Who is the best player that you have umpired? I was invited to officiate at the St. Peter’s School, York Cricket Festival in July (see image on page 10). The teams were an MCC XI made up from some of the best leagues in the county and a Yorkshire Under-19 select XI. The playing standard was without doubt the highest quality I have so far experienced. ‘[My appointment] shows there is a pathway now, there are increased opportunities,’ she said. But Polosak admits she has had to put in the extra effort as a female in a male-dominated profession. ‘I probably had to work a little bit harder but it is part of the enjoyment, and being able to do well makes it even better. ‘Cricket Australia and Cricket New South Wales are really increasing the amount of support available for female umpires and I think that’s showing in other sports as well.’ Polosak also said the idea of two female umpires occupying the pitch in a First Class men’s match could eventually be a reality. ‘If there are two women that are good enough to do that, I don’t see why that’s not a possibility in the future.’ Polosak has always loved the game and currently holds a role with Cricket New South Wales that focuses on female engagement and umpire education. ‘It’s very humbling to be entrusted with an opportunity like this,’ she said. ‘At the moment, it’s just about being the best umpire I can be – watching the ball, getting the decisions right, and then seeing what opportunities I can see along the way.’ ECB ACO has pledged to actively support the growth of women’s officiating in England and Wales. If you would like to hear more information on what we have planned, or if you would like to get involved in 2018, please get in touch with us. What are your aspirations of umpiring? I hope that I can progress in 2018 to the top division of my present league and hopefully do the odd match later in the season in the Yorkshire ECB Premier League with one of their top officials. If that goes well I have a chance of becoming a permanent member of that panel in 2019. I expect to be on a Stage 3 course this winter to help me qualify for Premier League cricket. Who knows where that will lead to? With women’s cricket on the up and the encouragement and promotion of female umpires – I would love to be involved in that. Looking back, things have happened so quickly I have to pinch myself as I feel, at times, I am dreaming. None of this could have happened without the help and encouragement that I have received from all levels of the ACO and my many friends and fellow umpires in the South Yorkshire Senior Cricket League. Number one! Claire Polosak becomes the first woman to stand in a professional Australian men’s match. email us at [email protected] contact us on 0121 446 2710 11