It's 50 years on for umpires

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10: Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association (BCUA) is 50 not out.

The association is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and to commemorate the milestone past members who blazed the trail for others to follow are to be honoured at a series of official functions.

Roger Dill, BCUA training officer and ICC Elite Associate panel umpire, explained: “What we are trying to do is recognize the umpires who laid the foundation for where we are today.

“We want to recognize these guys and pay tribute to them because we are very grateful for what they have achieved and the foundation they have laid.”

Local umpires will also occasionally don black armbands during matches in a show of respect for late colleagues this summer, Dill added.

The BCUA was founded in 1961 by Alma ‘Champ’ Hunt, Anthony ‘Sonny’ Roberts, Carl Simmons, Eldon ‘Cricket’ Raynor and Sinclair ‘Andy’ Smith.

Randy Butler, past BCUA president and area vice-president for the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association,said: “The founding members felt that an association should be formed in Bermuda because they wanted to progress from just club umpiring and also have a better understanding of the laws of cricket.”

Since the BCUA’s inception more than one hundred umpires have joined their ranks, including the late Doreen Woolridge, who was a trailblazer in her own right. The island’s first female umpire passed away earlier this year following a bout with illness. Dill said: “It was an encouragement to see her stand tall amongst the men. Even though she was a woman she was never rattled.”

BCUA founding member Smith also passed away earlier this year.

Passionate

The affable Dill is a well- respected umpire both locally and internationally.

He said he was inspired to become an umpire by the likes of BCUA founding member Roberts, Roy Ricketts and George Trott to name a few.

He added: “George was the first to get called to officiate ICC-sanctioned matches and so he more or less set the foundation for the ICC recognizing Bermuda.

“The ICC invited George to do various matches and so he set the standard that we try to maintain.

“At the moment we have six umpires who at any time can be called to go to various places to officiate.

“Some of our members have officiated in places such as Argentina, Botswana, Kenya and Malaysia.”

Dill encourages people to join his association – but stresses only “passionate” cricket lovers need apply. It has to be for the enjoyment of the game. If you don’t enjoy the game then it makes no sense umpiring because it’s not a big money making thing.”