School Cricket umpiring to come under one banner
View(s):To iron out the prevailing differences in appointing umpires for school cricket matches the Minister of Sports met with representatives of the four umpires associations at the Sports Ministry and had approved a new system of appointing umpires.
It was brought to the notice that the schools cricket structure is in danger due to the differences of the splinter associations and to avoid this unfortunate situation the Sports Minister had introduced a new programme in consultation with the representatives of the respective umpires associations.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association Dilshan de Silva said “Our only request was to ask for umpires of high standard”, and added that at the moment there are only two associations with quality umpires and requested the other associations also to upgrade their members’ standards.
All the parties agreed not to appoint umpires on the request of the school authorities and the umpires will be assigned basically considering their knowledge, capabilities and their grading. All the assignments will be made on the recommendations of a special committee comprising members of the umpires committees. Umpires to officiate in school matches should be made 48 hours prior to the match.
All parties came to an agreement in refraining from appointing umpires who are over 60 years of age and the umpires to be appointed should be personnel with umpires’ examinations qualifications and to comply with the standards adopted by the Sri Lanka Cricket. Special attention will be focused on discipline which is in a sorry state at the moment due to the differences of the umpires associations. The SLC will appoint a special evaluation programme and the associations agreed to conduct examinations in upgrading the standard of their umpires.
Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association was directed to take stern action against schools that violate these agreements specially in Big Matches.
Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association Secretary Dilshan de Silva and members of all umpires associations were present at the meeting.
(LR)