USA Umpires Off to St Kitts Conference

Nineteen cricket Umpires from the USA and members of the United States of America Cricket Umpires Association (USACA) are scheduled to leave on July 19 for St. Kitts to attend the 21st conference of the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA), scheduled for July 20-25.

The umpires, who ply their trade and love of the game, mostly on weekends, will be addressed by some of the more astute officials who currently interpret the Laws of Cricket, and at the highest levels of the game. Test Umpire Steve Bucknor is expected to address those in attendance.

Officiating in test matches has changed significantly over the years, as the level and frequency of competitions among teams and nations have increased. In addition, the introduction of video technology, has added another dimension and impacted the decision making process of judicial interpretation. Like most other sports played at the international level, cricket laws have also been changed to keep abreast of the times. Hence, Umpires are expected to be on top of their game at all times.

The conference of umpires will review recently revised rules pertaining to the game, as well as conduct seminars and entertain questions and discussions on some of the finer points of officiating. According to Fitzroy Hayles, Secretary of USACUA, "Those attending the conference are encouraged to make presentations on issues which may have arisen during the period preceding the Bi-Annual conference, and seek uniformity in interpretation of applicable rules."

In addition to the seminars and presentations, elections for officers of the WICUA to serve for the next two years, will be held. Pat Whyte of Antigua presently leads the association, while outgoing Secretary Johnny Gayle of Jamaica, is not expected to seek reelection to that office.

The absence of some 19 officials from the US cricket scene is not expected to affect matches scheduled during the period of the conference.