X-factor to boost our umpire ranks

HE’S been pointing one finger at the umpires for years and now former Australian, Tigers and Hurricanes spin king Xavier Doherty is backing the men and women who officiate cricket at all levels.

The newly appointed umpire ambassador for the 2018-19 summer was held in high regard by umpires and now he is returning the favour.

“I always enjoyed a very good relationship with umpires throughout my career, so I’m only too happy to assist Cricket Tasmania’s umpire recruiting strategy,” Doherty said. “In particular, we are looking to attract more females to become part of the umpiring fraternity. It’s great to see so many girls now turning to cricket, and we hope to see just as many of them also take up umpiring.”

Cricket Tasmania’s umpire recruiting drive starts on Monday with a free session at 6.30pm in the Century Room at Blundstone Arena.

CT’s match officials manager Gerry O’Dea believes it has never been easier to get into umpiring with Cricket Tasmania’s free umpire training sessions.

“Cricket umpiring is the best seat in the house and you get paid tax-free to perform a valuable community service,” O’Dea said.

“Plus you get to be part of a great team and we will provide all the training you need.”

Not only is Cricket Tasmania looking to recruit more female umpires, it is also focused on providing training opportunities to young people and those from multicultural backgrounds.

“We know there are lots of cricket lovers in the community, we just need them to understand how rewarding cricket umpiring can be and come and have a try,” O’Dea said.