News
Umpires Drive 2008-09
Sun, 18 Jan 2009News & Events
NEW Wanneroo Cricket Association President Tim Park is looking to attract umpires of any age and background for the 2008-09 season.
Numbers are needed to bolster the competition’s existing team of experienced officials.
As well as being the new President, Mr Park is a past player and an active umpire in the NSCCA.
He is encouraging other ex-players to become umpires, to earn some extra cash while enjoying the sunshine with a touch of social interaction.
“They will enjoy the outdoors and be amongst people with the same sporting interests as them,” he said.
“It keeps them involved in cricket in a capacity that is an essential part of the game.
“Another major incentive is the $90 they receive at end of each day’s play.
“Other benefits are being able to share a drink and discuss the game with the players at stumps each day.”
Mr Park said another incentive was being part of the NSCCA Umpires Association, which encourages social interaction at its monthly meetings.
Those who show potential can also forge a career path that could eventually see them umpiring at the highest level, starting with appointment to a grand final in one of the nine grades within the NSCCA.
Mr Park is extremely passionate about cricket and has a long association with playing and umpiring in the Wanneroo and Joondalup areas.
He will continue to officiate in the competition this season, despite his elevation to the top job after several seasons in the deputy’s role.
He played 20 seasons of senior cricket in the UK before arriving in Perth in 1980, and was playing in the Wanneroo Cricket Association (WCA) within a week of landing.
His career started with Wanneroo in A grade before moving on to play for Kingsley Woodvale where he was President for four years.
In 1993 he decided it was time to hang up his whites and retire from playing, but his appetite for the game was undiminished.
He took up umpiring and has not looked back since, applying the same degree of love and determination to his officiating duties.
“I decided to take up umpiring so I could give a bit back to the game that had given me so much on two continents,” Mr Park said.
“This kept me in touch with the game and I really enjoyed the interaction with the players and still do after 15 years of umpiring.
“You get the best seat in the house to watch the game.
“I have been fortunate to have umpired in the cricket west competition on district club grounds and have been privileged to stand in 12 A grade finals in the WCA and 10 Cricket West senior finals.”
Anyone interested in umpiring can contact Tim at timbarbara@e-wire.net.au or on 0408 954 215 or skwhite@dodo.com.au