By DAVID NAGEL
THE Dandenong District Cricket Umpires Association (DDCUA) is calling on retired cricketers and general lovers of the great game to join its ranks this summer.
The DDCA’s expansion of its turf competition, from five to six grades, has opened the door for more people to get involved and earn some handy cash over the summer months. DDCUA vice-president, Shane Scanlon, said more umpires are now required and that people with a basic knowledge of the game have a huge opportunity to join in and participate.
“People applying need to have their own transport and have a good basic knowledge of the laws of cricket,” he said.
“Anyone who has umpired as a dad in juniors, or played the game at any level is likely to have enough knowledge to get started in the lower grades.”
Most games in the DDCA are played between midday to 6pm on Saturdays, with some Sunday fixtures also scheduled. The competition stretches from Berwick and Cranbourne across to the bayside areas including Carrum, Mordialloc and Parkdale.
Scanlon said prospective umpires would be provided training prior to calling ‘play’ for the first time.
“A training course is provided by the Umpire’s Association to Level 2 Accreditation which takes about 20 hours throughout the season,” he said.
“That’s the level required for umpires to be promoted to either Turf 1 or 2 levels.”
The DDCUA – based at Shepley Oval in Dandenong – is holding an information night for prospective umpires at their headquarters (first building inside the main gates at Shepley oval, Pultney St Dandenong) on Wednesday 27 August at 7.30 pm.
For further information contact Shane Scanlon on 0437 199 935.
