Umpires course at Worksop in January
by Paul Barker, 24th December 2006

The Bassetlaw and District Umpires Association will be holding their annual ten week course commencing on Monday 8th January, 2007 at 7.30 p.m. at Central Avenue, Worksop. All standards of umpires from beginners to experienced ones are welcome and the opportunity to take the Grade Level 6 examination will be available to everyone at the end of the course. It must be stressed however that taking the examination is totally voluntary and in no way compulsory.

The situation is now bordering on critical in the Bassetlaw League who have always had a proud record in regard to the staffing of matches. The Umpires Association are now pleading with ex-players, people of both gender (male or female) to don the white coat.

The league are about 50 umpires short every Saturday and several initiatives have not had the desired effect. It is a real pity, because there can be no doubt that once you are involved, you will want to remain in it for as long as possible.

When you have been involved in cricket all your life it is a tremendous wrench to reach the age when your bones won’t let you perform anymore. Umpiring is the next best thing, because you are still involved and you are out in the middle having an effect on the game. Believe me, simply watching is a poor substitute when you have played.

For further information on this course details can be gleaned from Gerry Graney (01623 642138), Peter McKenzie (01909 733094) or Bernie Jarvis.

Another job where involvement in the game is imperative and clubs are crying out for them is scoring and with this in mind a six week course will be held also at Central Avenue, Worksop starting on Tuesday 13^th February.

Further details on this course can be gained from Peter McKenzie on 01909 733094.

12 Year-Old Adam reaches the summit

The recent umpires course of the Chesterfield branch of the Derbyshire Umpires Association held at the New Inn, Winsick, Hasland, saw nine people pass the Grade Level 6 examination at the end of the course. One remarkable feat was the result of 12 year old Adam Graney who passed the examination and it is believed that he is the youngest person in the country ever to do so.

Adam hails from Sutton-in-Ashfield and the other successful candidates were messrs. G. Baker, N. Johnson, P. Bunning, J. Todd, I. White, P. Gunn, A. Mundin and D. Tweedie.