New initiative by Bassetlaw Umpires Association
by Paul Barker, 15th January 2008

In the wake of the deepest crisis that local league cricket is facing, the staggering shortage of umpires, the Bassetlaw League and the Umpires Association have come up with a new initiative to try and increase the sadly wavering numbers.

The Bassetlaw League over the years has had an enviable reputation compared with other leagues regarding the staffing of matches, but over the past few years this number has decreased dramatically and the situation is now critical.

One of the major reasons why the numbers has decreased so badly is the need for everyone to now apply for a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check. Without a doubt the numbers have sagged since this law came into being, not through the fact that people couldn’t be bothered, but more that the form was so difficult to fill in.

Realising this to be so, the Bassetlaw Umpires Association Appointments Secretary Mr. John Leaning and the Secretary Mr. Peter McKenzie are quite prepared to visit the Club Houses of the teams to assist in the filling in of these forms and providing them if necessary. This however does need to be done quickly, because it is a long-winded job which in several cases takes rather a long time to process the required paperwork.

Potential and would be umpires are encouraged to ring Mr. Leaning on 01909 770061 or Mr. McKenzie on 01909 733094.