Plea for more cricket umpires

LEAGUE officials are upping their search for new umpires after losing several of them this season.

The South Yorkshire Senior League has seen 15 officials step down for health and other reasons, meaning about 25 games a week are operating with only one umpire.

While revealing the news, chairman and chief executive Terry Bentham, who himself umpires, said that penalties might have to be introduced for clubs who didn't supply them and emphasised that keeping numbers buoyant should be a united effort.

He said the recruitment drive was a 365-days-a-year job and that umpires remained an important part of the league's family, irrespective of age or ability.

All new umpires were presented with Welcome Packs of heavy balls, bowler's marker and official league overs record cards. All are mentored for the first three of four games, standing with the same carefully selected umpire, and get a call on Sunday morning to ascertain how their game went. There is also help towards fees.

More information is available from Terry on 07761 622263.