Umpires’ Observer 2010-2011

1. Umpires’ Observer 2010-2011

2. The basis… Performance Criteria for Umpires: May 2010

3. CA’s View of Umpire Improvement

4. CA’s Six Pillars for Umpiring Excellence

5. Personal Presentation • He is physically and mentally fit for the job • He leads a healthy and balanced life • He promotes a positive image of himself and umpiring • His body language and attitude are positive • His personal presentation is professional in all contexts

6. Commitment • He is able to prioritise in his personal and professional life • He demonstrates desire, passion, and a positive work ethic • He has a sense of humour and he intuitively knows when to use it • He enjoys the process of decision making • His routines have become assimilated into automated actions • His physical and mental routines are secure • He has strategies in place to deal with the unexpected • His mind is uncluttered and prepared for decision making

7. Preparation • His movements and signalling are clear, decisive, and considered • His preparation is comprehensive and secure • His knowledge of the Laws and Playing Conditions, and their application, are secure • He practices and prepares professionally

8. Contribution to Umpiring and to Cricket • He treats problems as challenges to overcome • He is loyal to all involved in the game • His experience is tempered by common sense • He brings these attributes into umpiring • He contributes positively to post-match reviews • He is aware of, and takes responsibility for, being a role model • He understands and uses goal-setting for his personal development

9. Self Awareness • His routines intuitively trigger actions when needed • He uses Information Technology (IT) to set and review SMART targets • He takes responsibility for acting on feedback

10. Effective Communicator • He has excellent inter-personal and communication skills • He has an intuitive feel for intervention and non-intervention • He has an intuitive feel for the Spirit of the Game • He creates a sense of trust with all those involved in the Game • He takes the lead when needed • He shares his expertise with others

11. Implications On reviewing the CA Performance Criteria, it seemed easiest to divide them into three categories: • Common (everyday) • Frequent across a season • Those outside the field of play

12. What Should be Observed?(Every time) • Concentration – knowing that the next delivery should be the focus • Positive body language and image – particularly coping with pressure and when giving decisions • Demonstrated enjoyment of umpiring • Decision making – correctness; body language • Professional image - neat, tidy and appropriate dress • Positive, efficient and effective movements and positioning • Signals as per Laws • Signalling to partner (eg ‘tic-tac-toe’)

13. What May be Observed(any given day) • Knowledge and understanding of the Laws and Competition Rules • Positive and receptive participation in post-game facilitation • Mental courage and toughness • Fitness and Hydration • Respect for, support of and loyalty to colleague(s) • Respect for all players, participants, officials and the Game itself • Player management – including ‘proactive’ communication; avoid officiousness • Completion of self-assessments • Commonsense • Avoidance of idle chatter to players • Exercise of duty of care for all involved in game and preparation before day’s play – • Having the required equipment and documentation

14. Attributes Outsidea Normal Day’s Play • Commitment to proactive self-improvement – use of a mentor, seeking feedback • Attendance at Council meetings and Laws sessions • Learns from experience - attitude towards and utilization of feedback • Seeking help if needed • Loyalty to colleagues and the fraternity more broadly and the Game – tact and discretion • Respect for the ACTCA and its various bodies