SUNRAYSIA cricket is appealing to people of all ages to join their ranks for the upcoming season.
In order to play, every sport needs umpires, and much like other sports, cricket has struggled since the pandemic to attract members.
Director of umpires Dennis Berry, who has umpired for 37 years, said he still loved officiating the same as when he started and implored anyone passionate about the sport to give it a go.
“As long as I can stand up I’ll keep giving it a go … you’re getting paid to do it and you get together and have a drink after the game,”he said.
“It’s a good environment.”
Experienced umpire Gavin Slade cited more competitions as one reason why numbers were currently low.
“A lot of these guys are playing over 40 and over 50 comps now instead of taking up umpiring,” he said.
“That’s the main reason for why we are seeing less older guys.”
Slader said they hoped to total at least 12 umpires for the upcoming season, which is set to start on October 7.
“We can have anyone from the age of 14 to about 70 as long as they’re receiving the right training,” he said.
“There is a bit of online training we do and then lectures on Wednesdays with Dennis.
“Next week (September 20) is the first one.
“The cost of receiving the accreditation is reimbursed.”
If you are interested in becoming a cricket umpire, contact the Sunraysia Cricket Facebook page.
