Umpires’ Observer2010-2011

The basis…

Performance Criteria for Umpires: May 2010

CA’s View of Umpire Improvement

CA’s Six Pillars for Umpiring Excellence

Personal Presentation Commitment

Preparation Contribution to Umpiring and to Cricket

Self-awareness Effective Communication

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

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

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

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

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

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

ImplicationsOn 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

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’)

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

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