Umpires’ Observer

The basis… Performance Criteria for Umpires: May 2010

CA’s View of Umpire Improvement

CA’s Six Pillars for Umpiring Excellence Personal PresentationCommitment PreparationContribution to Umpiring and to Cricket Self-awarenessEffective 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

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

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 Outside a 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