NORTH ZONE UMPIRES AND SCORERS ASSOCIATION QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER Issue 3 • Vol 1 August 2009 Nero does Regional Umpires proud in the UK

The umpiring fraternity in that the success of the exchange programme should not be measured in terms and by extension the wider Caribbean region of the number of matches but on the experiences gained both on and o the was recently given a tremendous boost when cricket eld. He is willing to share what he has learnt with his colleagues in an Mr. Peter Nero became the rst West Indian e ort to help improve the general standard of umpiring in Trinidad and Tobago to participate in the Umpire Exchange and the region. Nero remains adamant that the programme has tremendous Programme between the and Wales bene ts and believes it will assist regional umpiring in the coming years. Cricket Board and the West Indies Cricket However, he declared that only the future will tell if success was achieved as a Board. of this exchange programme in 2009.

Nero’s visit to England spanned four weeks from We at the North Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (NZCUSA) would May 21st to June 22nd 2009. Whilst there, he like to congratulate Mr. Peter Nero on this signi cant accomplishment. It o ciated in ve matches, four of which were augurs well for the game and the overall development of umpiring; we wish at county level. His visit follows that of English him continued success in the future. umpire Mr. to the West Indies in February of this year, who stood in three rst class (regional) games including Trinidad and Tobago versus Leeward Islands at UWI Grounds in St Augustine along with Mr. Rawle Richards.

A Sta Sergeant with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Nero has been umpiring for over nine years and was subsequently promoted to the regional Peter Nero and ICC panel in 2005. Mr. Peter Nero made his debut in regional rst class competition Umpire at in February 2007 and has since stood in one (1) limited overs and three (3) Trent Bridge. four-day regional matches. With the completion of his stint in England, his rst class tally has moved to ve games. He has also o ciated in the two (2) West Indies Players Association (WIPA) 20/20 nals, played to date. In addition he o ciated in a one-day tour match between the visiting England team and a representative team from the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) in April 2009 played in Trinidad. INSIDE THIS ISSUE

The experience gained on this trip to England was indeed ‘priceless’ to his Leo Leopold: 83 - Page 3 overall development as a world class umpire, according to Nero and the Bucknor Elected President - Page 6 exposure was, “simply fantastic. It enabled me to umpire under di erent Sledging in the Game - Page 7 conditions including, weather, culture, facilities and players”. He explained 2 NZCU&SA QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER 3 NZCU&SA QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

EDITORIAL by Dominic Hinds The Game We Once Knew I remember as a little boy my grandfather telling West Indies cricket you have to understand the indeed reached its peak throughout that period me he was going to take me to for the culture of the West Indian people because it due to the success of the team which was one of very rst time to see a cricket match between indeed goes beyond the boundary”. Whether we invincibility. the West Indies and . He was an ardent choose to believe it or not, all of us have been cricket supporter, and seeing him many nights connected by the game of cricket because it is the But sadly, interest in the game at home has been listening to the cricket broadcast over the radio, single most common language spoken by all our on the decline for some time. Even the most die- and often being told about all the great West hard of supporters is now questioning his/her Indian players of the past, one could have easily CARICOM neighbours and it de nitely unites us as a people. allegiance. The gains that were previously made understood why I became so intrigued by this are slowly digressing in another direction and it’s fascinating game at such a young age. But cricket is not just sport to West Indians; it painful to watch. I was so excited the night before that I didn’t get has given us the respect and recognition since much sleep anticipating how it would be, and post colonization. It showed the world that we West Indies cricket is at the crossroads and if therefore allowing myself to be overwhelmed had indeed belonged on the world stage and allowed to continue will de nitely run the risk of with anxiety. The following day as promised my demonstrated what a small group of islands can being an ‘also ran sport’. grandfather took me to the Oval and up to this achieve, and in so doing made us truly believe in Keeping our rich legacy alive and reconnecting day I still have vivid memories of our ambitions. We nally became independent bowling Australian Bruce Laird for 122. The to the game, which has brought us so much, is at that point. And that was signi cant, because of critical importance. In addition to which, the batsman’s stumps was sent cart-wheeling; but it subsequently led to numerous opportunities the passion and emotion that was evoked on that pool of persons being attracted to the game is day by all remains etched in my mind forever. The overseas for our players. becoming thinner and thinner by each passing degree of intimacy felt therefore propelled me to day. follow the game even more over the years. This of course spurred immense interest in the game, which led to the tremendous support both D’ Day is upon us. Only time will tell if the powers The late author C.L.R. James once said in his book at home and abroad because it represented our that be can clearly resolve these issues. The clock Beyond the Boundary, “in order to understand strength as a unit. The passion for the game had is ticking.

“My only regret is that I am not Leopold played cricket with becoming very much involved in the ioneers of as young as before.”... These are the the Club Wigan/Speyroyal Narvo as a game and the Association to date. P words expressed by one who succinctly medium fast bowler, a position which At the age of 83 years he is still summed up his genuine love, he thought was where his skills for the going strong, Leopold continues to be commitment and desire for this lovely game were best displayed. He enjoyed a great exemplar to the game; and his game called cricket. These sentiments every bit of it and took the criticisms achievement over the years has not can also be identi ed by all of us in the along with ‘the pat on the back’ all in gone unnoticed by the Association and cricket fraternity whether as an o cial, good stride. his colleagues. We thank Mr. Leopold player or just a spectator of the game. He told ‘Behind the Stumps’ for his invaluable contribution and his The Association is pleased to that it was his tenure at the West Ham shared knowledge to all. highlight the outstanding career of United Cricket Club in Carenage that This distinguished gentleman Mr. Leo Leopold, an astute gentleman made him stay committed to umpiring, de nitely represents ’the spirit of the who continues to make a signi cant and continued with his ambitions of game.’ contribution not only to NZCUSA T e but also to the national cricketing he Gam community. After being introduced to the Cricket Umpire eld of umpiring by one Mr. Davis, a former lecturer of NZCUSA there was Leo Leopold no turning back. He o cially joined the NZCUSA in 1972, wanting to become the best at ‘it’, he became fully quali ed 83 Not Out... in 1973. Over the years his love for umpiring continued to grow by leaps Leopold (centre) with family members at NZCUSA and still going and bounds. Christmas dinner 2008. 4 NZCU&SA QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Umpires and Scorers Association Celebrate Sports & Family day

The Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Umpires and Scorers Council held their Annual Sports and Family Day on June 28th 2009 at the NCC, Balmain, Couva. As some of the photos show, the day was indeed an exciting one lled with Fun!!!, Fun!!! and more FUN!!!. In the end it was just about putting all cricketing activities aside for a day and taking the opportunity to catch up with friends, families and colleagues in a relaxing environment. 1 Congratulations !! to all the winners on the day. 2 3

THE PHOTOS 4 1) Members of NZCUSA at TTCUSC’s Family Day 2009. -photo by Perry Galindo 2) Victorious NORTH (North and East Zone Members) cricket team.-photo by Perry Galindo 3) O to the races, Umpire Clyde Cumberbatch takes an early lead. -photo by Perry Galindo 4) Tug of war in full swing. -photo by Perry Galindo 5 NZCU&SA QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

5 6 North Zone Cricket

7 Umpires in the Mix 8

5) Mr. Deryck Murray President of the TTCB meets NZCUSA’s Mr. Gar eld Hodge prior to the Carib 20/20 Finals at the Queen’s Park Oval on March 21st, 2009. -photo by Peter Nero 6) Mr. Gar eld Hodge and Mr. Shaheed Allaham at the Carib 20/20 Finals March 21st, 2009. -photo by Peter Nero 7) Ms. Marlene De Gannes of NZCUSA and Mr. Richard Austin at Somerset Ground in Bermuda before they o ciated at Willow Cuts vs St. George’s. -photo by Rasheed Khan 8) NZCUSA Members at the Quenn’s Park Savannah. Left to Right: (back row) Dennis Suraj, and Gar eld Hodge; (front row) Leroy Stoddard, Franklyn Jagroop, Robert Payne and Shair Ali. -photo by Mark Santana 6 NZCU&SA QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Bucknor elected President of WICUA The West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) elected former Mr. Bucknor is the only change to the international elite umpire Mr. Stephen Anthony Bucknor, President at their Executive of WICUA. Other members 24th Biennial Convention held in Bermuda from May 31st to June 6th, 2009. of the Executive include:

Bucknor, who retired from the elite panel of international umpires in April of • Executive Vice President - Mr. this year, defeated incumbent President Hartley Reid of . Over the Anthony Lalacksingh, (Trinidad and Tobago and North Zone) next two years he will be responsible for carrying the all important mantle • Secretary- Mr. Vivian Johnson of the association. • Asst. Secretary/Treasurer- Mr. Norman Malcolm ()

Much will be expected of the sixty-three year old Jamaican because of his Additionally, all the Area Vice Presidents were returned unopposed; Mr. Cecil vast knowledge and experience at the international level. Mr. Fletcher (Jamaica), Mr. Clancy Mack (Antigua), International Elite umpire became an international umpire in 1989 and has served approximately 20 Mr. (Dominica) and Mr. Harry Mahabal (Trinidad and Tobago). years at the highest level o ciating in 128 Test Matches (the current record); Mr. Clyde Cumberbatch of Trinidad and Tobago and North Zone was also re- 181 ODI’s, (One Day Internationals) which include the last ve consecutive elected as Chairman of Training and Examinations. World Cup Finals. He is second in ODI’s to Mr. of who is currently on 200. Mr. Bucknor has also o ciated in 172 rst class Congratulations to Mr. Bucknor and the rest of the Executive; the umpiring matches. fraternity from across region is in full support.

His busy schedule over the years has deprived the region of his invaluable input into the development of the umpiring fraternity, in particular, the young and aspiring umpires of the region. In a recent interview Mr. Bucknor was quoted as saying that “I hope I will be a orded the opportunity by the West Indies Cricket Board to work with young umpires in the region because I still would like to continue making a contribution”. Therefore, the new President must view this as a great opportunity to ful ll the dream of becoming an umpires’ mentor to all the young umpires in the region. His input will be invaluable.

It is hoped that under his leadership umpiring in the region could progress from its present amateur state to a more dynamic and professional profession, which over time will attract individuals who could aspire to emulate his Members of the Trinidad and Tobago delegation that attended the achievements. WICUA Biennial Convention in Bermuda. -photo by Rasheed Khan NZCUSA Host Mid-Season Seminar As part of its ongoing initiatives to further develop and motivate Force, while regional umpire Mr. Peter Nero re ected on the Core its members to ful ll their potential, the North Zone Cricket Umpires Principles of a Good Umpire. and Scorers Association (NZCUSA) recently held a Mid-Season Seminar Other notable contributions came from North Zone members titled, Umpiring for the Future. Anthony Creed, Hayden Bruce and Joel Wilson on the topics of Match Sponsored by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB), the Management, Positives and Negatives and Self Assessment towards seminar was designed to re-instill some of the fundamentals of Seasonal Planning respectively. umpiring within a technological environment, and in so doing; it looked Participants, who encompassed members of North, East and North- at the increased workload and the ever changing face of the game. East Umpires and Scorers Associations, were also given updates about President of the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board, Mr. Deryck Murray the development of international umpiring by WICUA members, Messrs delivered the feature address at the opening, and in his presentation Anthony Lalacksingh, Executive Vice President, Harry Mahabal, Area focused on the demands of the umpires whilst strengthening his Four Vice President, and Clyde Cumberbatch, Chairman Training and administration’s wholehearted support for them on and o the eld. Examination. Above: WICUA Executive Vice President Anthony Lalacksingh The two-day seminar which was held on Tuesday 31st March and The success of this mid-season seminar has given the executive makes a point during his presentation. on Wednesday 8th April, 2009 at the Queen’s Park Oval also highlighted management team the impetus to start the planning process for a Below: Head Table-Sitting Left to right Peter Nero, Harry a number of other exciting topics including; Nutrition and Dieting by similar project at the completion of the 2009 cricket season. This time Mahabal, Hayden Bruce and Anthony Lalacksingh. facilitator Dr. Terry Ali, Physical Development for Umpires conducted by however, the emphasis will be on introducing umpiring in a di erent - photos by Joel Wilson Sub-Lieutenant Andre Ferguson of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence mode to new recruits. 7 NZCU&SA QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Sledging is usually simply an often humorous, sometimes insulting attempt at distraction. Former Australian Steve Waugh referred to the practice Sledging in the as ‘mental disintegration’. Origin Game of Cricket According to , the use of “sledging” as a term originated at Oval in either the 1963-1964 or 1964-1965 She eld Shield competition. Chappell claims that a cricketer who swore in the presence of a woman was said to have reacted to an incident “like a sledgehammer”. As a result, the direction of insults or obscenities at opponents became known as “sledging”. Despite the relatively recent coining of the term, the practice is as old as cricket itself, with historical accounts of witty banter between players being quite common.

W.G. Grace Former English batsman, William Gilbert Grace who was one of England’s best batsmen of the 19th century, was notorious for his humorous quips. On one occasion having been clean bowled, he stated: “Twas the wind which took thy bail orf good sir.” The umpire replied: “Indeed, doctor, and let us hope thy wind helps the good doctor on thy journey back to the pavilion.”[4] On another occasion he was out leg before but refused to leave, claiming: “They came to watch me bat, not you bowl”. Sledging is a term used in cricket to describe the practice whereby some players seek to gain an advantage by insulting or verbally intimidating the opposing batsman. The purpose is to try to weaken the opponent’s concentration, thereby The great West Indian batsman Viv Richards was notorious for punishing causing him to make mistakes or underperform. It can be e ective because the bowlers that dared to sledge him. So much so, that many opposing captains batsman stands within hearing range of the bowler and certain close elders; and vice-versa. The insults may be direct or feature in conversations among banned their players from the practice. However in an English county game, elders designed to be overheard. one bowler attempted to sledge him after he had played and missed at several balls in a row. He asked Richards: “it’s round and red and weighs ve-and-a- There is debate in the cricketing world as to whether this constitutes poor half ounces, can’t you see it?” Richards hammered the next out of the sportsmanship or good-humoured banter. ground and into a nearby river. Turning to the bowler, he commented: “You know what it looks like, now go and get it.” Sledging is often mistaken for abuse, and whilst comments aimed as sledges do sometimes cross the line into personal abuse, this is not usually the case. Source: wikepedia.org Word Search

bail cricket umpire ball cut runs bat drive silly point batsman elder slip boundary full toss spin bowler hook stump captain lbw stroke pad wicket pitch wicketkeeper ARE YOU INTERESTED IN Winners of BECOMING A CRICKET UMPIRE? NZCUSA The North Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (NZCUSA) is inviting individuals, both male and Annual Raffl e female, who are interested in becoming a Cricket Umpire or just interested in advancing their knowledge of the Laws of Cricket to join the Cricket Umpire Training course. 1. Mr. Joseph Elie Courses are sanctioned by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Umpires and Scorers Council and the Trinidad 2. Mr. Bernard Beckles and Tobago Cricket Board (TTCB). 3. Ms. Arianna Ali-Xavier 4. Mr. Rabindra Loutan For more information please contact:- The zone wishes to thank everyone for Ms Marlene De Gannes, their goodwill throughout this Secretary, NZCU&SA at 757-1806 fund-raising venture. Or Email us at [email protected] MEMBERS’ BIRTHDAY CORNER April to August •David LeeYoung - 16th April • Franklyn Jagroop - 3rd June • Robert Payne - 8th May • Dennis Suraj -12th July • Lennox Stuart - 25th May Best wishes to all and may God continue blessing and protecting each one of you. UP-COMING EVENTS • Training and Development Classes 2009 - Every Monday • ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)- 7th September 2009 Venue: Queens Park Oval. North Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (NZCUSA) Contact Persons: Mr. Joel Wilson (Mobile: 778-4749) or invites members to its Annual General Meeting at the Queen’s Mr. Clyde Cumberbatch (Tel: 633-3113) Park Oval, starting at 5:00pm.

EDITORIAL INFORMATION Behind the Stumps is the o cial magazine of the PATRICK North Zone Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (NZCU&SA) of Trinidad and Tobago. RAMPERSAD It is a quarterly publication which focuses on the ongoing development of CUSTOMS BROKERAGE umpires and scorers in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean. It is the intention of the NSCUSA to keep all stakeholders informed and also educate them about the business of the Association. We encourage participation by all persons, as we work together in charting the organization along a progressive path in the future. This issue credits the following individuals for their contribution.

CHIEF EDITOR Dominic Hinds

EDITORIAL TEAM Hayden Bruce Joel Wilson Clyde Cumberbatch Marlene De Gannes Shair Ali Selwyn Collins #37, HENRY STREET, PORT OF SPAIN. We welcome your comments – Please email to… the Chief Editor at TEL.: 623-0360 • FAX: 625-8205 [email protected] EMAIL : [email protected] Design & Layout: PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS • (868) 628-5403 FOR PROMPT & RELIABLE SERVICE