Goa Cricket Association (GCA) is having a course for umpires for former cricket players on September 9 and 10, which will conclude with a written exam for all under the age of 40.
This will prepare a pool of around 150 umpires to officiate matches in the upcoming season, disclosed GCA President Vipul Phadke during an interaction with journalists at a press conference at the GCA boardroom in Porvorim on Tuesday.
GCA, according to records, has 81 empanelled umpires who officiate in inter-school, the four divisions, the premier league and the women’s matches.
“Before the start of the season, we will know how many umpires are available,” stated GCA Joint Secretary Rupesh Naik.
The new 2023-24 season is expected to start from October 15 and, according to Naik, scorers have also been “invited to attend the course to keep them abreast with the latest technology”.
“We want to start the season with interschool matches,” added Naik.
“Data is power,” stated Phadke while disclosing that the GCA is in the process of introducing an app that will provide scores of all matches conducted by GCA.
“We hope to have the app ready by December and intend to cover all matches live,” added Naik.
We will be using the latest technology and briefing our scorers on their use. The new app will keep everyone informed of how each player is performing
Rupesh Naik, GCA Joint Secretary
“We will be using the latest technology and briefing our scorers on their use. The new app will keep everyone informed of how each player is performing,” stated Naik.
“Once the technology is acquired, our scorers will be put through a course,” Naik explained further.
GCA, according to Phadke, is planning to host more matches for this season and the need for quality umpires has been felt.
“The course that is planned will be a refresher for umpires who have already attended a course held recently and a foundation for newcomers,” stated Naik.
The GCA has uploaded the Google form on their Facebook page and website for all interested to fill out and upload.
There will be open selection trials for boys U-14 on September 11 and 12 at the GCA Academy ground, Porvorim. Boys from South Goa will need to be present on September 11 and those from the North on September 12. September 1, 2009, is the cut-off date for those eligible.
“Through this course, we intend to improve the continuous professional development of our umpires to enable them to perform better when they go for BCCI exams,” disclosed Phadke.
The retiring age for umpires is 60, though concessions have been made by BCCI in the past. “We have kept 40 as the age limit as it will give our boys time to shine at the national level,” said Naik.
“The course will help umpires with their communication skills and keep them abreast with the rules and laws of the game and is open to both man and woman,” maintained Naik.
“Those who do not fill the Google forms will not be entertained,” he added.
There will be open selection trials for boys U-14 on September 11 and 12 at the GCA Academy ground, Porvorim. Boys from South Goa will need to be present on September 11 and those from the North on September 12. September 1, 2009, is the cut-off date for those eligible.