Scorer Integration Into The SA Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association (SACUSA) Working Paper

Scorer Integration Into The SA Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association (SACUSA) Working Paper

Contents 1. Scope... 4 2. Context of This Paper... 4 3. SACUSA Background/History... 4 4. The Umpire Scorer Relationship... 4 5. Current Status... 4 5.1 SACUSA s Process To Date... 4 5.2 Current Membership... 5 6. Initiatives In Place... 5 6.1 Forming a Strategy... 5 6.2 SACUSA Scorer Working Group... 5 7. Scorer Issues Identified... 5 7.1 Training & Development Programme for Scorers... 5 7.1.1 General... 5 7.1.2 Identified Preferred Outcome... 6 7.1.3 SACUSA Role... 6 7.1.4 SACUSA Challenge... 6 7.2 Consistency for Scorers... 6 7.2.1 General... 6 7.2.2 Identified Preferred Outcome... 6 7.2.3 SACUSA Role... 7 7.3 Recruitment... 7 7.3.1 General... 7 7.3.2 Identified Preferred Outcome... 7 7.3.3 SACUSA Role... 7 7.4 Scorer Reimbursement... 7 7.4.1 General... 7 7.4.2 Identified Preferred Outcome... 7 7.4.3 SACUSA Role... 8 7.5 Provide a Pathway for Scorers... 8 7.5.1 General... 8 7.5.2 Identified Preferred Outcome... 8 7.5.3 SACUSA Role... 8 7.6 Recognition of Scorers... 8 7.6.1 General... 8 7.6.2 Identified Preferred Outcome... 8 7.6.3 SACUSA Role... 8 7.7 A Voice for Scorers... 8 7.7.1 General... 8 7.7.2 Identified Preferred Outcome... 9 7.7.3 SACUSA Role... 9 8. SACUSA s Current Operations... 9 Scorer Integration Into SACUSA Page 2 of 10 Dated : September 5, 2011

8.1 General... 9 8.2 Representation / Communication... 9 8.3 Social... 9 9. SACUSA s Capacity... 10 9.1 General... 10 9.2 Current Proposals... 10 10. Conclusion... 10 Scorer Integration Into SACUSA Page 3 of 10 Dated : September 5, 2011

1. Scope This document was primarily written to identify and document strategies and proposals being considered to facilitate the integration of scorers into the South Australian Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association (SACUSA). As part of the integration process a number of other issues were raised by scorers in the working group that may present opportunities for improvement for scorer management and development. SACUSA felt that these should be documented to allow them to be explored and addressed by SACA, SACUSA and any other relevant body and have been included in this paper. 2. Context of This Paper This document has primarily been written as a working document that will be updated from time to time as the process changes in order to provide an indication of the current status of the integration process. 3. SACUSA Background/History The SA Cricket Umpires Association was formed in November 1911 and Incorporated in 1982. Until 2010 the Association was known as the SA Cricket Umpires Association and membership of the Association was solely available to cricket umpires umpiring in the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA). The constitution of SACUA was changed in August 2010 and the Association became the South Australian Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association and membership is now available to all umpires and scorers in SA and allows us to become a truly representative body for Umpires and Scorers. The major benefit of this is that it will allow SACUSA to provide the same support framework enjoyed by SACA umpires to all umpires and scorers in South Australia. 4. The Umpire Scorer Relationship According to the traditions of the game, Scorers and Umpires work in partnership to manage the game of cricket as it is played out on the field. Since the 1970 s, scorers have been recognized within the English Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers and some Australian States are well ahead of us in this respect and some are yet to achieve it. The previous SACUA admits to some tardiness in this process and acknowledges that it should have been previously initiated. Umpires and Scorers should ideally receive similar levels of training and both parties should be well versed in each other s responsibilities to the game. SACUSA believes that unfortunately this is not currently the case and both parties at times fall short in this ideal partnership. The challenge for cricket now is how do we strengthen this relationship and improve our input into the game. 5. Current Status 5.1 SACUSA s Process To Date The drive for SACUSA scorer membership was relatively low key in the first year with all registered SACA scorers receiving an introductory e-mail and invitation to join. This has been supported by word of mouth from umpires, umpire coaches and club delegates. Scorer Integration Into SACUSA Page 4 of 10 Dated : September 5, 2011

While this has provided an introduction and awareness, SACUSA acknowledges that broader based programs and initiatives are needed to get the revised Association to a satisfactory working level of scorer involvement. 5.2 Current Membership The process detailed above has seen some interest in the Association, however it has currently only resulted in 4 scorers becoming members of the new SACUSA. While not large in number, the 4 scorer members have taken an active interest in scorer development and involvement in SACUSA. 6. Initiatives In Place 6.1 Forming a Strategy In the winter months of 2011, SACUSA identified the need to further progress the scorer membership area and instigated some initial discussions with scorer members. It was soon obvious that SACUSA could not provide this from an umpire based executive committee and that scorers participation in the process was essential by way of a scorer working group. This would provide us with a better understanding of details including: How the scorer club relationship works. The motivations for scorers doing the role. What can SACUSA do to make membership more attractive to scorers. What can SACUSA do to support scorers. 6.2 SACUSA Scorer Working Group A scorer working group has been formed which currently consists of 3 SACUSA executive members (President, Vice President and SACUSA Grade Cricket Committee Representative) and 3 scorer SACUSA members. While this working group is in its infancy, there have been many issues or items identified that are of interest to scorers. While the primary focus was on SACUSA support, membership etc., it soon became obvious that the scorers have a lot to contribute to other areas including; recruitment, development, training, promotion, remuneration etc. All of the issues identified during this process have been identified in clause 7. The issues fall primarily into the following categories: 1. SACUSA direct influence (SACUSA membership, rewards etc.). 2. SACUSA support (programs and changes under SACA control that SACUSA could assist in facilitating). 3. Identify future preferred outcomes. 7. Scorer Issues Identified 7.1 Training & Development Program for Scorers 7.1.1 General Scorer training has been identified as a high priority and very high on the agenda for scorers. A program to train scorers along the lines of the current umpiring and coaching accreditation schemes was thought to be essential. At present scorers largely learn on the job from either a fellow Scorer Integration Into SACUSA Page 5 of 10 Dated : September 5, 2011

scorer at a game or alongside another club s scorer during a game. Neither is an ideal way to learn this complex task. 7.1.2 Identified Preferred Outcome The ideal would be for Cricket Australia to provide an accredited training program for scorers that is similar to umpiring and coaching accreditation programs already well established. Level 1 designed for novice scorers beginning in junior grades, school cricket etc. Level 2 designed for senior grades with some experience and training. Under an accredited program, potential and junior grade scorers would receive training to level 1 before undertaking any actual game scoring. As for umpiring, this is also an excellent introduction to parents and friends at schools and minor cricket levels. Once a scorer has undertaken this course and wishes to progress to a more senior level they would undertake a level 2 course to become accredited to perform scoring duties to 1st class level. It is believed Cricket Australia has not developed an accreditation program for scorers to date, some state associations have dabbled in this but not developed a finished product. 7.1.3 SACUSA Role Training sessions currently operate following SACUSA monthly meetings. Better utilization of these sessions could be made to include scorers and identify areas where umpires and scorers can better work together during the course of the game of cricket. Understanding the Laws of the game, bylaws, conditions of play and signaling are just a few. Scorers having the opportunity to discuss points of consideration with senior scorers and umpires up to and including international level can be vital in assisting with this development. Inclusion of lower grade scorers, currently most scorers interested in this process are from A and B grade ranks only. SACUSA believes strongly that a lot of umpire training takes place informally at meetings, during casual and social meetings (e.g. over a drink ) and that the same will apply to scorers. This can only occur if scorers are involved and actively participate in SACUSA activities. 7.1.4 SACUSA Challenge Identify the key factors (or range of factors) that will make membership appealing to scorers and ensure that this applies to all grades (not just the higher grades) and includes community cricket. 7.2 Consistency for Scorers 7.2.1 General At present not all scorers are using the same methods to score at grade level. Several are now using computers with varying types of software while others are still utilizing the traditional methods. Scoring details are then transferred to My Cricket and then phoned through to the printed press at the close of play. No one envies the job of the scorer at this stage of the day. A consistent method should be developed across the board for all scorers to utilize the one program which can be accessed by SACA, the Press and other interested parties alike. This could be considered as a spin off from training. However a number of these issues relate to Association preferences and standards. Scorers could participate in the process of standardization. 7.2.2 Identified Preferred Outcome Scorers assist SACA and other associations in identification of standards to be adopted for all affiliated Association and cricket competition. Scorer Integration Into SACUSA Page 6 of 10 Dated : September 5, 2011

7.2.3 SACUSA Role To identify the roles we can play to facilitate scoring consistency. 7.3 Recruitment 7.3.1 General Currently scorers generally fall into the role as club or team volunteers. They have often been the parents of junior players who have followed their offspring through their time playing the game and often then leave when their child ceases to play. In other cases they have been friends of current players who have been coerced into scoring duties as the need arises. While this working paper has focused on Grade Cricket Scorers, there is a large statewide potential scorer base that is untapped. In recognizing that many teams in community and country cricket score within the team members, there is more than likely a full time scorer attached to at least 30% of teams (a fact that only became evident during discussions of the working group with scorers). 7.3.2 Identified Preferred Outcome The working group believes that a recruitment program should be run in conjunction with the accreditation program to bring a new stream of scorers to cricket. Ex-players seem to be a potential source of new scorers as it has been for umpires. To date, recruitment from ex-players for umpiring seems to have enjoyed a certain amount of success. This could also be a potentially rich recruitment source for scorers. 7.3.3 SACUSA Role Assist to raise awareness of scorer recruitment and make recruitment material available using whatever means available (e.g. SACUSA website, Sticky Wicket etc.). 7.4 Scorer Reimbursement 7.4.1 General While acknowledging the strong attachment and affiliation many scorers have to their grade clubs, many indeed involved in club management roles, both umpires and scorers are volunteers. Scorers have unfortunately been the poor relation as far as recompense by comparison to umpires. Working group discussions suggest that scorers believe they would be better served in coming under the SACA umbrella in the same way umpires are managed and trained. Currently scorers are paid from the SACA disbursement to the grade clubs and the method of distribution to scorers varies significantly between clubs. This issue could also be one of the incentives linked to scorer recruitment as it could be a potential recruiting motivation. The current system is not an obvious recruitment vehicle as the availability of scorer payments is not advertised and would not be known to people outside clubs. If this were publicized, it could assist with scorer recruitment. 7.4.2 Identified Preferred Outcome SACUSA believes that a better and fairer way would be for SACA to administer payments to scorers along similar lines to umpires (particularly in the senior grades). Other issues related to scorer payments including the quantum of payment, use of a sliding scale related as to the grade or level that they are performing at and including the level of accreditation attained. SACUSA acknowledges that the preferred payment considered here is a fundamental change from the current system that would present some challenges. Scorer Integration Into SACUSA Page 7 of 10 Dated : September 5, 2011

7.4.3 SACUSA Role To identify the roles we can play to facilitate the preferred outcome including representation at SACA committees and assistance where possible. 7.5 Provide a Pathway for Scorers 7.5.1 General Providing a pathway for scorers to develop and become accredited will provide more incentive. The introduction of the appointment of scorers to representative matches could provide this. This is one area where there is significant synergy between umpires and scorers. The lure of participating at a high level is one for a significant number. While motivation for participating is different, there will be scorers who would dearly love to be involved in a higher level match (e.g. 1 st class match at Adelaide Oval). Providing this opportunity to scorers with appropriate training and experience would assist in scorer development, encourage training and assist in recruiting. 7.5.2 Identified Preferred Outcome A process whereby qualified scorers are appointed to matches at state senior and junior levels should be managed by the SACA cricket department. The current appointment process appears to be slightly haphazard. 7.5.3 SACUSA Role Identify the roles SACUSA can play to facilitate a selection process that will provide a pathway. Initially this could include SACUSA playing an active role in development and implementation of an appointment system for scorers, as it does for umpires. 7.6 Scorer Recognition 7.6.1 General Scorer recognition is currently primarily via club acknowledgement and any payment received from clubs. Acknowledgement for scorer service and performance would provide an additional level of recognition that has not previously been available to them. 7.6.2 Identified Preferred Outcome As part of SACUSA, scorers will be recognized for their service to cricket. As umpires are recognized and awarded by their peers for game milestones, years of service, graduation to higher levels and expertise. Scorers should be similarly rewarded for their achievements. Scorers should also be identified with a uniform shirt or jacket recognizing their role within the game (perhaps a variant on the umpire off field shirt). 7.6.3 SACUSA Role SACUSA could provide some additional recognition for scorers in the form of service, milestones and appointment awards as it has traditionally done for umpires. 7.7 A Voice for Scorers 7.7.1 General Currently SACUSA umpires have a significant voice contributing to the management of cricket throughout South Australia. We are currently active participants in Grade Cricket Committee including by-laws, permits, ground tribunals, programming and statewide through the game Scorer Integration Into SACUSA Page 8 of 10 Dated : September 5, 2011

development committee. Our voice and opinion is respected. SACUSA believe that scorers have much to offer to this area of the game. SACUSA already have representation and could use these avenues to represent the views of scorers. While this will occur by default if scorer membership increases, SACUSA must be aware of the requirements of scorer members in order to represent them. 7.7.2 Identified Preferred Outcome SACUSA to include scorer views in their representation on cricket administration. 7.7.3 SACUSA Role To obtain sufficient scorer members that will allow us to truly represent scorer views and represent these in the appropriate committee. 8. SACUSA s Current Operations 8.1 General SACUSA already has a strong operating base amongst umpires. We see this as an important base from which to support scorers in their endeavours and have identified some key issues in this report. 8.2 Representation / Communication Umpires across Grade Cricket now are enjoying a relationship with fellow umpires from Adelaide Turf, Para Districts, Riverland Turf, Adelaide Hills and other affiliated Associations. This we believe is only the start of our aim to truly represent Umpires and Scorers across the state of South Australia. We are attempting to find common ground to better facilitate this process. SACUSA has recently been awarded a government grant to enable us to better communicate with our membership throughout the state. We produce a monthly newsletter Sticky Wicket which has grown and will offer areas of input from kindred associations as well as scorers statewide. As well as hard copy this is also available on our web site to all. This site we envisage will become a vehicle for all to participate and discuss cricket matters. A scoring article would be included as part of the integration process. 8.3 Social As previously mentioned, SACUSA see social activities (some formal and some informal) as an important part of training, as it provides members with a strong social network. SACUSA provide a range of functions throughout the season to gather a significant number of our members together for this purpose. Monthly meeting/training nights include a free BBQ, an annual Family Fun Day, Bradman Medal presentation night and our own end of season Presentation Dinner where umpires are recognized for their service, dedication and performance throughout the season. A highlight of our membership is a biennial Easter weekend with our Victorian counterparts competing for the Crocket Shield in cricket, the K.C. Butler trophy in a family sport nominated by the host state and other great opportunities to socialize with like minded people. The 2011-12 season, being the Centenary year of our previously named SACUA, will be a highlight, and a motivation to further strengthen our new Association. Scorer Integration Into SACUSA Page 9 of 10 Dated : September 5, 2011

9. SACUSA s Capacity 9.1 General SACUSA has realized that while we can do our best to facilitate many of the initiatives that have been identified, we do not have direct control over many of those that are of interest to scorer members (e.g. providing and running accreditation programs, promotion pathways for scorers etc.). While SACUSA can identify many goals to assist scorer members (or scorers in general), many of them will rely on acknowledgement and support for change from other areas of cricket (e.g. SACA management at all levels, grade cricket management, grade clubs etc.). From the work that has been done to date, SACUSA need to: 1. Identify the initiatives that we control directly and address these areas as soon as possible. 2. Prioritize the items identified in 1 and progress them in priority order. 3. Identify issues over which we have indirect control (e.g. via SACA committees and Game development committee). 4. Prioritize the items identified in 3 and attempt to assist scorers to facilitate them. 9.2 Current Proposals SACUSA are implementing some initiatives in an attempt to address some of the issues identified to date that we can directly control as an Association. We are proposing a meeting of all grade scorers in the week preceding the coming season to include discussion on: 1. By-law changes for the coming season. 2. Get to know your fellow scorers. 3. Attempt to identify the things that will make SACUSA membership attractive to them. 4. Identified club contact for all scorers within each club to enhance communication. 5. Exchange of ideas on how SACUSA can be of benefit to their role in cricket. 6. Identify support measures that could be provided by SACA and SACUSA. 10. Conclusion The scorer integration process is in its infancy with SACUSA. Numerous scorer related topics have been identified as part of this process. More development is required on the majority of these, particularly those that SACUSA does not directly influence (although SACUSA could assist with these). The ability to access information using the resources of a strong Umpiring and Scoring Association will prove a great benefit to cricket. With this in mind, SACUSA plans to develop and enhance relationships and partnerships between umpires and scorers. This will allow scorers to realize their potential, improve accuracy and standards, as well as increase scorer numbers. Scorer Integration Into SACUSA Page 10 of 10 Dated : September 5, 2011