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Merseyside Cricket Umpires Association

Colleagues are reminded to regularly check
the Laws & Regs section in the Members area

  (Thursday 2 July) JAMES SPRAGUE (HIGHFIELD)
One week suspension commencing midnight on Friday 3rd July plus a 1 week suspended sentence which will continue until the end of the 2010 season following an abuse of equipment offence in the fixture on Saturday, 20th June, between St. Helens and Highfield.(kw)
(Monday 22 June) Colwyn Bay Cricket Club are holding a Sportman's Dinner in July (KW)
(Friday 19 June) The two scorers should be positioned so that they can verbally communicate with each other during the match. If one wishes to sit in the scorebox and one outside the box that is acceptable subject to the above proviso. They are part of the umpiring & scoring team and should work together. (DJ)
(Thursday 18 June) ABB---Zahid Mohammed (New Brighton)
(Thursday 18 June)Colleagues, when doing an alliance fixture please note that the last hour can be put back up to 30 minutes for any stoppages for bad weather, also if the break between innings is not taken at tea then a further 10 minutes can also be added.(kw)
(Thursday 18 June) SOUTHWOOD ROAD LEADING TO AIGBURTH CRICKET CLUB IS CLOSED.
United Utilities are carrying out MAJOR repairs to water pipes and it will be closed for the rest of the cricket season. To access the club please use the following amended directions.

From South/East.........
As per book into St. Michaels Road. Continue past Bryanston Road & Alpass Road. Turn right in Melly Road then left into Southwood Road.

From South/Wirral.
As per book into Chetwynd Street. Left into Bryanston Road. Continue to end of Bryanston Road( it is a 'T' junction). Turn right into St Michaels Road. Go past Alpass Road & then right into Melly Road. Left into Southwood Road.

Any problems please us either the club's number, 01517271665 or my mobile - 07897976411. (Ian McAlley)
(Tuesday 16 June) An interesting poser has been placed in the Member's section (DJ)
(Monday 15 June) Long-serving cricket coach Gary Pike has become one of only a 1,000 volunteers to be awarded an International Cricket Council medal recognising exceptional service to the game.

The Firwood Bootle stalwart, who will celebrate his 25th year as a coach next summer, was presented with his award by the Indian Test star Virender Sehwag in Nottingham.

MCUA congratulates Gary on this much deserved award. (DJ)
(Friday 12 June) Colleagues just a reminder of the mid season meeting at Bootle CC on Thursday 18th June commencing at 7.30, if you have not received your papers for the night please email the hon sec.(kw)
(Thursday 11 June) Kevin Potter of Alder has been banned for one week from midnight on Friday for abuse of a player. A further weeks ban is suspended indefinitely.(kw)
(Thursday 11 June) The Twenty/20 regulations have been posted to the Downloads section (DJ)
(Wednesday 10 June) Ian Brown of Haydock has been suspended for three weeks from Friday 12th June for Verbal abuse of an umpire. (CB)
(Sunday 7 June) A new form to enable umpires to calculate over rates has been placed in the Downloads section. I will explain its use at the pre-season meeting on 18 June (MB)
(Sunday 7 June) Suspension of Stephen Lewis (Parkfield Liscard CC)

Dissent to an Umpire - One week suspension from midnight Friday 5th June until midnight Friday 12th June. (DJ)
(Friday 29 May) Matty Thompson of New Brighton CC has been suspended for one week from 29 May for a bat throwing incident.
Andrew Filson of Rainford CC has been suspended from 29 May for bowling a deliberate high pitched delivery (beamer)
Robert Kenny of St Helens CC has received an ABB. (DJ)
(Tuesday 26 May) The mid-season meeting is on Thursday 18th June at Bootle CC commencing @ 7.30 prompt, please make every effort to attend.(kw)
(Friday 22 May) After bragging last week about the hot weather in Florida, here is Mike's latest weather report - following a 3rd day of constant rain, some areas in Central Florida have had 24 inches, yes 2 foot of rain dumped on them. Here in Kissimmee we've had just short of a foot. Thought you might like to be updated. (MD)
(Friday 15 May)     ABBs - Ronnie Davis (Bootle) and Chris Firth (S & B) (MB)
(Wednesday 13 May)     ABBs - Jack Boardman (Northern) and Simon Butler (Northop Hall)

Both these ABB's were handed out following an exchange of words on two occasions between the 2 players. The Captains were advised that the action had been taken to hopefully avoid formal Disciplinary Reports being issued in the future and as a first warning to two young players with regard to standards expected.
Colleagues should take similar action in such circumstances. Not doing so could be to the detriment of the players and L&DCC, MSCA and MCC standards of behaviour. (MB)
(Tuesday 12 May) Note the changes to Youth match fees in Member's section (DJ)
(Sunday 10 May) Report from Mike Dixon - Stood in a game at Sanford recently as usual alone. Called 49 wides in the 1st innings and 30 in the 2nd making a total of 79!!!! Had to come home and ice my shoulders and arms they were that sore!!! Think this maybe some sort of record and I thought the colleagues may like to know that the long arm of the MCUA is having great affect here in Central Florida!!! In fairness there wasn't any complaint from the players. One over lasted 14 balls!!! (MD)
(Sunday 10 May) Interesting observation by a captain in the Member's section (DJ)
(Sunday 10 May) Members are reminded that when the appointments are posted on the web by Mike Dixon, all queries are solved by texting or ringing 07599 793073 NOT e-mailing Mike (DJ)
(Thursday 8 May) Colleagues if you are going to do a disciplinary report please ensure that you inform the correct people from both sides before leaving the ground. After completing the disciplinary form send it via email if possible to Malcolm Barber. If you require a copy of the form it is situated on the site in About us and then Downloads.(kw)
(Sunday 3 May) Dave Rigby has returned from Thailand with a heart problem and his doctor has suggested he does not officiate for a while (DJ)
(Thursday 30 April) Good to see Archie Moore about after his heart scare. He has had a stent inserted and has returned to work but is not ready to umpire yet(DJ)
(Tuesday 28 April) Fees table has been moved to member's area (DJ)
(Monday 27 April) More in the tips and technique section in the Members area. (DJ)
(Thursday 23 April) Brian Aldred's new mobile number is 07930 978194
(Sunday 19 April) Arthur Ashley's number in the handbooks is incorrect it should read 0151 643 8838(kw)
(Friday 17 April) The Downloads page in About us has been updated (DJ)
(Friday 17 April) Brian Small's number in the handbooks is incorrect it should read 01744 894225. (kw)
(Monday 6 April) Message from Mike Dixon
Stood at BOTH ends yesterday Sunday 5th April 2009 in Winter Haven who were playing an Asian team from Orlando named as the "Warriors". This is a "B" Division game of the Central Florida Cricket Association. Games should commence at 1100hrs with a 40 overs format. Teams forfeit overs if they are late which Warriors duly were! Their innings was restricted to 36 overs (20minutes late - 1 over reduction for every 5 minutes late!!) The afternoon air temperature was 95 degrees with 100% humidity making it feel more like 105 degrees.
Standing at both ends in that heat is UNPLEASANT rest assured!! The game was played in excellent spirits with Winter Haven 179 all out in 25 overs. In reply Warriors were 173 all out in 27.1 overs. Only a 52.1 over game but in that heat MUCH appreciated!!!
Next door to where Winter Haven play there is an outdoor swimming pool which was well patronized as a result of the weather. It was torture standing in that heat and seeing swimmers keeping cool. Still, after the 80 mile round trip, I was able to dehydrate with a lengthy session in my own pool!! Carol was also waiting with a cold bud!! Life's a beach!!!

Kind regards to all as you embark upon the 2009 Season. Lets hope we spend more hours on the field of play this year than we did in the pavilion last!!!
May all your calls be loud ones and all your decisions CORRECT!!!
See you all after the 3rd July.
Kind regards
Mike Dixon,
Kissimmee,
Florida
(Thursday 2 April) More in the tips and technique section in the Members area. (DJ)
(Thursday 2 April) After each match the umpires must complete a match report card and send it to Eric Hadfield. This season Eric will receive ALL cards, do NOT send any to John Rotheram.
Once again, Eric has agreed that umpires can send an electronic copy of the new card in the form of a Word document. If you use this option, remember to rename the file, before transmission, to something unique but still meaningful. For example DJ_May_02.doc. These documents are available under Downloads in the About us section of this site.
ALL PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THIS CARD IN YOUR POSSESSION MUST BE DESTROYED (DJ)
(Monday 30 March) Mike Dixon is updating the list of which clubs Umpires have played for or are affiliated to, he will be contacting members via email please respond by return to ensure that Mike does not appointment members to their own club.(kw)
(Saturday 28 March) The first four fixtures have now been posted in the appointments section, if you have any availability queries please contact Mike’s mobile 07599 793073. Email him for weeks NOT displayed on the website. (kw)
(Tuesday 24 March) Simon Taufel has given IICUS permission to use his diary entries about the events relating to the Lahore attack. I have placed his comments in the members area.(DJ)
(Tuesday 24 March) There is now an obituaries section in the About us area of this site. (DJ)
(Wednesday 18 March) ECB have issued safety guidance on the wearing of helmets by young players. The notice can be viewed as a download on the About us section of this website. (DJ)
(Monday 8 March) More in the tips and technique section in the Members area. (DJ)
(Thursday 5 March) All members requiring MCUA clothing items in time for the start of the season please contact Les Knowles as soon as possible.(kw)
(Wednesday 4 March) The pre-season meeting is on Thursday 16th April at Bootle CC commencing @ 7.30 prompt, please make every effort to attend.(kw)
(Friday 27 February) MCUA held it's AGM last evening, there were no changes to the Association's rules and regulations but there are a number of changes to the committee
Hugh Evans has returned as Chairman, Ray Rigby has stepped down as Sunday and Midweek appointment's Secretary and been replaced by Steven Ball, Ray will stay as a member of the committee and continue to serve as the MCUA representative on the L&DCC Cricket Sub-committee.
The retiring Chairman, Chris Bell, was unanimously elected as a Vice-President of MCUA.
The MCUA committee have introduced a new award in the name of John Steel to recognise the major contribution he has made to cricket umpiring on Merseyside both on the field as an excellent and respected umpire and off the field as a first class administrator.
The first recipients of the award are Derek Laming and Brian Aldred.
Derek has retired from umpiring after 30 years wearing the white coat in the Merseyside Competition with Birkenhead St Mary's CC and since 1990, with MCUA were he gained Grade I status. He always conducted his umpiring with great calmness and was always a pleasure to stand with and was well respected by the players.
Brian is a fairly new member to MCUA but he has gained Grade I status and passed his umpiring examinations despite suffering from a kidney disease. He has spent many months on the dialysis bed for 3 evenings per week but has always been available for Saturday and Sunday appointments.
Ian Cockbain, the former captain of Bootle Cricket Club has retired from playing and MCUA members recognised his unique contribution to cricket on Merseyside, with the Lancashire and Cheshire County sides and the Minor Counties representative side. He gave a short talk about his time in the game and was presented with a memento by Hugh Evans. Ian then answered questions posed by the members in his usual honest and forthright way.
(Monday 19 January) At a recent LCBACO meeting, Kevin Wilson receives the Bill Jones Trophy from Sadie Jones for his services to Merseyside umpiring(DJ)
(Friday 12 December) Esther from Bootle Cricket Club was presented with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of MCUA, IICUS and LCBACO for making us all so welcome and providing tea, coffee and bickies at our meetings. (DJ)
(Friday 5 December) The appeal by A Wood of Tranmere Victoria was unsuccessful and he will serve the full 12 weeks suspension from the start of next season. The 3 weeks imposed by his club were served whilst Mr Wood was on holiday and has been disregarded. (CB)

The end-product of this sorry saga is that MCUA and local cricket has lost a fine umpire and administrator in John Steel, it is hard to replace this type of person. (DJ)

Neil Maher & Moorfield CC
After due consideration the Appeals Panel decided that
* Moorfield CC were in breach of the ECB Code of Conduct and the spirit of the game and they were warned as to their future conduct. The Club was fined £100 which was suspended until the end of the 2010 season
* Neil Maher was found to have verbally abused an opposition player and was banned for 5 weeks from the start of the 2009 season but, in recognition of his previous exemplary record 3 of these weeks were suspended and will be held on record until the end of the 2009 season.
* In addition Neil Maher was found to have failed to control his players and was given a 2 week ban to start at the beginning of the 2009 season and to run concurrently with the ban above.
Neil Maher will be suspended from midnight Saturday 18th April 2009 until midnight Saturday 2nd May 2009. He is free to play on Saturday 2nd May 2009.(CB)
(Thursday 4 December) The members listed below have been invited to serve as Grade I umpires for the season 2009

Brian Aldred, Steve Ball, Malcolm Barber, Mike Dixon, Hugh Evans, Peter Freeman, Dave Jones, Mike Jones, Ray Lavin, Mike Leddy, Archie Moore, Jim Riding, Ray Rigby, Jeremy Rowe, Dave Smith, Howard Taylor and Kevin Wilson. (DJ)
(Monday 24 November) A Melbourne optometrist and two sports scientists believe that there is not enough time for an umpire to judge an LBW accurately so soon after they have observed where a bowler's feet land.     More...
(Sunday 23 November) Brian's funeral was held at Southport Crematorium on Monday 17 November when hundreds of his relatives and friends were present to say farewell to an extremely popular man. It was a Humanist Service and Geoff Tittershill came from his home in Spain to deliver a very enlightening eulogy. There is no doubt that Brian's passing will leave an enormous void at Ormskirk Cricket Club.(DJ) .
(Saturday 25 October) Following a Disciplinary Hearing held on Friday 3 October into the events of Saturday 13 September leading to the abandonment of the match between Sutton and Moorfield the following disciplinary action has been taken:

Moorfield 1 XI's totally unacceptable behaviour was found to be in breach of the ECB code of conduct and the spirit of cricket regulations and Moorfield CC have been fined £500 (in accordance with para 5.3.3 of the Model Disciplinary Regulations)

Sutton CC were found to have played a contributory role to the overall degenerative atmosphere at the game and were issued with a reprimand and given a warning as to their future conduct (in accordance with para 5.3.2 of the Model Disciplinary Regulations)

Neil Maher, Moorfield CC, was found to have seriously verbally abused an opposition player and continually failed to control his team throughout and was issued with a suspension for a period of 10 weeks.

Shaun Anders, Sutton CC, was found to have abused an opposition player and was issued with a suspension for a period of 2 weeks.

Both suspensions will commence from midnight on the Friday before the start of the 2009 season.
(Tuesday 14 October) Following a Disciplinary Hearing held on 13 October to consider the actions of A. Wood (Tranmere Victoria ) on 16 August the following disciplinary action has been taken:

A Wood has been suspended for 12 weeks for serious verbal abuse of an umpire, including dissent.

The Disciplinary Committee noted that Tranmere Victoria had suspended Mr Wood for the final three weeks of the 2008 season – a suspension period of nine weeks will therefore commence from midnight on the Friday before the first game of the 2009 season. (CB)
(Friday 3 Oct) The final Spirit of Cricket Award positions have been published by Malcolm Barber.
(Monday 29 Sept) Timetable for umpiring training courses:

IICUS Unit 1 Tuesday 30 September at Bootle Cricket Club 7.30pm

ECBACO Monday 6 October at Bootle Cricket Club 7.30pm

IICUS Unit 1 Saturday 1 November at Colwyn Bay Cricket Club 10am
(Friday 26 September) Ray Rigby has suffered a mild stroke. He has been released from hospital and I have spoken on the telephone to him. He cannot drive for the next 4 weeks but he is being allowed to go on holiday to Menorca in 3 weeks time. (DJ) .
(Wednesday 24 September ) Update on Brian Aldred , he is still in hospital and feeling a little down, so if you have time to visit him he would be very happy to see you. He is in Ward 20 at Fazackerley Hospital visiting times are 6-7 daily. Parking is good by turning in at the first set of lights from Longmoor Lane or the second from the East Lancs Road along Lower Lane. Thanks to Ken Candler for this update.(kw) .
(Friday 19 September ) Brian Aldred called from his hospital bed last evening. He has had his op. and hopes to be discharged on Sunday.He hopes to join us at Bootle on Thursday next. Thanks to Walter Nelson for this information. (kw) .
(Friday 15 August) Please note - ALL CRICKET ON MERSEYSIDE IS PLAYED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE MCC 42 LAWS OF CRICKET PLUS LOCAL REGULATIONS. THE ICC PROVIDES REGULATIONS, INCLUDING THE 15 DEGREE ELBOW EXTENSION TOLERANCE, FOR INTERNATIONAL CRICKET ONLY (DJ)
(Monday 18 August) Due to Saturday's unsavoury incident in which the umpires were verbally abused by the Captain of Tranmere Victoria CC the MCUA feels it has no alternative than to withdraw appointments to all future fixtures which involve Tranmere Victoria CC.(kw)
(Thursday 14 August) MCUA members have had problems in recent weeks with bowlers with suspicious bowling actions. The committee has drafted a statement which was ratified at the latest open meeting of members. Bowlers who have been reported to the appropriate League committee are listed in the members section of this website. (DJ)
(Sunday 20 July) Kevin Wilson officiated in the Second Test match between England and Australia Deaf at Colwyn Bay last week

Aussies won the toss and batted - First innings 385 all out England 302 all out
Second knock Australia 321 for 7 dec and England 148 for 7.

The Australian’s retained the Ashes. Kevin's report appears here. (DJ)
(Wednesday 16 July ) Malcolm Barber officiated in the First Test match between England and Australia Deaf at Southport & Birkdale CC

He has submitted a report about the match.(DJ)
(Wednesday 9 July)Will all colleagues please note that you have to fill in the Alliance Result Sheet in the same manner as you do for the LDCC, there are number of sheets being returned with no time allowances on them, which means it is difficult to calculate the over rates. (cbkw)
(Tuesday 17 June) When the start of a match is delayed by the weather, the umpires must take into account all the conditions before starting play - bowler's run-ups, standing water, condition of pitches immediately adjacent to the prepared pitch, etc

Some general observations are:
  • The appointed umpires are the ones who are at the ground and any mention of play starting at nearby grounds should be ignored

  • Because it is raining it does not mean that it is unfit for play

  • The umpires should consider whether the rain would have prevented play if the match was already in progress
IT IS NOT AN MCUA REGULATION THAT PLAY CANNOT START BECAUSE IT IS RAINING, the explanation to players is "the conditions are not fit for play to start" (DJ/KW).
(Friday 30 May) Colleagues are reminded that part of their after-match duties is to send the match report card to the appropriate co-ordinator within 5 days of the match.

I have developed an electronic report card, contact me if you require a copy. --- (DJ)
(Wednesday 28 May) John Steel reports a new umpiring experience.
He was at point as an injured striker was on strike and his runner was correctly attired and positioned at square leg.
The injured striker clipped the ball through square leg. The runner and non-striker ran two comfortably.
The injured striker wandered a few yards down the track to survey the action. The ball was returned, the bails correctly taken off and he was still well out of his ground.
He was given out, Run out by John. The umpires conferred and applied Law 2.8(c) about the number of runs scored which was NONE.
Hands up all the umpires who would have awarded TWO runs!!!!! (DJ)
(Saturday 24 May)TEA INTERVAL
It is important to be ready to start after 30 minutes not to walk out after 30 minutes. This ensures no time loss due to umpires timekeeping. (MB)
(Saturday 17 May) Will colleagues standing in Lever Cup matches please note there are now fielding restrictions if you’re unsure check in the Merseyside Handbook for details.(kw)
(Thursday 15 May) Umpiring Assessment results

ACU&S GL5 - Dave Smith, Steve Ball and Dave Davies

ACU&S GL6 - Steve Gregory

ICUS Units 1 & 2 - Ray Lavin, Steve Ball, Dave Smith, David Croft, Dave Cargill, Neil Bickley, Lol Forrest, Jim Naughton, John Ashley, David Brooks, Bernie Teebay, Brian Aldred, Stuart Fitzgerald

ICUS Unit 1 - Mark Jones

For Unit 3, the ICUS learners will be assessed by on-field and boundary assessors during this season

Special praise for Brian Aldred who attends dialysis 3 times every week but still managed to attend the units. (DJ)
(Wednesday 7 May) Malcolm Barber has just returned from Majorca having stood over the UK Bank Holiday weekend - out on Friday evening & back early hours Monday a.m. - in the Balearic Island Championship.
It was won by this year's hosting Island - Majorca - on 'runs per wkt' as each Island won & lost one match.
He stood in Ibiza 256 - 3 v Menorca 244 - 8 and Menorca 198 - 9 v Majorca 156 - 7 which were 40 overs per side matches (seeming like 60 in the heat!) Ted Williams, the L&DCC Chairman, scored 119* for Menorca v Ibiza.
 












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