Characteristics needed for successful Recreational Umpires

A recreational umpire is a player in a match who acts as an umpire for a period in the match he/she is taking part in. Almost always you will be a member of the batting side.

SUCCESSFUL CHARACTERISTICS

• Concentration skills - ability to switch on and off between deliveries.
• Good man-management skills - calm demeanour in times of conflict.
• Sense of humour - show that you are enjoying the match and prepared to share a joke with the players. Smile!
• Communication skills - deal with any discussion of your decisions in a calm and clear manner.
• Strong resilient character - confident in your ability to deal with criticism.
• Resistant to pressure - not influenced by the loudness of appeals.
• Respectful and Respected - both teams are happy to have you as an umpire.
• Impartial - show the opposition that you will not favour your own side.
• Positive attitude / approach - show the players that you are happy to be performing this important role.
• Punctual - be on the field after an interval at the correct time and before the players.
• Team player - consult with and support your fellow umpire(s).
• Smart (in appearance) - dressed appropriately. Avoid bare feet and shorts.
• Able to apply common sense - If in doubt, consult the law book and/or the local competition playing conditions.
• Consistency (of decisions) - don't follow a bad decision with another bad decision to 'even the score'.
• Passionate about cricket - if you are not, what are you doing there?
• Passionate about the Spirit of Cricket - be prepared to step in if players are not following the code of conduct.
• Courageous - make the right decision, no matter the state of the match.
• Un-obstructive - let the players get on with the match.
• Knowledgeable of Laws of cricket - take the time before the start of each season to re-familiarize yourself with the current laws and playing conditions.
• Understanding of players needs - all the players you are umpiring must be respected, no matter previous interactions you may have had with them.
• Learns from experience - don't repeat past mistakes.
• Uses appropriate language - speak to the players in the same respectful manner that you would expect to be spoken to.