GDCA 2018-19: Umpires to boycott last round of season due to ongoing tension with players
A suburban cricket association is adamant the integrity of its last round will not be thrown into question by an umpire boycott.
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A suburban cricket association is adamant the integrity of its last round will not be thrown into turmoil by an umpire boycott.
The Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s umpires association has taken drastic action and will not provide officials for the final round of the regular season in the top two grades — McIntyre Cup and Johnstone Shield — due to ongoing “petulance” from players toward officials.
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“It’s a situation where the players are going to have to umpire themselves, so hopefully they will get an appreciation of what umpires do during a match,” GDCA president Rob McIntyre said.
“I am hoping (the players) … will step up and realise that it is the integrity of the competition that is of the utmost importance.”
Woodend (fourth) and Diggers Rest Bulla (fifth) are playing for a finals berth in McIntyre Cup, while Romsey (third) and Gisborne’s (second) results will decide a home final.
The GDCA expects to lose several umpires as a result of the growing tension between players and officials, which has come to a head this week.
“I do know there was a number of umpires who have already mentioned to the umpires association they won’t be returning next year because they’re tired of (players) disputing decisions,” McIntyre said.
McIntyre said the GDCA umpires had received support from officials from other associations who have reported similar issues.
“There is a number of new umpires there and they are a bit hesitant, I suppose, because they are new,” he said.
“They don’t want to get off-side with the players either as they enjoy going into the rooms after the game and having a beer with the players.
“They don’t want to get into a situation where they are not welcome in the clubrooms.”
He said a reconciliation between clubs and officials was unlikely before this weekend, when Round 14 matches start.
“The umpires are fairly adamant they want to take this action,” he said.
“It’s more to do with querying the umpires’ decisions and general player behaviour.
“The constant arguing and petulance shown towards umpires when a decision has been made.
“It has been deteriorating for the last three months.”
GDCA records show two players have been reported for disputing an umpire’s decision this summer, however McIntyre said the issues were much greater than suggested.
“Clubs are rated by the umpires after each match and clubs were given those ratings before Christmas,” McIntyre said.
“Things haven’t improved since then. They basically rate the captain’s and players on their respect towards the umpires and acceptance of decisions.
“Whether the game is played within the spirit of cricket. It is drastic action … but they feel they need to take this action so all players get the message.”
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