Goals

We had the New Zealand Cricket Umpires and Scorers' Association Conference yesterday, and I was very glad to go to it.
One suggestion is that we work out goals for the season, and so I think I will make a start on them. First I would like to get more varied umpiring and a good amount of umpiring, so I think my target should be four games per month, which would suggest 24 games in total. I also want to vary, and so if at least one game per month can be representative and/or outside Dunedin then that would be good. So let's say six representative games and three games outside Dunedin. This is not very much, but it does imply driving to Queenstown or to Oamaru or even Southland...

At the end of the year I should also aim to take an exam so that I can qualify at a higher level. An exam implies studying and so I ought to read through the umpires' handbook. I am not sure what level I am, and so I had better check with JH and the DCA. Still, at the end of the season I ought to be able to take the exam for the next level.

In terms of onfield activity, I ought to try to make sure I am more precise, confident and clear. I should also note after the games events and so on, with the purpose of ensuring greater familiarity with teams and players so that I can call them by name and identify players, which will help discipline.
There is the adage to remember; plan, prepare, perform.

So I need to keep a journal of the games that I umpire.

In summary; 24 games, six representative, three outside Dunedin, the higher exam, notes and organisation.

AGM

Last night was the AGM of the Dunedin Cricket Umpires and Scorers' Association, and it was ok. I did not volunteer for any positions as I think that others know much more than I do and they have a lot more of the necessary knowledge.
The best part was that at the end one umpire handed out some free kit that he had, so I got a shirt with ICC Umpire and sponsored by Fly Emirates. Cool!

SA vs WI

South Africa seem to be doing well against the West Indies. I can't help but think how artificial the WI is; it is not one country but a number of competing nations.

Oh, and Ireland played well but not well enough against Australia on their tour of England (and Ireland obviously!).

Cricket

A small comment on cricket; England beat Bangladesh, as would be expected. I would be disappointed with anything less than a clear victory.
And I have lots of my Wisden to read.

Cricket

I used to have a blogspot on teaching, but the authorities didn't like my publishing on things to do with teaching and the university, so this is on cricket, I hope.

Two events are coming up; first the Dunedin umpires' AGM on the 23 June, and then the New Zealand Umpires' conference. The latter will cost $150, so it is quite dear. However, it could be useful to learn about umpiring elsewhere in the country.