COLAC Cricket Umpires Association is battling to field enough umpires for finals.

Just five officials will take charge of matches across the district this weekend and the association is not confident it can supply the 16 it needs for the first week of finals.

Umpires this week told the Colac Herald of their frustration at being unable to recruit members and have appealed for retired cricketers to join the ranks.

They said they believed there were former cricketers – both with ties to Colac district clubs and people who were detached from the game – in the district who could help.

Experienced umpires Steve Millar, Craig Murdoch and Brent Hately dissected the issue over lunch yesterday.

They said few active umpires had extensive careers with Colac district cricket clubs and called on clubs to help boost their ranks.

“There are a lot of passionate cricketers at clubs,” Murdoch said.

“I’m not suggesting anyone but there has to be blokes that would benefit the game by bringing their experience and careers to the umpiring ranks.”

The trio said the Colac District Cricket Association shouldn’t force clubs to supply umpires, but needed to better encourage clubs to filter their members into umpiring.

Hately said the association should provide financial incentives for clubs to help out, something he said had been effective in other associations.

“If the club provides an umpire to the association and he’s umpiring 12 months down the track they get a financial incentive,” he said.

“From what I’ve heard that has helped boost umpires.”

The trio agreed umpiring had been rewarding and had helped them stay involved in the game after their playing careers ended.

Murdoch officiated the Victorian Country Cricket League under-21 grand final at the weekend, while Hately stood for the Victorian Premier Cricket country clash in October.

“People may be worried about a lack of support but we catch up for a debrief after each game,” Murdoch said.

“Cricket Victoria had no issue coming down to do a presentation for us last year and it’s not like you’re on your own,” he said.

Tags: Cricket