Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket will offer an international exchange program for their senior Umpires in 2010 and beyond.
Simon Fry a member of Cricket Australia’s International Panel will officiate in a Plunket Shield First Class match in Auckland commencing 23rd November 2010.
Similarly, Barry Frost a member of New Zealand Cricket’s International Panel will officiate at the MCG for the Weetbix Sheffield Shield Match commencing 26th November 2010.
Cricket Australia’s exchange program with New Zealand Cricket is an extension of the programs that both countries have established with Cricket South Africa.
Rod Tucker, recently elevated to the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires was the first CA National Umpire Panel member to officiate under this international exchange program in South Africa during the 2008-09 Season. Paul Reiffel followed in 2009/10 summer.
All New Zealand Cricket’s First Class panel umpires have experienced umpiring in South Africa over the past 12 years including New Zealand ICC Elite Panel Members Tony Hill and Billy Bowden, proving the values of this experience.
The international umpire exchange programs are designed to provide senior Umpires who have the potential to umpire at international level the opportunity of experiencing the challenge of umpiring in foreign conditions on foreign soil.
“The international umpire exchange program offers our country’s best umpires the chance to experience the challenges of officiating in countries around the world, prior to international selection.” said Michael Brown, CA’s General Manager, Cricket.
“With the elevation of Rod to the ICC Elite Panel and with Paul’s continued improvement as a CA Umpire, we see these exchange programs as an essential part of the Umpires professional development,” explained Brown.
Geoff Allott, General Manager Cricket, New Zealand Cricket is delighted that both countries are now working closely together to provide real professional development within officiating at First Class level as a potential stepping stone to higher international honours.
