But just as important as getting the players back on the pitch is ensuring each competition has enough umpires to oversee proceedings — with officials even more important this season due to new regulations.
Umpires will have to wear a mask, monitor the adherence to COVID-19 rules by both teams and have plenty of sanitiser on hand — but as always will be in the best seat in the house to watch the action and be paid for their efforts.
Cricket Shepparton looks likely to have a similar number of umpires to call on as it did last season.
“We've picked up a couple who will umpire for some of the season and I know that we've lost a couple as well, so I expect it to be around the 15-17 mark as it was for most of last year,” director of umpires Gary Wood said.
“That covers your A and B-grade and maybe some C-grade when they're all available, but it's the same as putting a cricket side together in that there will always be someone missing through other commitments.”
Wood and the rest of the umpires are yet to have a meeting ahead of the season, but he expects the association to take the new regulations in its collective stride.
“We haven't been able to catch up as a group, so I'm not sure what the views are about wearing masks,” he said.
“But when you get to those 35-36 degree days and the central umpire has to wear a mask all day and everyone else when they're not batting or in the field it will certainly be a very different challenge.”
Cricket Shepparton umpires are paid $120-$150 a game depending on accreditation, and Wood can be reached on 0448 311 077 to inquire about joining the ranks.
“If anyone's interested definitely get in contact with me,” Wood said.
Murray Valley Cricket Association has about 13 umpires signed up for the upcoming season — which begins with a Twenty20 competition starting this Saturday.
“We're always looking for more if we can get them,” MVCA umpires president Arthur Owen said.
“Get in contact with the umpires association (at artchris@tpg.com.au) if you're keen to put your hand up, the umpires get about $120 a day depending on qualifications.
“If we're officiating in Victoria we'll obviously have to wear masks, but I haven't had any complaints about that yet.”
Goulburn Murray Cricket is also on the lookout for new men and women to stand out in the middle.
With the start of the senior season rapidly approaching, the competition needs umpires for its A-grade competition.
The roles are advertised with a $140 payment for each day, while training and uniform will be supplied to those who choose to put their hand up.
Regular meetings are also held to discuss what is happening across the competition.
GMC president Jason Turner said it would be great to see members of the community put their hands up for the position.
“One of the best parts of the job is that you will have the best seat in the house,” he said.
“There is also the social side of the game. We feel our players are very respectable of the umpires and are always up for a conversation with them.
“If there are no umpires, it could mean players are having to officiate the games themselves, which could present a few challenges.
“We’re hoping to see some fresh faces out in the middle this season.”
Anyone interested in umpiring can contact GMC operations manager James Stokes on 0488 720 200 or at goulburnmurraycricket@gmail.com
- with Brayden May
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