Japan umpiring course visit report
Arrived at Narita late Thursday 4th September
By ICC EAP Regional Umpire Coordinator, Tony Cooper
02-Oct-2003
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Arrived at Narita late Thursday 4th September. Met at Narita Airport by Ryuta Komaki (22 year old Uni. Student - graduates before end Sept. - a cricketer!) - very helpful in getting me (with luggage!) to Shinjuku, where Naokai Saida (Japan Cricket Association) waiting at the hotel. A most pleasant Japanese dinner (wish I could remember the Japan name!) hosted by Saida, Ryuta and Robb McKenna. Time got away from us because of our mutual desire to cover as much as possible - being a "man of few words", I didn't have much to say (now, you all know I am joking!). Robb outlined the basic Umpiring Course he had conducted early this year - apparent there was a need but, more importantly, a keen desire for people to get involved with umpiring!
Friday September 5
Ryuta was in the hotel lobby at 8.30 a.m. for trip to Saida's office re trip to "Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium" (what a fabulous complex! - brochures given to me) for the Introductory Level Course from 10a.m - 3p.m. - this was a success! 14 participated - teachers/sports people - good group interaction particularly in afternoon. Certificates issued - Ryuta did a great job not only as my "tour guide" but also as an interpreter!
Evening - Ryuta spent a great deal of time at his Uni. copying the material I intended to leave. A productive day!
Saturday September 6
Robb took charge (I say this in the nicest possible way - he was simply terrific!). Am delighted to report that the active participation by the attendees was outstanding - particularly pleasing was the way they encouraged one another and the questions that they asked. Would love to have spent another day on practical issues with this group.
A very good mix of Japanese/"ex-pats" (all of whom spoke Japanese) - Robb did a great job as translator.
We were able to complete the theory side of the Course - the examination was a success (also a lot of fun!). No Level 1 Certificates were issued - clearly, all 14 attendees qualify at "Introductory" Level.
It was clear that most of them would be unable to come to Sunday's match at Yokohama to complete the practical side of Level One. To protect the integrity of the Level 1 Certificate, it was agreed they would form a small JCA Umpires Association - (at which my umpiring partner at the Yokohama Match, Anton McCloy, put his "hand up" to accept the role of "President " - he is a terrific bloke who will do a great job - aided and abetted by Robb and others).
This Committee has the interests of JCA and cricket at heart and I completely trust their judgment in "upgrading" the Introductory Certificates to Level One as those who attend and passed the theory exam gain some actual umpiring experience on the lines of the practical material I left with Robb/Anton. That is, I envisage Robb/Anton e-mailing me over the next few weeks advising of gradual additions to the Level One List.
I felt this was a very sensible, practical solution to the problem caused by my time restrictions.
I must add that the JCA Umpires Association was formed in the very best cricket traditions, that is, over a very convivial ale with all course attendees present!
This was a wonderful day in which we covered an enormous amount of umpiring ground - I am very grateful to Robb/JCA for selecting such a well-balanced group to attend. I was extremely pleased with the attitude, enthusiasm and participation of all who came along.
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Photo © ICC |
Robb/Anton met me at the hotel for the considerable journey to Yokohama Sports & Country Club - a fabulous facility. We had originally planned to start the 40 over game (the Japan squad and Yokohama SYC) at 11a.m. but softball hadn't finished - we got underway a little after 12.
This delay gave me an opportunity to have a good chat with Anton on practical issues such as calls/positioning etc and the material which I left.
What a wonderful game of cricket, played in the ideal competitive but completely fair, incident, free manner (at the toss, I gave each captain a copy of the NZ Notes on the "Spirit of the Game" - from what I observed in this match, the spirit was faithfully protected). Yokohama won the toss and batted - all out for 163 of which the captain, with well-controlled aggression, scored a superb 110. Japan squad struggled early against some very fine pace bowling (Mark/Razzaq particularly) but all contributed and they nearly made it - last man out, stumped off the last ball of the 40th over (in very dark conditions - we would have failed the light meter test at Lord's!) just 4 runs short!
Match was followed by a lovely meal, presentation of trophy and brief speeches - I took the opportunity (with Saida's assistance as translator) to outline for the benefit of the players the reason for my visit as part of the I.C.C. Development Program and also presented the first 2 Level One Certificates to Anton ("Mr President" - he did a great job on the field and is very keen to help others) and Robb.
Quite late by the time Robb got me back to the hotel - needed to pack - "slept fast" to make sure I was up at 5a.m. - Robb (ever reliable) was in the lobby at 6.30a.m. (don't know when this lad sleeps!). Thanks to Robb, no problems re exit ("reluctant") from Japan!
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Photo © ICC |
Appreciation