BOWLS WA REPORTS - UMPIRES Another year impacted by COVID and also a high turnover year for the Umpire’s Committee. Even with those challenges we were able to fulfil the responsibilities in the Umpires Committee charter, namely:
Pre-season Metro Pennants general laws and etiquette information sessions were trialled this year and have proven to be popular so will be continued next year. In addition to Bowls WA events some WA officials gave their time to assist at some Bowls Australia events held in other states. Peter Barnett
• Co-ordination and delivery of Umpire accreditation courses. [full numbers below] • Allocating Umpires for all required Bowls WA events despite the challenges of Covid caused changes to dates, • Maintaining accurate and up to date records • Developing a pathway for Umpires to progress their skills, • Responding to all communications, • Developing and renewing policies related to umpiring issues.
Pleased to report that during the year clubs that previously had insufficient accredited umpires to host Pennants increased their numbers to an acceptable level. The World Bowls accredited International Technical Officers assessment postponed last year because of Covid, went ahead in April with 2 of the 4 candidates achieving ITO accreditation.
During the year work continued by Bowls Australia and Bowls WA on the development of online training for both Coaches and Officials. This development is at the field trials stage so we can expect it to be rolled out in the coming Over 300 bowlers attended officiating courses year with particular benefits for country based resulting in 293 new or renewed accreditations potential umpires in that half of the new this year. Umpires course can be delivered online. New Umpires: 70 Metro & 62 Country New Measurers: 15 Metro & 6 Country Reaccredited Umpires: 55 Metro & 67 Country Reaccredited Measurers: 4 Metro & 4 Country New Presenters & Assessors: 1 Metro & 2 Country New International Technical Officers [ITO]: 2 Metro Reaccredited ITO: 1 Country
This year saw the completion of the transition to the new re-accreditation process for Umpires which has been well received. However, Bowls Australia offered Umpires an automatic one year extension to their accreditation, due to Covid disruptions, so some umpires who would have reaccredited this year have postponed to next year.
Lastly, I wish to thank the Committee members These numbers are sufficient to maintain and and others who have given up their time to run even improve the enjoyment of the game by training courses, officiate at state events, held having more competent officials. briefing sessions and attend meetings. Also This year saw the retirement from the committee thanks to the clubs who have provided venues of the Umpires chair, Mike Garratt, after many for these activities. years of service. Mike oversaw improvements in training courses, umpires career paths and policy development while providing extensive answers to questions on the Laws that came UMPIRES his way. We wish him “good bowling” in the years to come.
Peter Barnett
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