Newcastle District Cricket Umpires Association

NICK available now

2009-10-26T22:10:00.001+11:00

Hi all ndcua members,

The latest version of our monthly newsletter is now available.

Click here to download it.

Annual Report now available

2009-06-29T11:53:00.003+10:00

Hi all NDCUA members,

Please log in to download the annual report via our member only webpage.

There is also the notice of AGM, a nomination form and a newly created proxy form for those that can't make it to the AGM. Refer to image for location of these 4 downloads if you are not sure.

And of course the AGM is on the 22nd July @ 7pm. See you there!

all the best

David Ashton
Hon. Secretary

Finals this weekend

2009-03-26T22:20:00.006+11:00

Congratulations to all the teams and umpires participating this weekend in the 2008/09 finals series.

It was an interesting article in todays Herald from Neil Goffett download story here

Neil is the captain of Merewethers 2nd Grade team and two of our umpires had one of his players on report this week (Michael Varnum suspended one match).

On face value it appears Neil is taking it all personally.

So what he is saying is that Kim Norris and Michael Connolly are not good enough for the 1st Grade Final? I don't think so Neil - they are up there with the best.

One thing he should be aware of is the selection process of umpires. Marty and Royce would be selected if there was the case of umpires being unavailable and the ones that were not being experienced enough.

30 umpires down to eight means everyone is not going to be happy.

It is a very complex selection process and the NDCA officials and players as well as the management committee all have an input.

Who has made themselves available for most of the season also is thrown into the mix.

So that's it from me - for now anyway.

Semi Finals 21-22 March 2009

2009-03-23T08:51:00.003+11:00

As the season draws to a close, our fellow umpire Darryl Price can be seen here in the Toronto V Stockton semi final match at No 1 Sportsground.

Toronto will meet Belmont next weekend in the 2009 decider.

Shield Volunteers needed

2009-01-10T21:01:00.002+11:00

Hi NDCUA members,

Paul Marjoribanks has sent us an email, which is cut n pasted below. Please advise me as soon as possible if you can help.

=============================================================

Can you please circulate amongst your umpire association a request for volunteers for the Shield match. If they can simply put their name forward and let us know what days they can assist, we will allocated them a role. Some of the jobs are not for entire day, so even part days will help.

Match is on - Friday Jan 30 to Mon Feb 2

A complete job list is below – some have already been allocated – to work in bar they need an RSA certificate (responsible service alcohol)

Marty Jones has already volunteered to assist with scoreboard & I think Cyril has put his name forward to Royce.

Press Box Bar

Hill Bar

Bars - General Hands

Scoreboard

Sightscreen

Ground Announcer

Marquee Liaison

Ticket Takers

Match Day Program Distribution

Grandstand

General Car Park (No 2 sportsground)

VIP Car Park

VIP Area (Pavilion) Marshalls

Room Attendants

Player's Viewing Area

Ice Tubs/Ice/Towels

Scorer's Area

Media Area

Central Office

End of Play Media Conference Area

Post Match Conference Area

ID Tags

General Volunteers

Thanks in advance

Paul Marjoribanks

===========================================================

Picture of concentration

2009-01-10T20:54:00.002+11:00

Here is fellow umpire John Roberts in a recent Newcastle Herald story. Not only is the Commonwealth Bank getting some advertising but so is our sponsor.

You never know when you are going to get photographed.

Laws of Cricket - 1947 code

2008-12-17T12:02:00.006+11:00

A big thank you to Lance Manning for providing a copy of this book for all to enjoy.

Members can log in to our website "member only section" and download it in pdf format.

The "Don" followed these laws and it is interesting to note our latest version has approx 112 pages, no less than an extra 80++ pages. Any wonder why Umpires of today on TV seemed stressed out.

They have more to remember plus TV cameras and microphones everywhere to scrutinise their every move.

And would we change a thing? Not on your nelly..............

Waratah Sixes are approaching

2008-12-17T10:48:00.005+11:00

The colour and spectacle of this renowned event is again upon us.

Teams and players from all around the world participate with a have fun and let your hair down attitude and this being the major factor infecting all who play.

From players wearing dresses to colourful apparel, a good time is had by all.

The competition starts early in the week culminating in the all day Sunday event with night time cricket and any other coloured cricket balls acceptable (like white and orange).

20/20 ? no siree, try 5/5. A short quick match sees players return to watch other teams go around.

Why is it called sixes? There are a lot of sixes for sure, but alas no, it has something to do with the number of players.

Let the appointments committee know if you don't want to miss out on the fun.

More images available here

Sheffield Shield

2008-12-17T10:27:00.002+11:00

Hi NDCUA members,

As we all know, NSW are playing against Tasmania on No 1 Sportsground in 2009.

There is a temporary link on our home page so if we want to organise a marquee then sooner rather than later is the time to get it done.

Send an email to me indicating if you want to be part of this special event. If there is enough numbers then I'll let you know.

Regards

David Ashton

Social Reminder

2008-12-11T22:43:00.001+11:00

Hi ndcua members,

Just a quick reminder on behalf of Cyril that our next social is a Ten Pin Bowling event on the Friday evening after our next General meeting. (January as none in December).

Let Cyril Manning know if you would like to attend.

An email from google calendar will arrive closer to the event to remind us again. See the calendar via the website for this and other events.

We may have a very special guest at an up and coming meeting (February???). Trust me, you will not want to miss the chance to meet this guy. We will invite the cricket players and the C&S Umpires too.

If we can pull it off it will be a good night with a most likely change of venue as Wal Young House will be too small.

I'll keep you posted so keep February the 18th free (tentative date).

The management committee is sworn to secrecy.........

all the best

David Ashton
Hon. Secretary
http://ndcua.com

Match Payments

2008-12-11T22:18:00.001+11:00

(this is a reprint of an email sent out today for those who have added this blog to their favourite reader or downloaded our toolbar)

Hi all ndcua members,

Just a quick reminder that match reports are due by Tuesday's following the match.

There is a $10 fine in our constitution which we have not enforced for the last few years.

The management committee has asked me to remind umpires of this and we may start fining umpires as reports are continuing to arrive later and later, despite my gentle requests from time to time. As a result the website has been updated to reflect the offline report.

I also remind we are using these reports to verify your attendance at a match. Non receipt will also delay payment for that match so your mate may get very upset with you (as payment may be held over until the next month). Washed out games plus whether you attended and was subsequently washed out ($40 payment) also need to be advised. SCG cup, DBC & TLC too.

Look at it from our point of view. If I or Bryan wasn't at your match, how are we to know what has happened as we are not mind readers!!!!

On the whole most everyone is getting them in on a timely manner so keep up the good work - and see you on the park.

You can expect match payments into your account by Monday's (at the very latest) following the monthly management committee meeting (held 2nd Tuesday monthly).

all the best

David Ashton
Hon. Secretary
http://ndcua.com

Who is this Bloke - answer

2008-12-04T07:43:00.001+11:00

Hi NDCUA members,

OK, it's time to reveal who the umpire is from the August 15, 2008 post.

No-one guessed correctly.

And the answer is....................Joe Thomson, our current NDCUA President.

Membership list updated

2008-12-04T07:37:00.002+11:00

Hi all NDCUA members,

In an email sent out last night, I confirmed the above.

Further, as there is no December meeting, our blog is now the most important news avenue available. As emails can get blocked, deleted etc now is the best time to download our toolbar and add the blog to your favourite reader too.

I can even send you an instant message!!

Try it - you'll never look back at emails again.

The Herald of November 17 2008

2008-12-04T07:33:00.002+11:00

It seems like umpire Bryan Lambert could be the most photogenic of all of us. Here he is again in the paper with the story of a player in the bid for a Newcastle Rep spot.

The season is getting in full swing

2008-11-03T19:59:00.003+11:00

In todays Herald, it was reported that Cardiff-Boolaroo scored victory over Charlestown in a SCG Cup thriller at Kahibah Oval.

Our treasurer Bryan Lambert can be seen here in the above picture.

If you want to become an umpire, then contact us today.

Emails sent today

2008-10-29T22:20:00.002+11:00

For those who subscribe to this blog, I paste below two emails sent today for your reference:

=========================================
re: match reports and umpire payments

Hi all ndcua members,

This is an important email.

Please be advised of the system we have in place this year:

A copy of the match reports will be sent to the treasurer upon receipt
The treasurer will then be able to arrange payment as your attendance has been confirmed by the match report
Payment will go into your bank accounts and be received no later than the next monthly meeting
Non receipt of match reports will delay payment for that match or matches (depends how many you don't send in)
We need a match report if the game was washed out
or you attended because the website/wet weather line had not advised you in time ($40 payment)

This system is the most efficient for the management committee as this year the appointer and treasurer are not the same person. As your allocated match can vary this is the best way for the treasurer to verify what match you have officiated at.

So, as at today, the following match reports have not been received so payments will be delayed until YOU send it in. I will eventually personally chase you but you may not get paid in the same month as you would normally be. I also advise what umpires were allocated to the match as per the website.

In future I will not write an email like this, I will follow you up in due course but it may be after the payment date as it is not part of my duties to chase umpires who forget to perform their duties in sending in match reports for whatever reason.

Also, we only need one match report from one umpire. I have been receiving two sometimes from each umpire. I only need one each if there is a serious matter and the judiciary is involved. (You need to RING me in that case anyway on the day of the occurrence as we only have a few days to report it at the next level).

So don't let your partner down - if you committed to send it in then don't forget or he may get upset with you.

Round 1
2nd Grade
Newcastle City v Merewether @ Empire Park
Sam Chamoun
TBA/Peter Tate

Round 2
2nd Grade
Belmont V Merewether @ Empire Park
James Seville
Ray Younger

2nd Grade
Wests V Toronto Workers @ Ron Hill Oval
Jordan Bobrowski
Adrian Fisher

2nd Grade
War/May V Charlestown @ Kahibah Oval
Sam Chamoun
Cyril Manning

Tom Locker Cup 19th Oct 08
Wests V Merewether @ Harker Oval
Joel McCrindle
Don Tyson

all the best!!

David Ashton
Hon. Secretary NDCUA
http://ndcua.com

=====================================
an update

Hi all ndcua members,

Please note the following has been uploaded to the "members only" section of the website.

So you will need the password to access the following:

Latest membership listing dated 29 October 2008 (major updates includes new members and some existing members have changed their details including email addresses so please download and update your records). If a member used to have an email address and it is no longer there it is either no longer working or he has advised he no longer has one.
Minutes from the last meeting on 24 Sept 08 (so please print or make note of any changes needed)
Latest financials
Prohibited Declaration Form (all members please download and hand in at next meeting or you may be unable to umpire until you do) - please print this form front and back on the one A4 printer paper. There will be copies at the next meeting too for those without printers and computers.

As there is no meeting in December, this will be last chance for you to find out the latest until 2009.

Don't forget the social night on the following Friday after our meeting. (Indoor Cricket) - check website for details (google calendar). Ring Cyril Manning the social member if you have any questions re this. ALL WELCOME. (But expect sore muscles the next day!!!!!!)

all the best!!

David Ashton
Hon. Secretary NDCUA
http://ndcua.com

2008/09 International program and more is here

2008-09-15T16:21:00.003+10:00

Want to know the International, Interstate, Ford Ranger Cup, Sheffield Shield, KFC 20/20 Big Bash and all Fox Sports telecasts for 2008/09?

Click here to download the excel file.

Nostalgia Trip to 1958-1959 season

2008-09-15T14:56:00.006+10:00

Many thanks to Lance Manning for this Official Guide from the 1958-59 season!

What a great association we have and we should be very proud of it.

Steep in tradition but also looking at ways to move forward all the time.

Click here and you'll be able to download the book in pdf format.

New website domain name

2008-09-04T19:59:00.002+10:00

Hi all ndcua members,

Great news! Due to yahoo increasing their webhost costs unsatisfactorily in my view (we started at a monthly $3.75 then currently at $4.75 to next month $6.75) - all in the space of some 6 months they have been given the flick.

Why is that great news? Well I mentioned in my annual report I would have a closer look at the setup we have had for so long and lo and behold I've found a free webhost that does not use advertisements. (www.110mb.com).

So for $10 per year we can have a domain name and be able to move around our website and not have to tell anyone we have moved. Compare it to moving house and you can take your home phone number with you.

So our website is now simply www.ndcua.com and that means our monthly website costs are down to 83c per month instead of the above increasing ones.

What that means is www.geocities.com/ndcua is gone forever. So we have had to get a new phone number this one time only - so we have to let those who need to know in due course.

Don't worry because there is a redirect for those who forget or who have old records. If you use the not as useful as Firefox -Internet Explorer to browse the old address then most likely ads will pop up on the side. (Not so with Firefox).

Our web address is www.ndcua.com as mentioned above so use that and no ads will appear in Internet Explorer.

I'd certainly recommend ditching Internet Explorer and using Firefox as it is much much better.

Country Plate and Country Program attached

2008-08-24T23:08:00.001+10:00

The above details have been uploaded as excel files to our website.

For the Country Plate details click here
For the Country Program click here

SCG Country Cup Draw announced

2008-08-24T21:57:00.001+10:00

To download this excel file click here

St Clemente October 3 special event

2008-08-22T23:24:00.004+10:00

Hi ndcua members,

We have received a letter from the above High School in Mayfield.

Kerry O'Keeffe will be the special guest and tickets are only $80. See the letter and flyer for full details. Click the below image to download the letter in pdf format.

Click the images to view the pamphlet front and back. If you want to go then download it by clicking here.

What is this RSS feed thingy?

2008-08-16T08:09:00.003+10:00

What is this RSS feed thingy?

Some jargon for you:? RSS stands for “really simple syndication” and is one of the newest web formats to distribute information. Many websites -including the NDCUA website - distribute their content through RSS to whomever wants it.

Why is RSS good?
RSS solves two very important problems with web content distribution. Firstly, it allows you (the subscriber who wants this information) to stay up-to-date by retrieving the latest content from your favourite websites without having to actually visit them (this is a huge time saver)… and second, RSS helps you protect your privacy by not having to give out your e-mail address to join each website’s newsletter. An added benefit to the website owner is that his/her subscribers can actually get the information! With so much spam around, good legitimate mail often gets trapped with the real spam in filters. As an example for one word only - quite often you see FREE written as FRE..E so the spam filters miss the word and the genuine mail gets through.

All I’ve got to say for now is the spammers will get what’s coming to them. RSS has solved that challenge but people who are not technically savvy yet - are still requiring education on the topic, hence I have written this little summary.

How to subscribe to an RSS feed.
Fortunately it is easy! There are two main ways

A feed reader program that resides on their computer such as Amphetadesk (Windows, Linux, Mac) and NewsGator
Through an internet based RSS reader service (my preferred method as it is easy) such as Bloglines, My Yahoo, and Google Reader are among the most popular

I use my web browser (Firefox) to integrate my chosen feed reader google. You can do this too with the other two popular web browsers (Microsoft IE and Opera). Now what this feed reader stuff all simply means is that when you open your favourite web browser a little icon unobtrusively advises you that a web page or two has written some new content.

There is no pop ups to annoy you so when you feel like it you just visit the reader and see a topic summary. If you are interested (most likely as you signed up for the content in the first place) then it is there for you to read.

How to subscribe to the NDCUA RSS feed.
If you are new to RSS, we recommend that you try Google Reader’s service.

On the other hand, if you’re an avid RSS subscriber, just join using your favourite reader:

So just click here to subscribe. It is that easy!

What else can you do?

You can also just download our toolbar and you'll be automatically subscribed to the NDCUA blog only.

So if you find other sites you like with RSS content, you'll have to join a reader service. Like I said I like everything google because it is so easy.

all the best

David Ashton
Hon. Secretary NDCUA

Who is this bloke?

2008-08-15T19:40:00.003+10:00

Hi ndcua members,

Around 1 month ago I sent out an email, to which there have been no responses yet.

The email asked, who is this umpire????? He is currently in our ranks.

Have a guess by writing a comment to this story.

Name will be revealed during the October meeting (which is also a seminar).

Sheffield Shield is here in 2009!

2008-08-12T22:48:00.002+10:00

Hi NDCUA members,

Just letting you know that 30 Jan - 2 Feb 2009 No 1 Sportsground will be the venue for a Sheffield Shield match. (Comp renamed back from Pura Cup this season onwards in case you didn't know).

There is no grade cricket that weekend.

Free up your diary to see this (hopefully yearly event from now on!).

All is recorded on the Google Calendar (up the top of this page).