By Frederick Halley

PRESIDENT of the Canada Cricket Umpires Association (CCUA), Azad Khan, has called on members to elevate the standard of umpiring in the Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) and across Canada.
The Guyanese-born Khan, who is also the Honorary Secretary of the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA), made the call at the association’s annual luncheon, held at Windies Restaurant & Sports Bar, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, on Sunday.
Among those in attendance were West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) President, Vivian Johnson; Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA) and Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) President, Shiv Persaud and businesswoman Kim Sue of Norman Sue Bakery fame.
The CCUA also used the occasion to present certificates to several of its members who were successful at different levels of its examinations and three who completed the TV Umpiring Course, held in Atlanta late last year. Three special awards were also introduced for the first time this year: Rookie Umpire of the Year, Dedicated Umpire of the Year and President’s Award.

According to Khan, “increasing our umpires pool and encouraging participation in certification exams, such as with the West Indies Certification, are vital steps toward this shared goal. To that end, the CCUA is committed to providing comprehensive training and support to aspiring umpires.”
Directing his remarks to those who are preparing for certification exams at the various levels, Khan offered his sincerest wishes for success. “Remember, diligence and determination are the cornerstones of achievement. The CCUA stands ready to support you every step of the way.
“As we look to the future, let us endeavour to enhance our training programmes and expand our arsenal of skilled trainers and facilitators. Our aim is nothing short of excellence, as we strive to produce top-quality umpires capable of officiating at every level of cricket.”

Khan also reminded members of the opportunities for CCUA umpires to get involved in the WICUA Exchange Programme which will give them opportunities to officiate in umpiring in different countries or leagues.
SCA and OSCL President Persaud urged the umpires to seek qualification with the national body in order to enhance their chances of officiating at the national level. Persaud further urged the umpires not to become complacent as this will hamper their progress.

Former umpire, Peter Montfort, who played a major role in the training of umpires within the CCUA, told the umpires present that they should always carry themselves with dignity while imploring on them the importance of reading the laws of the game continuously.
Kim Sue of Norman Sue Bakery fame, applauded the efforts of the umpires and the administration for the role they are playing in the advancement and promotion of the game.

Piyush Patel, who collected his Level One Certificate and who was one of the three umpires who participated in the TV Umpiring Course, was also adjudged the Rookie Umpire of the Year (2024). His plaque read: “With Deepest Appreciation for Your Unwavering Commitment and Service.” The other two umpires from the TV Umpiring Course were Irfan Syed, also a Level One awardee and Sush Mahalanobis (Level Three), who was unavoidably absent.

The Most Dedicated Umpire of the Year Award, 2024, went to long-standing member and WICUA qualified umpire, Mohan Ramadhin, his plaque reading: “With Heartfelt Gratitude for Your Unwavering Support and Exceptional Dedication.”
Vice-president Bisham Singh, who was recently bestowed with the SCA Hall of Fame, was the recipient of the President’s Award, 2024, “In honour and with deep appreciation of the distinguished and unselfish service given to the Canada Cricket Umpires Association (CCUA) while serving with outstanding leadership, vision and ability.”

All three plaques were donated by Trophy Stall, Canada, through its proprietor Roger Sunich, brother of Ramesh Sunich of Trophy Stall, Guyana fame. The day’s proceedings were eloquently chaired by CCUA’s Treasurer, Terry Mathura.
Meanwhile, this year’s training programmes are set to get underway on Saturday March 8. Apart from the usual in-house training, there will also be Zoom sessions during this period.