Some people out there ought to be hanging their heads in shame when this is what is happening. I shall be leading league management in the close season to completely eradicate the things that have driven this bloke form the game.

Longer suspensions, points deductions and more support for umpires will become the order of the day.

We are not prepared  to spend time, effort and money on recruiting and training umpires for them to be driven from the game by louts.

I suggest this letter, edited slightly is posted on club notice boards throughout the league. A copy in dressing rooms would not go amiss.

Terry Bentham
 

Gentlemen,

It is with sadness that I must inform you of my resignation from the SYSCL panel of umpires with immediate effect.   There are three main areas; the first and probably most important of all is a matter relating to health. I have recently had a thorough medical going over and found that I have extensive cataracts on my eyes and also no sound reception at all at the higher levels. The first is just due to age.

I have recently found it extremely difficult to judge "edges" and noticed a lack of depth in my vision - which prompted the medical. It was particularly noticeable on Saturday where I finished up completely unhappy with my performance - due to these two conditions. It isn't fair on players if I cannot hear or see properly, because then it becomes a guessing game - and that is no good for anyone.

The second reason is that I have become upset at the conduct of some players in their attitude to members of the opposition, and their general lack of respect for umpires. When I get a team stating that it will report the opposition to the League if their opponents abuse their juniors - and this before the games even starts - then there is a problem. That is not the cricket that I was brought up to play and love.

The final reason is one that is a probably more a reflection of today's society - the language of a large number of players. Despite the best efforts of the League to eradicate fould language from the game, it is widespread and loudly vocal. Apologies afterwards do not lessen the impact of such conduct, particularly in grounds with young spectators. I have found this offensive. In "my day" such conduct would have resulted in that player being thrown out of the club or team immediately - nowadays it seems par for the course. From talking to players it is apparent that they actually do not realise what they are saying, becuase it is their normal way of speaking! It may be age but I don't really want to put up with it any longer.

This letter is quite long and I make no apology for that. I feel that the superb job you guys are doing deserves a lengthy and detailed explanation rather than a short terse note. Quite frankly, I feel that a good number of the players in the League do not deserve the dedicated efforts you put in to run their games. It has been my priviledge to be one of you for the last three years and I wish you all well in your endeavours. I'm just sorry that my own situation, and the general local game, cannot continue together any more.

Yours  

************  ************  

PS. This umpire's decision IS final!!