The North Zone Cricket Umpires & Scorers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (NZCUSATT) was formed in 1954. Since its inception, several NZCUSATT umpires were elevated to a higher level after becoming fully qualified. Mr. Ralph Gosein, Mr. Clyde Cumberbatch, Mr. Gerry Gomez and Mr. Albert Jacelon all achieved “Test” status. In addition, Mr. Anthony Lalacksingh, Mr. Hayden Bruce, Mr. Desmond Ferreira and Mr. Camal Basdeo also achieved Regional Level Status.
In recent times, Mr. Joel Wilson, former Chairman of the NZCUSATT, was elevated to the International Cricket Council’s Elite Panel of Umpires. Thus far, Mr. Wilson has officiated in 43 Test Matches, 96 One Day Internationals and 50 T20 Internationals.
Following in the footsteps of Mr. Joel Wilson are several young umpires who are currently paving their own paths. These persons include Mr. Clive Gaskin, Mr. Wasiym Small, Mr. Mohammed Jaipaul and Mr. Avinash Narine. In addition, female umpires in Mrs. Trudy Darmanie Joseph and Mrs. Candace Laborde are currently excelling in the umpiring field.
Training classes are held every Monday at the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board Office, Queens Park Oval between the hours of 5 pm – 7 pm. The NZCUSATT boasts some of the best trainers in the country and these trainers utilize a combination of power point presentations, verbal discussions, quizzes and on field demonstrations when the laws of cricket are being taught. Training classes are free of charge and persons male or female and of any age are welcome to join.
Are you Interested in becoming a fully qualified umpire? Follow these simple steps to reach to the top.
Preliminary Examination – An introductory examination geared towards testing the knowledge of the basic aspects of the laws of cricket. This examination comprises a mixture of Multiple Choice and True and False Questions. The option to sit this examination is available twice for a calendar year.
Final Examinations. – This examination is set by the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association and goes more in depth on the laws of cricket. Once successful at this exam, persons are appointed to the NZCC competitions as they gain on field experience.
Oral and Practical Examination – As the name suggests this examination is broken into two components. The Oral aspect tests the knowledge of the candidate with a series of oral questions. The Practical component examines the candidate’s abilities on field and during a match. In this instance, a local colleague usually examines the candidate.
Once completed, you are now a fully qualified umpire! Now that you are qualified, persons will be appointed on a weekly basis to NZCC matches. With experience, umpires can eventually be appointed to the TTCB National League games and tournaments.