Cricket season 2009/10 represented the ninth year of existence for the Sydney Shires Cricket Umpires Association.
The season commenced at Redfern RSL club on Wednesday July 8 with the holding of the Association’s 8th Annual general meeting. A total of 37 members attended the evening from a total membership at the time which tallied 76. Guests in attendance were Graham Chudleigh representing the board of NSWCU&SA as well as Administration Officer Royce McCormack. This would be the last event Royce attended as he shortly after resigned his position within the Umpires Department at Cricket NSW
At the AGM, Peter Friend was returned as chairman for his second season while Stephen Blomfield (Secretary) and Gordon Smith (Treasurer) continued their unbroken runs being returned by the membership for their ninth season. Jim Shellens maintained the Vice President role. Others re-elected to the committee of management were Trevor Schokman & David Goodman while John Moore and Mark Hughes were newly added into the committee. George Richards did not seek re-election to the committee.
Another successful season in regards to umpire recruitment & retention saw the Association finish the season with a record number of members. At season close 82 members were registered with the Association with another 3 new members joining in early April 2010 after the completion of the March 2010 NSWCU&SA training course. As at 30 April 2010, which marks the end of the 2009/10 financial year for the Association the membership stood at 85.
The large volume of new members certainly made a big impact on the competitions with umpires being allocated to almost every 3rd grade fixture during the season. As well as the strong numbers within our own ranks, the Sydney grade scene also experienced good numbers resulting in a record number of instances when surplus umpires unable to get a match in grade cricket sort out an appointment in Shires. This overflow effect meant that matches in Shires fourth grade received umpires on numerous occasions. This was a completely new experience for the Shires competition and one that was roundly appreciated by the participating clubs.
Statistics from the 2009/10 season read as follows -
* 100% umpire coverage of all days play in First Grade Shires
* 100% umpire coverage of all days play in Frank Gray Shield Matches
* 99% umpire coverage of all days play in Second Grade Shires
* 94% umpire coverage of all days play in Third Grade Shires
* 44% umpire coverage of all days play in Fourth Grade Shires
Other Issues this season included -
* The welcome introduction of a blue field shirt for all members that was used in all limited overs matches
* Umpire match fees maintained at $105 per day due to the “global financial crisis”
* George Richards retired from active umpiring
* Geoff Taylor umpired the Shires XI v Grade XI rep match at the newly developed Blacktown Olympic Park # 1 Oval
* Stephen Blomfield umpired his 200th Career Shires Match
* Peter Friend , Spencer Harrison & Ivan Holland umpired their 150th Career Shires Match
* Trevor Schokman , Tony Kingsford Smith , & Chris Taylor umpired their 100th Career Shires Match
* Peter Mooney & Chris Taylor were appointed to the 1st Grade Grand Final won by South Sydney CC
* Peter Friend & Chris Taylor were appointed to the Frank Gray (Under 24) Grand Final won by Strathfield CC
* In a very close finish Peter Mooney won the umpire of the year award for the first time while Greg Tunks took out the most improved umpire of the year award.
* A new innovation for the Association was the "Rookie Umpire Of The Year" award which recognised the best performed first year umpire. The inaugural recipient of this award was Scott Calvert.
