It gives me great pleasure to submit my report for the 2006/2007 season.

We at Northerns Cricket Umpires' Association have again shown over the past season our total commitment to the Amateur Code, and I am proud to be a part of this commitment, which is contrary to what is happening around the country.

Our monthly meetings were, as in previous seasons, well attended and the full participation of the members was appreciated.

The appointments were again handled by Nic Pretorius, who, at times, had his hand sfull with late withdrawals but in the end the matches that counted were covered. Currently we are the only Association that covers the schools' league and the other Associations are asking 'How do they get it right?' Yet, again, well in excess of one thousand appointments were made during the season. This included the various festivals that take place yearly in and around the Northerns region.

We also had umpires representing us in all the major tournaments and their performances did not disappoint us. The reports that came back were varied, but in the end it was a case of all jobs being well done. Johan Cloete again represented us on the National Panel, with Adri Crafford appointed to the Emerging Panel, and Peet du Plessis and Duma Ntuli standing in the other CSA matches. We want to thank each and every one who attended the tournaments as their contributions made us proud.

The following umpires have to be congratulated on their achievements during the 2006/2007 cricket season:

• Phaka Makgamatha - Best Junior Umpire
• Patric Jele - Most improved Junior Umpire
• Hassan Dawood - Most promising Development Umpire
• Peet du Plessis - Most promising Senior Umpire
• Koos Oelofse - N.C.U.A. Umpire of the Year
• Ludi van Zyl - N.C.U. Umpire of the Year
• TUT - N.C.U.A. Club of the Year

The details that we have received on the umpires' performances from the Captains' Reports in the Club Leagues showed that we achieved an average rating of 96%.

During the past season we once again had ex-provincial cricket players joining us, namely Rudy Birkenstock and Alluhadien Paleker. Both have shown much promise and, again, we are leaders in the field of ex-players joining the Umpires' Association. We have also had some enquiries from members of neighbouring Associations who have shown an interest in joining Northerns.

The training was once again very well handled by Dave Calverey who showed much enthusiasm as did the members when the laws were discussed at the monthly meetings. Various courses were also held and I would like to thank Koos Louw for his assistance with these courses. The course presentation, and the data given, was of high standard.

The transformation process was entrusted to Duma Ntuli and through his endeavours we acquired some new members from the previously disadvantaged areas. I must report that our transformation umpires stood in the leagues, but what is of concern is that the clubs from previously disadvantaged areas do not want these umpires to stand in the matches in which these clubs participate. The transformation process is long and difficult and, although we are gaining members, we are not gaining the numbers which are required.

The finances were ably handled by Bokkie Lehmkuhl, who did an excellent job, especially when one takes into consideration the fact that his computer, with all the data, was stolen towards the second half of the season when the pay-outs began. All data had to be reloaded. The main concern regarding finances continues to be the late receipt of Match Reports. Many members had to be phoned once again to get their information processed before the pay-outs could be done.

At this point I can advise that our 2007/2008 budget is unchanged from that of 2006/2007. This is the main reason why we are unable to participate in a recruitment drive to fulfill our dream of covering as many league matches as possible.

The social committee is efficiently run by Japie Bacon with Edo Nel always in assistance. They ensured that all and sundry were well cared for regarding food and drink at the monthly meetings and also at matches which umpires and their families attended. Two functions were held at the Army Venue and were well attended and enjoyed by all. We would like to thank Nic Pretorius for attending to all the arrangements for these functions.

The secretarial work was well handled by Phillip Eybers. We also employed Boitumelo Madiba to assist. Phillip did all he could to keep the Newsletter going but his studies hampered him in this regard.

Of grave concern to the Northerns Umpires' Executive is the deteriorating numbers in the Amateur Umpires ranks around the country. From all accounts it would appear that we are left to fight our own battles, as there is very little support forthcoming from CSA and Unions. When one approaches an Association, one is told that budgets are cut annually and that numbers continue to dwindle. We believe that one of the main reasons for this is that there is no parent body to oversee the amateur umpires. There are a few other reasons but until such time as the umpires get support from existing bodies, the Associations could well be facing closure. We believe that an Amateur Governing Body is essential ensuring the well-being of amateur cricket and umpires country wide. On this issue we need every Association's support. This is a challenge to all amateur umpires who umpire for the love of the game. In conclusion, it is apparent that amateurs are facing an unenviable task.

To all the portfolio holders, my sincere thanks for a job well done during the past season and to all our members, my thanks for your total commitment and support during the 2006/2007 cricket season. I wish you a good rest. Maintain fitness levels, study your Laws and be prepared for the 2007/2008 cricket season which is just around the corner.

Also, in conclusion a BIG thanks to all for showing a GREAT believe in the leaders by all of the top structure being elected unopposed. This shows that we are a UNITY and a happy constituency.

Thank you

Cassie Vermaak - President N.C.U.A.