By Avenash Ramzan
Following the successful staging of a Level One Match Referee Training Course by the Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (GCUSA) in partnership with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) in February this year, a new batch of officials has commenced officiating in domestic games across Guyana.
Five of the 22 participants at that two-day course at the National Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue officiated in the just concluded GCB Inter-County Under-17, 50-over competition, won by unbeaten Demerara.
Alita Moore-Adonis, David Sukhnandan, Sunil Persaud, Shawn Coonjah and Daniel Ramsahoye were in charge of the Under-17 matches.
While Moore-Adonis, Sukhnandan and Persaud were making their debut, Coonjah and Ramsahoye had their first stint during the Under-15 Inter-County games in March.
It is understood Moore-Adonis is the first female to perform Match Referee duties at the Inter-County level in Guyana.
The GCUSA, led by First-Class umpire Ryan Banwarie, said it welcomes the move by the GCB to provide opportunities for the trained Match Referees to function.
Maintaining integrity and professionalism
Secretary of the GCUSA Dr. Niebert Blair said the process of developing Match Referees in cricket is a crucial aspect of ensuring the sport’s integrity and professionalism.
At the course in February, conducted by ICC accredited Match Referee Reon King, participants were exposed to the Roles and Responsibilities of a Match Referee; Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures; Match Management; and Practical Case Studies.
Participants included aspiring Match Referees, Umpires looking to transition to Match Refereeing, former cricketers, coaches and administrators.
“GCUSA continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing new individuals in officiating, which is significant not just for the association, but for cricket in Guyana as a whole,” Dr. Blair said.
“By consistently training and inducting new personnel into the sport, the GCUSA helps to strengthen the officiating pool, improve match quality, and create pathways for individuals who are passionate about the game.”
Secretary of the GCUSA Dr. Niebert Blair
Dr. Blair added that this structured approach to developing match officials is vital for maintaining high standards across all levels of cricket.
She further pointed out that it ensures matches are conducted fairly and professionally, instilling confidence in players, teams and fans.
“Moreover, with more trained officials, cricket in Guyana can continue to grow and develop, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a cricketing nation.
“The GCUSA’s commitment to producing competent umpires and referees is a direct investment in the future of the sport. It not only provides opportunities for individuals to be part of the game in a meaningful way but also guarantees that as cricket evolves, the standards of officiating evolve with it.”
Participants of the two-day course organised by the Georgetown Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association (GCUSA), in partnership with the Guyana Cricket Board. Seated fourth from right is ICC Match Referee Reon King
‘Excellent initiative’
Meanwhile, King, who post his playing career has officiated in One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals since 2019, welcomed the move to expand the pool of Match Referees in Guyana.
He labelled the efforts of the GCUSA in equipping personnel with the requisite knowledge as “an excellent initiative.”
Reflecting on the course, King said he was impressed by the turnout of females, seven of whom took on the challenge of becoming a certified Match Referee.
King also hailed the partnership between the GCUSA and the GCB, noting that the presence of a Match Referee at domestic games will not only serve to observe the conduct of players, but also support the work of the umpires.
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