competitions such as the Shell/Sandals Trophy will also open the doors for officials to obtain exposure abroad.

Concerned over the lack of multiple-day experience that has prevented them from gaining international involvement, members of the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association were this week more optimistic about their future.

For a long time umpires who have passed the West Indies Cricket Umpires Association (WICUA) examinations, have been concerned about their lack of recognition outside the Island despite being as qualified as their counterparts in the Caribbean who frequently officiate at Test matches.

But there now appears to be more hope as a result of last Friday's announcement by Bermuda Cricket Board of Control that Bermuda have been accepted in the competition organised by the West Indies Cricket Board of Control.

Visiting Bermuda last week as a member of Guyana's delegation attending the Commonwealth Games Assembly, Justice Rudolph Harper, president of the WICUA, agreed during an urgently arranged meeting with local executives of the umpire's association that there could be some "openings'' for Bermuda umpires "He was very positive about it, assuring nothing but agreeing that there were certain possibilities that were out there as a result of this major breakthrough for Bermuda cricket,'' said Dennis Raynor, president of the BCUA.

"But the association is also aware that the WICUA are looking at other areas to help us, and we will remain hopeful that our members will eventually be able to benefit from these.'' Reportedly the other "avenues'' being explored for Bermuda umpires include international cricket competitions in both Canada and the United States.

BCUA officials have already had some preliminary talks about this prospect with Ricky Craig, vice president of the United States Cricket Association.

Bermuda and either the United States or Canada will be included in the Shell/Sandals competition which is likely to take place in the latter half of next year.

HIGH HOPES -- Bermuda's top umpire Dennis Raynor (left) with Justice Rudolph Harper of Guyana.