Americas Cup cricket tournament in Canada, for umpire George Francis likewise has his -- and Bermuda's -- wares on show in the middle.

In fact the veteran umpire was called into action a day before the tournament started, as he conducted an impromptu seminar for several overseas colleagues regarding the Duckworth/Lewis System for revising targets in rain-interrupted limited overs matches.

Francis explained that while most of the umpires there had heard of the system, many were not familiar with calculation methods used, hence the need for him to lend his experience.

"The guys are pretty happy to have it explained to them. One guy said that he's happy because he has a match and he's glad that he can go into it armed with knowledge of the system,'' said Francis, who was chosen by the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control from three names put forward by the Bermuda Cricket Umpires' Association.

Francis went into real action on Tuesday, officiating the Canada versus United States encounter.

More than 20 years have passed since Francis took on the role of match official, having been involved as a player and club official with Willow Cuts.

It has been a fruitful journey for the Jamaica native from the time he put down the players' `whites' in favour of a black and white combination. Francis has ventured to perform at matches in the Caribbean and reached a high point back in 1994 when he was called on to take a central role at the prestigious ICC Tournament in Kenya.

Hence the current tournament provides another notch on the belt of one of Bermuda's best.

"It's something I like to do,'' said Francis, who has a goal of officiating matches involving Test level countries. "This is a very high-level event and doing these tournaments are definitely good for the resume. Going into these matches you have to get yourself mentally prepared, step up your level and do the best you can using what you know. One of the things is that there is a lot more professionalism out here in that you have match co-ordinators and match referees.

"But one thing you have to bear in mind is that it's countries, not clubs and you have to step your level up and make sure whatever you do is right and carried out in a professional manner.

"Because, you're also representing a country, just as the players involved are.'' As for added pressure, Francis said that he felt none, pointing out that he is one of the more senior and seasoned officials. "No way I feel more pressure, I have 20 years of experience,'' he stated proudly. "Most of the other guys here look up to me. In fact, one of the guys was saying to me that I know the procedures inside out, having been through it before and they tend to see me as occupying a leading role.'' Francis had further duty scheduled for today (Canada v Argentina) and tomorrow (Canada v Caymans).