Bermuda’s top cricket umpire Roger Dill will conduct an introductory course for anyone interested in joining ranks with Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association (BCUA) and officiating in local cricket matches both at senior and junior levels during the upcoming season.

The ICC Associate and Affiliates and Americas Elite Umpire Panel member will be present at the former Ministry of Youth and Sport Building on the corner of Reid and Court Streets, Hamilton on Tuesday, April 24 to conduct the course, beginning at 6 p.m.

There is no admission fee for the course itself, but those interested can pay a $25 fee to become a member of the BCUA.

During the actual course all participants will be brought up to scratch on the basics of umpiring and also the laws governing the game, while practical courses will be held at a later date.

“I think this is a good way for others to come out and learn the rules of the game and enjoy themselves in the process. And the more involvement we have, then the more I think it will benefit cricket locally,” Dill said.

With Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) keen to place more emphasis both on women’s and youth cricket this summer, Dill said the demand for umpires to officiate in matches would be even greater.

“While obviously we would like to see more people interested in umpiring at the senior level, we also encourage people to become involved at the youth level as well,” he said.

In recent years Dill has officiated in many countries around the globe after making the decision to umpire after enjoying a playing stint as an off-spinner at Western Stars.

“The BCB are always looking for umpires to travel overseas with the national teams,” he pointed out. “And I think that it would be nice if we could try and encourage others, like some of our former cricketers to come out and give us a hand.”

As Bermuda begin preparations to attempt to qualify for the 2011 World Cup, Dill has urged those with something to offer the Island’s youth cricketers to come out and assist in their development and also help raise the standard of cricket locally.

“With the World Cup now behind us I think it would be beneficial to our young cricketers if some of our former cricketers could provide a hand either by scoring, umpiring or even coaching,” he said.

During the BCUA’s AGM held earlier this week, umpire Dill was appointed to the association’s management committee along with senior officials George Francis, Anthony Fubler and Richard Burrows.

Former BCUA president Francis and secretary Randy Butler did not seek re-election. Long-serving cricket administrator Wali Manders succeeded Francis as president while well-known umpire Steven Douglas is the association’s new vice-president.

Dill said he looked forward to serving on the association’s new administration.

“I think it’s very refreshing to see change. And hopefully my experiences from officiating abroad will help to encourage others to take up umpiring,” he added.

For further inquiries, members of the public can call 504-2461.