problem already -- a shortage of umpires.

Randy Butler, secretary of Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association, said yesterday it had been a struggle even to assign prominent officials for this weekend's three matches -- the Camel Cup semi-finals and final.

While confident he would find the necessary umpires by today, Butler said over the long haul of the season the shortage could cause problems.

"If this weekend's Camel Cup is causing us to scramble to find people at this early stage, heaven only knows how we will manage to cope with a full slate of fixtures on weekends, especially when the season has us doubling up for games on Saturdays and Sundays,'' said Butler.

A lack of umpires has been a recurring problem for the BCUA over the last five years.

Of the few new recruits to the BCUA, many have not stayed around long and consequently the problem has re-surfaced at the start of each season.

"It's something that we can't seem to resolve. Our numbers are down once again and, sadly, we are still looking for recruits,'' said Butler.

"We have made an appeal to the clubs and ex-cricketers to put something back by joining the BCUA.

"We have even tried to invite team captains out to our meetings, but they don't come and they apparently don't realise how important it is at this stage.

"George Francis and I had exposure in Antigua when we attended a WICUA seminar in September and we have been practising new rules and going over the Duckworth/Lewis system, etc. with our own members, but when we want to pass on the information, people like the players and coaches just don't come out.

"It's clear that we are in need of numbers, our numbers are really dwindling ... as of now we are down to about 12 regulars who are available to start the season, but even these are not always available every weekend. Some who were quite active last year haven't fully committed themselves to date and a few of the newer faces are not available for various reasons.'' Butler said some games might have to operate with just one umpire until more umpires came out -- a situation which the clubs had to endure in the second half of last season.

The secretary felt that the clubs should play a more prominent role in helping to persuade their members, especially ex-players, to umpire.

"In many cases there is no real support from the clubs, they simply have to become more involved and ask cricketers to come forward,'' said Butler.

"The BCUA just can't drag people out of the woodwork, we can only extend invitations for people to come and join us ... and the reason we extend the invitation is that we want to see the game survive.

"But the truth of the matter is that we really wouldn't like to have games being played with officials who don't know the new rules or the Duckworth/Lewis system -- it's important that we find suitable people and help familiarise them with the changes so that they can be valuable additions,'' said Butler.

The BCUA are also concerned about the many clubs that still owe money from last season.

The secretary would not disclose the names of any clubs at this stage but warned that they may be exposed for their neglect if it is found that the non-payment is deterring current umpires and prospects from offering their services this season.

Randy Butler: `It's up to the clubs to help out.'