The plea for more umpires and scorers comes as they try to build up their ranks in anticipation of the start of another cricket season, due to begin in six weeks.

"We need numbers,'' BCUA secretary -- and West Indies Cricket Board of Control representative -- Randy Butler says bluntly. Currently, the BCUA can count on only 16 umpires, about half as many as they need, he said.

In order to drum up support, Butler and one of the BCUA's senior umpires, George Francis, are holding a recruiting session and seminar on Sunday (9.30 to 2.00 p.m.) at Warwick Camp.

Seminars will also be held every Tuesday night through April.

Butler is especially interested in ex-players, whose knowledge of the game and respect of their peers makes them ideal candidates as umpires. And Francis, a former player himself, yesterday called on former cricketers "to give something back to the sport.'' But, they concede, former players are often the most reluctant to volunteer.

Why? Low pay, abuse from players and the need to start at the bottom rung of the umpiring ladder, Butler said.

Match umpires receive only $50 for what is often an eight-hour day, although there are perks.

And the abuse part is being dealt with. Slow disciplinary procedures under the previous Bermuda Cricket Board of Control administration has been replaced by a Code of Conduct under the new one, Butler said.