Three Umpires Qualify June 2008

Three Bermudian Umpires Qualify

The West Indies Cricket Umpires' Association has announced the results of the WICUA Oral and Practical Examination for 2007. It is with pleasure that the BCUA can confirm that Bermuda's three candidates, Richard Austin, Anthony Fubler and Kent Gibbons were all successful and are now fully qualified cricket umpires.

President of the BCB, Mr. Reginald Pearman, stated, "On behalf of the Board I would like to congratulate all three umpires on this achievement. The Board is extremely pleased to see the advancement of Bermudian officials which benefits the sport of cricket."

Umpire, Richard Austin commented, "Passing the WICUA exams and being a fully qualified umpire is a tribute to the committed professionals in the BCUA who have paved the way forward for my generation of umpires. Attaining full membership to the umpiring fraternity is also a reminder to display qualities of fairness, firmness, and impartiality in officiating and to be a true custodian of the laws and Spirit of the Game of cricket."

Umpire, Kent Gibbons quoted, "It's a wonderful feeling to know that I've passed the WICUA exams and to know that now I'm a fully qualified umpire. I have been around cricket all my life, growing up and going to the cricket games with my father, Mr. Fred Gibbons who scored for Bailey's Bay Cricket Club for 42 years. I've played the game and scored the game. My cousin, Steven Douglas invited me to an Umpire's Meeting in 2002, and I have never looked back."

Mr. Gibbons continued, "I wish my father was here to see me in the middle. He would be very proud of me. I would also like to thank my mother who has been very supportive towards me in my umpiring career."

Umpire, Anthony Fubler stated, "I have decided to become an umpire after playing for the Willow Cuts for over twenty years then scoring and coaching for a number of years in the sport I love the most."

President of BCUA, Mr. Walisfort Manders said, "The Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association is proud and excited for Richard Austin, Kent Gibbons and Anthony Fubler for obtaining the W.I.C.U.A. (West Indies Cricket Umpires Association) qualification of umpiring. We the BCUA are continuing to work in the area of training potential umpires and scorers to improve the standard of cricket through out the community. These gentlemen have worked hard so please embraced these umpires as they strive for perfection to enhance the true spirit and traditions of the game of cricket."