Umpire Richard sees how the poacher turns gamekeeper
RICHARD Briggs is happy to admit that during his long cricket career he indulged in his fair share of sledging and trying to pull the wool over the umpires' eyes.
It is that sort of thing that has helped to quickly establish him as a sought-after umpire.
"I was probably the worst going for enjoying a bit of sledging with the batsmen and trying to get one over them and the umpires," said Richard.
In only his second season wearing the white coat, Richard is looking forward to officiating in the Central Yorkshire League's Jack Hampshire Cup final between hosts Methley and Wrenthorpe on Sunday.
Earlier his profile was raised higher as he stood in the regional final of the National Village competition between Sessay and Woodhouse Grange.
Richard explained how the poacher turned gamekeeper so successfully.
"After 25 years, all of them at Liversedge, I knew I wanted to put something back into the game.
"I went on the Central Yorkshire League course in the September after I retired then last season I began by umpiring in the second division. After a couple of matches there I was given some Division One fixtures and finally some Premier games."
At the end of his first season Richard stood in the Wheatley Cup final which was a big honour for the newcomer.
"Kenny Kingsbury has been my mentor and I couldn't have asked for any better. If I can get to umpire as he does I will be very happy," explained Richard.
"He is calm and has authority but he recognises that it is a game and it should be fun and they respect him for all that and it is what I am trying to do.
"You don't want to ruin a cricketer's afternoon by making a bad decision."
Richard says he has learned plenty since he started umpiring.
"It's about being confident, the players respect you if you make a decision and stick to it and are consistent in all that you do."
He added that it's only since becoming an umpire that he appreciated just what they do.
"As a player I never realised that the umpire has so many things to check and keep an eye on with each delivery, is it a bye, leg bye or a wide? is it a no ball? That's before it reaches the batsman."
Richard says that new technology, introduced at the highest level of the game, has made it more difficult at the grassroots of the game where there are no instant TV replays.
All in all though Richard says he would encourage all players who are thinking of retiring from the game to consider becoming an umpire.
"I would tell any player or former player to have a go at umpiring because you still get a buzz from being involved and we are always short of umpires."
He must have spread the word at Liversedge as his former team-mate Alan Bentley is now umpiring. The next CYL course starts in September.
Richard's options about what he does next are open.
If he wants to take it further he must consider moving up to the ECB Yorkshire League which will mean a big commitment to travel from Driffield to Barnsley, Hull and York.
It is something he is considering but in the meantime he hopes to have a good game at the Jack Hampshire final.
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Weather for Cleckheaton
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
