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In The Times on Friday, 14th April (2006), there was a preview of the coming season written by Christopher Martin-Jenkins. The article was wide-ranging and much of it was concerned, as might be expected, with the first-class game, emerging talents, other players for whom 2006 may be their final year, and the differing formats of cricket now being offered to the spectator.

However, as befits someone who has been a Vice-President of ACU&S for over twelve years, Mr Martin-Jenkins had wise words to offer regarding the association, and the future for umpires and scorers generally. His article can be read in full on The Times' own website, but what follows is that part which relates mainly to ourselves.

'Issues swirl around the game at all levels, none more serious than the present problems involving the 9,000 accredited umpires and scorers without whom the amateur game would not continue, but interest has never been higher, the result largely of the recent success of the England team and the structure that supports them. The ECB reports evidence in all directions; overall advance ticket sales for international games as high as last year; playing membership at clubs increased; still more evidence of school/club links, further encouraged by this week's announcement of £2.5 million from the National Sports Foundation for the Chance to Shine initiative; and a 600 per cent increase in applications from schools for Kwik Cricket kits.

Even the disaster that has befallen the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers (ACU&S), multiple resignations and a financial crisis created largely by an ambitious former chairman in claiming £117,000 worth of sponsorship for new training equipment that had not been guaranteed, looks likely to have a resolution soon.

First the 9,000 members have to ignore the unrealistic commercial aspirations of one group and vote instead to join the new ECB Officials Association.

Frank Kemp, the ECB's head of operations for non first-class cricket, puts the case sensibly: "There cannot be a case for multiple organisations and the umpires and scorers, like the coaches, really should be part of the governing body. The vast majority will continue to be amateurs and will remain part of a democratic structure able to make the most of 53 years of good work by the ACU&S." '

In the original article, the typeface was the same throughout. We make no apology for printing one sentence in bold type. In just twentyfour words, CM-J has has put his finger on what is the only sensible course. Frank Kemp is right to confirm it.

It remains for members to decide what path they wish to follow. Some may wish to assert the need for 'independence' although we have yet to hear of a single benefit which this alleged and illusory independence has conferred. (It is illusory because there has never been a time when umpires or scorers were not bound by the laws, just as much as are the players, and those laws were never the property of ACU&S. Just how, and of what, are we supposed to be independent?) The sensible majority, we believe, will accept the reality of the situation. Both umpires and scorers perform their tasks for one reason, and one reason only, their overwhelming love of the game. That will not be altered by the transfer from ACU&S to ECBOA. And, although there have been a few notable exceptions, for the talented young member the way to the very top of this peerless game is open, virtually for the first time. Such a gain cannot and should not be discounted.