Reiffel selected for CA umpire exchange program

cricket Australia

Cricket Australia (CA) today announced that former international player Paul Reiffel has been selected to go to South Africa as part of an umpire exchange program with Cricket South Africa (CSA).

Reiffel will officiate in two SuperSport Series matches (CSA’s first-class competition) in March and in return, South Africa’s Marais Erasmus will visit Australia and umpire in two Weet-Bix Sheffield Shield matches in February.

Reiffel is a member of the ICC’s International Umpires Panel and CA’s National Umpires Panel. He made his international umpiring debut in early 2009 and received Cricket Australia’s Umpire Award last season.

This is the second year of the umpire exchange between the two boards, with Rod Tucker selected for last year’s program. Following the exchange, Tucker moved onto the ICC emerging umpires panel after being appointed by the ICC to other tournaments in South Africa and England.

The initiative assists the development of umpires and provides them with an excellent opportunity to further build their profile and experience. It has become an important element in Cricket Australia’s development of aspiring international umpires.

Cricket Australia’s General Manager Cricket and Acting CEO, Michael Brown, said:

“Paul has showed tremendous potential in his short umpiring career and the chance to further his skills on an exchange such as this will only continue to assist in his development. Cricket Australia is committed to providing pathway opportunities for our most promising umpires and to provide a broad level of experience before they are selected for higher honours.”

Paul Reiffel said:

‘Having travelled to South Africa twice as a player it will be wonderful to go back in another capacity because it’s a fantastic place for cricket. The opportunity to further develop my umpiring skills and experience in different international conditions is very valuable. This program allows both countries to learn from each other and assist umpires on the international stage.”

Paul Reiffel

18-21 March 2010, Cobras v Dolphins, Newlands, Cape Town

25-28 March 2010, Titans v Eagles, SuperSport Park, Centurion

 Marais Erasmus

12-15 February, DEC Victorian Bushrangers v RTA SpeedBlitz Blues, MCG

22-25 February, XXXX Gold Queensland Bulls v DEC Victorian Bushrangers, Gabba