If one decides to classify umpires as stars, Simon Taufel’s name will be the first to strike the mind. Named ‘umpire of the year’ by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for four years running, the 37-year-old comes across as a focused individual who gives his frank views on the thankless job of officiating in top class matches and is all for more help from technology.
During the recent Test series between India and Australia, when umpires Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson came in for severe criticism, Aussie great Steve Waugh suggested that Taufel be nominated for the high profile series despite not being eligible because he would not be neutral. But it was definitely a tribute to his caliber, especially as it came from a legendary cricketer.
In an interview with Cricketnext.com, the Australian official discussed the increased role for third umpires, domestic umpiring structures and the pressure the media puts on officials.
Excerpts from the interview:
Cricketnext.com: Do you see an increased role for the third umpire in the coming years?
Taufel: With the improvement of technology and broadcasting and the growing reluctance of all involved in the game to accept human error – the role of the third umpire will become one of the most important.
Cricketnext.com: What goes through the mind of an umpire while referring a decision to the TV umpire? Given a choice, would he prefer to go by instinct?
Taufel: When I started my international career, my first instinct was to make the decision out of the field. I had to remind myself that if it is close, it is safer to use the third umpire and ensure the decision is made correctly. So, there are two decisions to make for every umpire – to answer the appeal and then whether it is pertinent to go upstairs.
As for the second part of the question, I cannot speak on behalf of all umpires but there are some decisions you can make on your own and some you need some help on. There is no doubt in my mind that the introduction of the third umpire has deskilled my umpiring abilities because I do not really need to make a decision and be correct on a line decision any more – that’s a shame in a way, because after all, the umpire is there to make decisions as well as manage the match.
Cricketnext.com: Do you think the media is contributing towards the pressure on umpires?
Taufel: The media has its part to play in the game – and has an important role. Pressure only exists if you are aware of it and let it influence you and how you react. If you are asking about the media influencing the performance of umpires from time to time by what they write or say – well, I’m sure that may happen from time to time and to different extents depending upon the individuals.
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All I would like to see from the media is balanced reporting – we don’t seem to get much credit for all the good decisions we make and when the odd error is made, then that is where the focus and comment is on. How many times does a good decision get replayed on TV or noted in the press? Compare this to an error! The media and paying public expect perfection from all match officials all of the time – a tough ask don’t you think?
We cannot be perfect but we can be excellent.
Cricketnext.com: Does the thought of the stature of players or teams ever cross an umpires’ mind?
Taufel: No, I try to treat all players and teams the same – as equals. The bowler is a bowler and a batsman is there with two pads on down the other end. Every decision in cricket is an important one regardless of what level you are umpiring and every player deserves your best effort on the day – from number 1 to number 11.
Cricketnext.com: Do you think increasing the number of officials on the elite panel will help in reducing stress?
Taufel: Stress? What is stress? Like pressure, stress only exists if you let it. An increased number of international Emirates Elite Panel umpires will allow more potential for recovery periods which is a good thing and should help match officials recover and prepare for series providing they use the time and opportunity wisely. At this point in time, the amount of cricket played in the year is not the issue for me but how much time there is to recover in between appointments.
Cricketnext.com: How important is it for countries to develop their umpiring systems better?
Taufel: It is absolutely vital. International cricket or the ICC can only pick the best umpiring fruit from the tree if the home Boards plant the seed, nurture and water the tree and look after its growth. It is incumbent on all the countries to recruit, train, develop, mentor, monitor performance and support their umpires – in the same way they do for their players.
There is always room for improvement in anything we do. If the countries are not able to establish a sound structure for match officials, offer them a high standard of training and ensure they can develop their skills by devoting more time – then where are we going to get the next generation of cricket umpires from?