The ESMBA umpires section was set up in 1992 and is headed by an Umpires Director, who is responsible for the examination of new umpires and ensuring that all umpires meet a consistent standard as well as ensuring that there are an adequate number of umpires on duty at all ESMBA competitions. Our own Chairman, Joseph Newsome is now serving a 4th year in this post.

Qualified umpires are graded according to the level of experience gained by officiating at various levels i.e. International, National, County and Umpire. Currently there are over 140 of which about 20% are female. All these are listed, together with their grade and contact numbers on the ESMBA web site.

NORTH YORKSHIRE UMPIRES

International	Joseph Newsome	01757 288842	Rose Haynes	01423 330984
National	Roger Green	01347 824082	Richard Good	01653 697921
County	Daniel Agar	contact Joseph
Retired	Fred Wood	01347 821619
	Richard Good		Joseph Newsome

All umpires are issued with a Code of Practice which lays great store on them being quiet, unobtrusive and vigilant but confident and positive when called upon to make a judgement. Apart from their main duty of officiating at matches, umpires can do a very useful job “off the mat” just by discussing areas of confusion with players. It goes without saying that umpires must be completely unbiased in the execution of their duties.

THE LAWS OF THE GAME

The English rules were originally drawn up in the mid 1980’s by Reg Kett, a flat green bowler from East Anglia. Appointed to the task by the inaugural committee of the ESMBA, he drew upon the EBA rules but mainly those of the IIBA – the Irish Association. The latter were formulated way back in 1962 where the short mat game has its roots. Changes are only made at a Rules Revision Meeting (RRM) which is held every 5 years. The last was in 2019.

The rules are available as a pocket sized  booklet and everyone should have their own copy so if an issue crops up  you can find the answer yourself rather than rely on your local “expert” – who always knows everything! A rule is not what someone believes to be true but one that is written down. So if an umpire is not present always refer to your booklet in the event of a dispute.