In an interview on Tuesday, Carl Tuckett, the former West Indies all rounder, indicated that he is calm and composed as he approaches the date when he will effectively make his debut as a regional cricket umpire.
Tuckett recalls being very nervous on the eve of his one day debut for the West Indies team. ‘I couldn’t sleep but my roommate, Keith Arthurton served to calm my nerves,’ he stated.
‘I guess there are still a couple of days to go and so the butterflies have not kicked in as yet but I am up to the task,’ Tuckett said. He stated that he is very confident going into the game, especially due to the fact that he has played cricket at the highest level.
Asked whether or not he feels pressured with the review system in place, Tuckett pointed out that he has never umpired at a level where the review system was in place. He however stated that the upcoming match scheduled for Sunday 24th February will be streamed live via windiescricket.com and observed that he is aware that his decisions will be open to more critical scrutiny and promises to do his utmost to be as fair as it can be humanly possible.
Tucket recounted his steps towards his significant debut:
- Preliminary exams (Leewards) which are normally conducted in May or June. Pass mark of 75%
- WICUA exams—West Indies cricket umpires exam
- Oral and practical- The practical involves three two day games with three different umpires and the oral exams will be conducted by three first class umpires who will ask ten questions.
Tucketts oral exams were conducted by Clancy Mack; Luther Kelly and Wycliffe Mitchum.
In a message to young aspiring sports men and women and especially budding umpires, Tuckett stated: “Dream big. There will be trials; you will have to make sacrifices; be up to date with the laws and the regular changes and be consistent,’ he said.
He thanked God, his family, Denzil Parris; the Nevis Umpires’ Association; Basil Morgan; former players and all who have assisted him on the journey thus far.
He revealed that he is currently engaged in rigorous training under the guidance of Masefield Nisbet, the national Trainer in preparation for his debut experience, as he pointed out that umpires need to be fit and in good shape Tuckett is currently on the WICB’s reserved umpires’ list but is anxiously awaiting a meeting scheduled for September. If his reviews are good, he may be promoted to the senior panel. Once he gets onto the senior panel, the sky is the limit as he would have made it to the international stage. The senior umpires are currently preparing for the Zimbabwe tour and this gives the reserved umpires a chance to shine.
Tuckett will officiate in the one day game on Sunday 24th February between the Leewards and Trinidad and Tobago at Warner Park and will be the stand by umpire in the four day fixture which follows.