Umpires appeal for new dress code

The white coat that cricket umpires wear could soon be passé in English cricket.

According to The Telegraph, London, officials of the Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers are attempting to give their tribe a new look.

Earlier this week, they attended a fashion parade in Surrey to check out the latest ideas for all-weather comfort for the men in the middle.

The association, which supplies umpires for matches below professional county level, want their umpires to be attired in polo shirts, waisted blouson jackets, panamas, double belts, `bum bags' and coloured piping.

Writing in the association's journal How's That, its chairman Barrie Stuart-King said they want to rid themselves of a "popular misconception" that umpires are "a refuge of time-warp-locked geriatrics waiting for a listing in Genesis".

Umpires' attire over the last few years has changed dramatically in one-day cricket, though the traditional collar, tie and white coat are still worn for the County championship and Test matches.

For the Twenty20 Cup, reversible fleeces have been introduced while for the National League, the dress code is a black anorak, open-neck shirt and beige trousers.

Talking about the new attire, Stuart-King said: "I think it looks great.

"I'm a traditionalist,

and until I wore the new garb I would have been hesitant, but I found it very comfortable because the material breathes. The jackets are shower-proof. You can get completely soaked in the old white coat.''

He added: "It won't be compulsory at the initial stage, and both umpires in a match will have to wear the same. If we could get sponsorship to reduce cost, I think the new clothing will catch on quickly.''

Graham Cooper, a senior umpiring instructor, wrote in How's That that the clothing looks casual and as smart as the traditional.

"I never once felt my authority was undermined.

"If we are really serious about attracting the younger element we must look to modernise our appearance. In most cases, we are overdressed for the matches we are umpiring.''

Stuart-King feels that 80 per cent of the association's members would be in favour of the new look. His assessment is based on letters from umpires in the journal.

But there were some umpires who are against any change. One pointed out that the traditional umpire's coat is functional, with its loops and pockets for carrying bowlers' and batsmen's paraphernalia.

"My earnest plea," he said, "is don't tinker. What was good enough for Frank Chester [he was 29 when he stood in his first Test in 1929] and a certain H D Bird remains good enough for us."