A ONE-MONTH umpiring stint in England has helped to open the eyes of Leslie Reifer Jr.
The 23-year-old Barbadian, the youngest West Indian umpire to officiate in a first-class match, has returned home from the four-week stint during which he officiated in the English County Championship.
In an interview with MIDWEEK SPORT, Reifer said what surprised him most was the significantly higher standard of cricket which he encountered.
“The cricketing culture in England is very professional compared to the one we have here in the Caribbean,” he said.
“The players themselves are much more professional and it is easier for umpires to fit in.
“Even if you make a decision which the players don’t agree with, they accept it and move on. They don’t harp on it like how you find the cricketers do down here.”
Reifer also said he found the English cricketers to be friendlier and always looking to engage umpires in conversation.
It wasn’t all smiles and laughter though, as Reifer was quick to point out that it was also a very challenging period.
“In the four weeks I was there, I slept in six different hotels and officiated at four different venues, while umpiring in three different competitions.
“Although I’ve been overseas before, I’ve never actually umpired where the temperature was two and three degrees celcius.
“So as much as it was enjoyable, it was also very challenging,” he explained. However, with a goal of someday being named to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) elite umpiring panel, Reifer maintained it was a challenge which he embraced.
He noted that it allowed him to gain valuable experience while officiating alongside senior and veteran umpires.
“In one of my games I umpired with Peter Willey, who has not only played cricket for England, but he has also officiated in over 300 first-class matches, so he would have taught me a tremendous amount,” Reifer said.
“This experience will serve me well for the future, because one of the requirements to become an ICC umpire is to officiate in different countries and conditions.
“It was a wonderful experience being in England and one which I will always cherish. The amount of knowledge and experience which I have gained in England is invaluable,” he added.