Qualifications:
Qualified Umpire. (Full Member ACU&S 1990)
Senior Umpire Instructor ACU&S. (Have been Instructor for 10 years)
Umpired at all levels Kwik cricket/Colts all ages/Kent League and Kent 2nd Eleven.
Umpired in Holland, Italy and Euro, 4 Nations Tournaments.
Umpired Indoors local and County/Regional Finals
Other Information:
Have run introductory umpires courses in France & Sweden.
Visited Israel for seminar on 2000 code etc.
U13-2nd Division Tournament Italy.
Instigated and developed colt sections at local clubs. (AKCC District Secretary)
Managed/Coached U15/16 sides at tournaments in Holland. (Colts Chairman)
Hosted and arranged itineraries for English and Dutch touring sides. (Club Chairman)
Founder member of Canterbury ACU&S. (Chairman & Training Officer)
Kent League Umpires Panel. (Committee Member)
INTERVIEW WITH CRICKET ESPAÑA
CE-Firstly Ken, welcome to Spain.What did you know about Spanish cricket prior to this visit ?
KA-Well I was part of the staff that came with the 2003 ECB Academy and I knew because of the ex-pat community here that cricket was played. I was also in Vienna when Spain had a representative side in the ECC tournament there, and more recently I was in Italy refereeing last year when the Spanish Under 15 team had a very young side compared to others in the competition.
CE-Having now seen La Manga for the first time what are you thoughts on the facilities at La Manga ?
KA-La Manga seems to have brilliant pitches and excellent netting facilities. They look first class for hosting a ECC tournament.
CE-As the tournament referee what suggestions do you have to help make the tournament a success ?
KA-Allow the teams to play as much cricket as possible, and ideally have some general activities available when teams are not playing.
CE-With regards to umpiring Ken what advice would you give to new and up and coming umpires ?
KA-Umpire as many games as you can at any level.The more games you get under your belt will give you the experience you need to improve. Read Tom Smith’s book and look to progress to the next level of umpiring (GL 6 course).Spain may also look into creating a Umpire Forum to discuss problems, help debrief after games,etc in order to gain a consistency amongst the umpires throughout Spain.
CE-Thanks for taking time out from your schedule to talk to Cricket España Ken.