However, the players will have to foot the bill after a proposal put forward by Raby Castle CC for the league’s executive committee to pay for umpires failed to gain any support.
At the league’s annual meeting, Mark Little, captain of Lands CC and a member of the executive committee, said the issue of neutral umpires had been the subject of much discussion.
“It is something that has cropped up at every meeting recently. We are trying to find a balance with something that is affordable, beneficial and manageable,” he said.
Mr Little said the introduction of impartial umpires would mean teams would have a more enjoyable game of cricket without having to pay “an arm and a leg”.
The proposal, put forward by the executive committee and seconded by Raby Castle, was to have one neutral umpire standing at both ends in every A Division league match where possible next season.
Home clubs will be expected to pay £30 for the umpire’s services.
When asked where a pool of umpires would come from, Mr Little said that while the league could not compete with the NYSD (North Yorkshire South Durham), there were a couple of umpires with Darlington and District connections who may be interested.
He also said he had been in touch with former Cleveland League officials.
Mr Little said the idea would be create a pool to ten to 12 umpires to ensure there was one available for each of the A Division’s six games each week.
It would cost each A Division club £330 a season.
League president Brian Jones had earlier told clubs it would cost the executive committee £4,000 a season if it was to foot the bill for umpires.
Mr Little added: “We are looking to improve the standard of cricket on a Saturday and I am sure there are lads who don't turn out because of the hassle of umpiring.
“Impartiality is the key. We have lost players who can’t be bothered with the chew-on and hassle.”
Mr Little said he was happy to co-ordinate efforts to create an umpiring pool.
When put to the vote, it went 25-5 in favour of the executive’s proposal to “attempt to appoint at least one umpire, qualified to at least level one standard, for all A Division games” with the home team paying £30 per game.
Meanwhile, a move to bring forward the start time of league matches from 2pm to 1.30pm was not supported.
The proposal was put forward by Raby Castle CC. Secretary Steve Caygill said an earlier start would allow more playing time in rain affected games.
Mr Jones recalled the time league games started at 2.30pm.
“Times have changed. We do start at 1.30pm in September and there is this point that people tend to go out in the evening. An earlier start may be more conducive to that.”
The vote went 16-16 to the proposal did not go forward.
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