Officials now have a greater duty of responsibility in the middle due to the implementation of extensive COVID-safe measures in the Ballarat Cricket Association.
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But that hasn't yet had a detrimental impact on the Ballarat Cricket Umpires Association, which has actually grown its member base for season 2020-21.
BCUA secretary Ian Morris said while one member had left the ranks, four new senior umpires had signed up for the upcoming campaign, which kicks off this Saturday.
Morris said extensive training had been done with the senior umpires and all had been given a guide that outlined all the new protocols.
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"Most of us don't want to wear a mask - we feel we are out in the open and we shouldn't have to - but if that's the way we can play cricket then we'll wear a mask," Morris said.