A passion for cricket was sparked in the Piccaro family from Lambton many years ago when son Keegan (17) first began playing the game.
The family is made up of dad Chris, mom Vanette, eldest son Keegan and youngest son Kieran.
“We travelled to the Lenasia Premier League, and it was there that we decided to begin our umpiring training and do the course,” said Vanette.
“Our decision was based on what we saw at the league.
“The level of umpiring skill left lots to be desired as parents or coaches would stand in for umpires.
“Most of them didn’t know what they were doing, so when we saw the low standards we decided to become involved and make a difference,” said Chris.
The family originally planned to get involved by umpiring school matches, but then discovered just how much more there was to umpiring.
“We all decided then that we were willing to tackle the challenge,” said Chris.
Keegan and Chris were the first to become qualified, with Vanette following suit soon afterwards.
Keegan first qualified at the age of 13, making him one of the youngest qualified umpires, and he now umpires premier games.
All three are now level three qualified umpires, having passed all the necessary exams and gained the needed experience through designated amounts of match time.
When asked which form of match is their favourite – T20, test match or one day – the family all agree as long as it’s cricket they are happy.
“For us it really doesn’t make a difference; a T20 is as good as a test match,” said Chris.
“There isn’t much difference. Your level of concentration and preparation remains the same.”
Before each match the trio each check that their game bag is prepared. This includes a number of items that help them perform at their peak, including a law book and clicker and, in addition, they also prepare for the condition of play as best they can.
“Each game is different, with conditions differing from day to day and pitch to pitch,” said Chris.
The family’s shared passion for the sport means that they are able to study together and help each other.
“We all enjoy and love cricket, it is our sport and we can never have enough of it,” Chris said with a laugh.
Keegan, head boy at Afrikaanse Hoërskool Germiston, still plays cricket and umpires but has taken more of a dedicated approach to his studies this year as he is tackling matric.
He believes that umpiring has helped in his everyday life because he is able to find solutions to conflicts and stand up for himself and what he believes in. It has also taught him a great deal about responsibility and self-control, he says.
Keegan and Vanette hope to move forward in their umpiring careers, with Keegan excited for the doors that it may open for him both locally and overseas.
Chris hopes to continue to share his knowledge on the game he loves so much, teaching others the ins and outs of umpiring.
“To be an umpire you have to have passion and if we can share that passion will be happy,” said Chris.
Other cricket articles you may be interested in:
