History of SACUSA
SACUSA (or SACUA as it was originally known) was formed at the beginning of the 1911/12 season by a group of umpires who were officiating in the SACA competition. Originally, A grade and B Grade sub-committees were formed as part of the management structure of the Association. With the inclusion of scorers to the fold in the 2010/11 season, SACUSA is a truly all-inclusive representative organisation where all South Australia's cricket umpires and scorers are welcome to join.
As a recognised affiliate association with the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), SACUSA members consist of umpires and scorers who officiate at all levels of the sport from school competitions through to ICC (International) level.
During the 1957/58 season three umpires, John McMenamin, Jack Kierse and Gordon Seymour, at a social event, came up with the suggestion of a Grade Cricketer of the Year award to be voted on by the umpires. This was implemented the following season and the first awarding saw a tie between Ian McLachlan & Brian Quigley. During the 1976/77 season Sir Donald Bradman was approached by members of the SACUA Committee about renaming the award, the Bradman Medal. Sir Donald agreed and now SACUSA proudly presents the Bradman Medal each season.
As a recognised affiliate association with the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA), SACUSA members consist of umpires and scorers who officiate at all levels of the sport from school competitions through to ICC (International) level.
During the 1957/58 season three umpires, John McMenamin, Jack Kierse and Gordon Seymour, at a social event, came up with the suggestion of a Grade Cricketer of the Year award to be voted on by the umpires. This was implemented the following season and the first awarding saw a tie between Ian McLachlan & Brian Quigley. During the 1976/77 season Sir Donald Bradman was approached by members of the SACUA Committee about renaming the award, the Bradman Medal. Sir Donald agreed and now SACUSA proudly presents the Bradman Medal each season.
During its history SACUSA has had 3 Patrons, Sir Donald being the first appointed in the late 1970’s. Sir Donald held this position until his death in 2001. The Committee then appointed Colin Egar AM prior to the 2003/04 season and he also was Patron until his death in 2008. Since his appointment later in the 2008/09 season Neil Dansie OAM continued to serve as SACUSA Patron until his passing in 2023. The committee then appointed Harvey Jolly in 2024 to serve as our next patron - our 4th patron.
SACUSA has a delegate on the Premier Cricket Committee and also has representation on a number of P.C.C. sub committees.These responsibilities we hold & fulfil proudly, independently and always with the betterment of the game as our major focus.
During the 100 years SACUSA has worn many different hats, from appointing its umpire coach, to training and educating of umpires and sitting on appointments committee. The last 15 years has seen a much more professional approach to supporting cricket officiating from both Cricket Australia and SACA. A full time coach has been employed by SACA, with the addition of administration staff, resulting in positive change and evolution for SACUSA.
During the last 8 years we have developed both a mission and vision statement as follows:
Our Mission is to foster, facilitate and support cricket officials in South Australia.Our Vision is to be leading the support network for cricket officials with regard to:- Inclusivity- Diversity- Culture
The association's main focus is to provide support to its members through representation, recognition, education and social activities. Monthly member meetings conducted during the cricket season also provide information and education about cricket officiating-related topics.
SACUSA enjoys relationships with counterparts and friends from the Cricket Umpires & Scorers Associations throughout the world, after all we are just one big family enjoying the best game in the world from the best seat in the house!
SACUSA has a delegate on the Premier Cricket Committee and also has representation on a number of P.C.C. sub committees.These responsibilities we hold & fulfil proudly, independently and always with the betterment of the game as our major focus.
During the 100 years SACUSA has worn many different hats, from appointing its umpire coach, to training and educating of umpires and sitting on appointments committee. The last 15 years has seen a much more professional approach to supporting cricket officiating from both Cricket Australia and SACA. A full time coach has been employed by SACA, with the addition of administration staff, resulting in positive change and evolution for SACUSA.
During the last 8 years we have developed both a mission and vision statement as follows:
Our Mission is to foster, facilitate and support cricket officials in South Australia.Our Vision is to be leading the support network for cricket officials with regard to:- Inclusivity- Diversity- Culture
The association's main focus is to provide support to its members through representation, recognition, education and social activities. Monthly member meetings conducted during the cricket season also provide information and education about cricket officiating-related topics.
SACUSA enjoys relationships with counterparts and friends from the Cricket Umpires & Scorers Associations throughout the world, after all we are just one big family enjoying the best game in the world from the best seat in the house!