Monday September 8, 2003
Arrived in Denpasar right on schedule - most pleasant flight from Narita 747 only half full - met at Airport by Alan and Soni Hawoe. Settled in at Lodge by 9 p.m.
Tuesday September 9
Alan had all facilities ready to go for a 9 a.m. start for the Introductory Level Course - 25 attendees, mainly teachers (list maintained). Following a warm welcome from Alan, course got underway and covered the following:
Where Indonesia fits into the I.C.C. world - the need to aspire for elevation from Affiliate to Associate status
The need to establish an umpiring program as part of that elevation process and hence the purpose of my visit.
"Spirit of the Game" - stressed the role of captain and respect for the game.
Signals/Calls
How to score runs
Extras/Sundries
Dismissals (copy of "Table" given to all attendees)
LBW (considerable time)
Bowlers Foot Faults
General questions/answers
Role of Scorers - part of the "official" team
During the break for lunch, Alan showed a one-day game which was appreciated by the attendees. Soni was a great help as my "copresenter" - clear he has benefited from his several trips to Australia. At the completion of the course (approx 3.15 p.m.) - certificates were awarded.
Ian Jaspar agreed to accept responsibility for the Bali Umpires Association with the involved assistance of a "local" who will be appointed by Alan and Ian.
As I'm sure you have experienced, no trip to Bali could be complete without a visit to the Bali International Cricket Club - how I wish we had something like this in Fiji! Impressed by the willingness of all I met to help with the development of cricket in Bali.
Very pleasant dinner with Alan brought a productive day to a close.
Wednesday September 10
8.30 a.m. start for the Level One Course (Theory) - "time constraints" noted - 22 attendees ready and waiting. Please note of this 22, 14 had attended the previous day's Introductory Level.
Following welcome and explanation of the "Spirit of the Game", the agreed Level One syllabus was conducted - again Soni Hawoe acted superbly as my "co-presenter" - I was very impressed by the way all attendees joined in to ensure maximum participation.
There was a short lunch break to ensure we were able to complete the course and examination before 5p.m. Presentation of Level One certificates plus group photos conducted a most rewarding day.
This completed the courses in Bali - arrangements confirmed by Alan re my visit 11 Sept to Lombok to conduct an Introductory Course.
Certificates awarded in Bali:
Introductory Only - 14
Introductory and Level One - 14
Level One Only - 4
Farewell dinner with Alan and Merrill.
Thursday September 11
Up at 5.30 a.m. for early departure for Lombok (Alan and Merrill had already left on their "Africa Adventure") - pleasant 20 min flight - Meeting held at the academy for sports administrators. Dr Yusuf Akbyer Sutaryono, Director, a delightful man who obtained his Doctorate in Melbourne, made me most welcome.
Cricket is very new to Lombok - Alan and Soni had introduced the game there by way of two excellent instructional booklets in Indonesian with the support of two Aust. living in Lombok - Peter Cranfield and Ralph (Eddie) Blewitt - who are driving the game there.
Slow start because the lovely lady translator who spoke fluent English was not familiar with cricket - things picked - up as soon as Peter arrived and we had a most interactive session with plenty of questions! My basic text for this day was the "First Step" umpiring booklet which Brian Aldridge gave me - this was photocopied in A4 size and a copy left with Peter/Ralph.
Advised them of all the material I had left with Alan/Ian in Bali - the intention is that these notes will, over time, be translated into the Indonesian language and be distributed. I have no doubt that, when this has been done, Alan/Soni and Wayan Suandi - (the National Coach who attended both sessions in Bali - now has Introductory and Level One Certificates and who was my excellent "tour guide" to Lombok) - would be capable of conducting follow-up courses on theory of umpiring/laws.
Presentation of Certificates was a lot of fun! Dr Yusuf/Peter/Ralph/TC all part of the "presentation team".
I am grateful to Alan for suggesting and organising this trip to Lombok - the enthusiasm for the game there and the undoubted encouragement from Dr Yusuf/Peter/Ralph augurs well for the future development of cricket/umpiring on the beautiful Island of Lombok.
Friday September 12
Spent two useful hours with Ian Jasper, reviewing the material I left and discussing translation into Indonesian over time (Ian speaks fluent Indonesian). I envisage several people will be involved with this project - also discussed my most pleasant day in Lombok and how keen they are to move forward. Left with Ian for Alan a copy of the list of Lombok attendees.
Left the eco-Lodge (very reluctantly) at noon for Airport re 2p.m. flight to Jakarta.
Comments Re Bali/Lombok
To those who have experienced Udayana eco-Lodge, no words re the wonderful, warm hospitality of Alan Wilson are necessary! The accommodation, food and facilities were simply first-class. How helpful it was to be able to conduct the Bali courses at these idyllic premises.
The game of cricket is in a very healthy state in these parts
Alan has organised for the national U15 Squad to play in Lombok late Sept. - this will be an outstanding way to help progress over there!
I am extremely grateful to all who so actively participated in these courses - it was very encouraging to experience such enthusiasm