Umpires Gaffaney and Ward to exchange

Australian John Ward and New Zealander Chris Gaffaney have been chosen to take part in an umpire exchange later this year.

New Zealand Cricket’s exchange program with Cricket Australia started last year and is an extension of the programmes that both countries have established with Cricket South Africa.

The exchange gives umpires from both countries the opportunity to stand in top level competitions away from their home players and conditions, creating a potential stepping stone to umpiring at a higher level.

Australian first-class umpire John Ward will start the exchange with a Plunket Shield fixture at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln before heading to University Oval in Dunedin for a second Plunket Shield game and a men’s one-dayer.

In exchange, Chris Gaffaney will stand in a RYOBI Cup Game and a Sheffield Shield match at Adelaide Oval followed by another four-day fixture at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

New Zealand Cricket National Umpire Manager Rodger McHarg said: “The exchange programme will give Chris the chance to broaden his on field experience in new conditions.

“Chris has already made very positive steps in transitioning from a first-class player to umpiring and has quickly established himself as an impressive umpire on New Zealand Cricket’s international panel.

“This challenge of officiating at Australian Test venues will be invaluable as he continues to move in the right direction in preparation for any future international appointment opportunities.

“We look forward to welcoming John Ward to the New Zealand first class cricket environment.

Cricket Australia’s National Umpire Manager Sean Cary said: “John Ward is knocking on the door for higher honours and has earned this exchange opportunity on merit.

“I’m sure he will expand his knowledge of New Zealand conditions in anticipation of transferring those skills if the opportunity arises.”

John Ward

14-17 November 2011: Central Stags v Otago Volts, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln
20-23 November 2011: Otago Volts v Northern Knights, University Oval, Dunedin
25 November 2011: Otago Volts v Northern Knights, University Oval, Dunedin

Chris Gaffaney

23 November 2011: South Australia v Queensland, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
25-28 November 2011: South Australia v Queensland, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
2-5 December 2011: Victoria v Queensland, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne