Darren Goodger - the game is about the players
NSW Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association | February 12, 2023
Darren Goodger has been a cricket umpire since 1987 and there’s no sign of him stopping any time soon.
From the far North Coast of NSW to Sydney Darren’s has carved out an impressive umpiring career and his ongoing contribution on and off the field is highly respected.
Let’s find out more about Darren’s journey in the game
Welcome Darren,
Firstly, what year were you born?
1971
Where did you go to high school?
St Aloysius College (Grafton) Years 7-10; Holy Spirit College (Grafton) Years 11-12
Do you remember your first ever game of cricket?
Playing for Brothers CC U12s at Junction Hill. I would have been 11. Took a wicket and scored 12 runs. Those numbers didn’t improve much in the ensuing years. I could never say runs were my currency.
Did you play much cricket before you started umpiring?
I played in the Clarence River Cricket Association (CRCA), junior cricket and lower grades for five years. The memorable moments are from playing in teams with good people and mentors, forming genuine friendships. The Cotten and Law families were great cricket families in the CRCA. I remember playing one match in third grade for Brothers CC where our team consisted of Fred Cotten (c), Des Cotten, Geoff Cotten, Ian Cotten, Kelvin Cotten, Les Cotten, Craig Law, Gordon Law, Peter Law, Robert Law and me!
At what age did you start umpiring?
16, in the CRCA competition. Season 1987-88.
What was the attraction to become an umpire?
We didn’t have umpires in the CRCA lower grades, so we had to umpire our own matches. I was an opening batsman. I would invariably be out in the first half hour, so rather than read the Daily Examiner for the afternoon I always offered to umpire and really enjoyed it.
Mike McKenzie, one of my teachers at St Aloysius College, was my first cricket coach and a respected rugby league referee and cricket umpire. He inspired in me a passion for refereeing and umpiring.
Chris Hardman, a friend and teaching colleague at St Pius X College (Chatswood), encouraged me to seek formal umpiring accreditation with New South Wales Cricket Umpires’ Association (NSWCUA). We did the course together, Chris got 100% in the exam and I stumbled over the line.
How long did you umpire in Grafton and why the move to Sydney?
I went to University in Sydney from 1989-1991 and taught at St Pius X College 1992-1994, and would umpire CRCA and North Coast Cricket Council matches while I was home in Grafton over the Christmas break.
I returned to Grafton to teach full time at St Joseph’s Primary School and then McAuley Catholic College 1995-2001 so I umpired regularly in the CRCA during this period.
In 1999-2000 and 2000-01 I was invited to umpire first grade matches in Sydney while living in Grafton. It’s fair to say I loved the experience. I wanted to experience it round by round. Grafton to Sydney was just too far to travel each weekend for cricket.
In January 2002 I moved back to Sydney to live and was fortunate to obtain a teaching position at Christian Brothers College (Burwood). It was a great school and very supportive of my umpiring endeavours. I owe Mick Prest and Damien Carlton a lot for their support, both great people and understanding principals.
Can you remember your first game as an umpire in Sydney Grade Cricket?
My first match in Sydney Grade Cricket was at North Sydney Oval, a first grade fixture between North Sydney and Hawkesbury in February 2000. Phil Marks was the North Sydney captain and Anthony Kershler was the Hawkesbury skipper. Trent Johnston took nine wickets in the match, at that stage he was the fastest and by far the best bowler I had umpired. I was invited to umpire a first grade match in Sydney as a result of being a member of the Country Umpire Representative Panel (CURP). I was aged 29.
Merilyn Slarke (later Merilyn Fowler) was the scorer for Hawkesbury. We became great friends. Merilyn has done so much for scoring in New South Wales.
How long did it take to progress through to First Grade?
I joined NSWCUA in 1993. It took me seven years to be invited to umpire a first grade match.
Who were the umpires you admired most when you started out as an umpire? Is there anyone in particular you wanted to model your umpiring on?
Harold Crozier, Dick French, Roy Grace.
Do you know how many games you umpired in Sydney Grade Cricket?
Our annual report states 368 matches and still going. I love umpiring in the competition as much as ever.
What was your most memorable moment as a cricket umpire?
Umpiring the Sydney Cricket Association first grade final in 2005-06. Fairfield-Liverpool defeated Manly-Warringah at Manly Oval. Grant Lambert scored a double century and Ben Rohrer a big hundred in a total of 553. The Belvidere Cup has such a distinguished history. Partner was Rod Tucker. He kicked on to become an international umpire of the highest quality.
Most favourite ground in Sydney to umpire?
Manly Oval. Sydney University Oval is a close second.
What’s the most intriguing ground you’ve umpired?
The Willows Cricket Club Ground in Christchurch and Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.
Who were the three batsman you admired most as an umpire in Premier Cricket and if you could add a few words as to why?
Moises Henriques, Simon Katich, Greg Mail
I know very little about batting technique, but these three were players and people of the highest quality. It was a privilege to watch them play from the best seat in the house.
Many others as well. Over the years I have seen plenty of runs from the bat of Ed Cowan, Ryan Gibson, Corey Richards and Ben Rohrer in Premier Cricket, and I think Ryan Hackney is going to be a very good long term professional cricketer.
The involvement of Steve Smith and David Warner in the first grade competition in 2018-19 was brilliant for the competition. They treated all and the game with respect. Everyone, even the bowlers, enjoyed having them involved.
Who were the three bowlers you admired most as an umpire in Premier Cricket?
Doug Bollinger: no matter how hot it was or the pitch conditions of the day, he would just keep tearing in at good pace. Great sense of humour. Real team player.
Trent Copeland: incredible consistency and accuracy. Always made the batsman play, asked tough questions of them and us. Had that capacity to beat the bat by half its width, giving him every chance of picking up wickets.
Greg Matthews: he was in his 40s and still bowling superbly in first grade when I had the pleasure of seeing him bowl at the back end of his cricket career at Sydney University. Beautiful drift and flight, always accurate and that classic bowling action. He asked lots of questions of the umpires and applied such pressure to the umps and the batsmen. Didn’t take him long to work out a plan for most batsmen.
I feel Harry Conway will enjoy a long and successful first-class career.
Who were the three players you admired most over the years for their competitive spirit and the way they played the game?
Tough assignment limiting it to three, but here goes. I’d then like to mention some others.
Anthony Clark: was still scoring first grade hundreds in his 40s. Knows the game inside out. Respected captain. Wonderful mentor to young players in his teams. Now a respected coach working with pathway and professional cricketers.
Greg Davidson: no one tougher, led from the front, displayed respect to his team mates, the opposition and the umpires, but never gave an inch. Great to see him making his mark as a first-class cricket umpire.
Grant Lambert: genuine all-rounder. Outstanding, tough cricketer who always treated the game with respect. Opened the batting and the bowling. Dry sense of humour. Just seemed to love playing.
Anthony Clark, Greg Davidson and Grant Lambert all displayed incredible loyalty to their clubs.
Would love to also make special mention here of Beau Casson and Steve O’Keefe, two outstanding spin bowlers for whom I have enormous respect. Also, Gavan Twining and Ryan Nelson, great guys and leaders, and two of the few genuine “walkers”.
In some of my early first grade matches the competitiveness of Neil Maxwell scared me. He was like Daniel Jackson from Parramatta, ultra-competitive and always asking questions. They just didn’t seem to like batsmen, or umpires much for that matter until we were off the field. Then they were keen to share a beer with the umps and have a chat about the day.
Robert Aitken, Tony Clark, Steve Green, Anthony Kershler and Dan Smith have my respect, their longevity and consistent performances in first grade have been remarkable.
Craig Haworth was an outstanding captain of North Coast and NSW Country.
So many other players I admire and respect across the past 20 years for the spirit in which they played the game and their tenacity. I could go on forever, I probably have, but if it wasn’t for the players then the significant enjoyment umpires receive from the game would not be possible.
We can only assume there were quite a few characters in the game you had to keep an eye on in the field. Is there a particular moment or story you’d like to share about one or two of the characters?
In a first grade match at Glenn McGrath Oval Stuart Clark was bowling. One of his deliveries beat the bat, struck the pad and was (in hindsight) out I reckon. I froze at the time, saw a little deviation and said Not Out, forgetting that leg stump is still a stump. This happened early in the over, probably second ball. Stuart did not ask for a reason for the not out decision. At the end of the over I offered something like, “Good shout, just missing leg…” as I handed him his cap. He replied, “Who the **** asked you?” Good lesson here, don’t offer explanations to players unless asked and speak when spoken to.
Doug Bollinger was a real character, a wonderful bloke and bowler. He just never gave up. So respected by his team mates. One day at Rosedale he was giving me a spray over a decision and the batsman a spray over his ineptness. After a while I asked him to cool it a bit and he gave me another spray. He kept going at me and told me I would be better off being elsewhere today, so I eventually reminded him I was being paid more than him for today’s appearance. A few players laughed at our exchange and that calmed Doug down. We enjoyed a drink at the end of the day’s play. Doug never carried a grudge.
Is there any particular game you’ve umpired that stands out above all others?
Umpiring the first grade limited overs cup final in 2016-17. Penrith defeated Hawkesbury at Howell Oval, the game went down to the last ball. Massive crowd, reduced overs match played in amazing spirt. Michael Castle took 5/20 in 5 overs, brilliant spell. Partner was ECB first-class umpire Steve O’Shaughnessy, what a pleasure to umpire with. Fantastic people and match manager.
In 2002-03 UNSW were playing St George at Village Green. I was standing with Shane Reed. A wicket fell and we came together, Shane looked across in the direction of where his car was parked, or where it was meant to be parked. He noticed his car was not there. He left the field to investigate and I umpired at both ends, which gave me double the chance to cock up decisions. Turns out someone had entered the umps’ room, stole Shane’s keys and took off with his car. Wasn’t funny at the time for Shane. The car was soon recovered from memory.
I was fortunate to umpire a one day match at Drummoyne with Simon Taufel. Simon was big on sticking to your routine. About 75 minutes before the scheduled start time he asked me if I was interested in a warm-up jog and stretch. That was his routine. Mine was to have a pie and a can of coke. We stuck with our respective routines.
Who’s been the biggest influence in your involvement in cricket?
So many umpiring mentors over the years. I’d like to name a few…
All colleagues on the CURP. There was a positive spirit and bond among the country umpires. It remains loyal and strong today.
Graham Chudleigh and John McMahon taught me a lot about the game, I appreciated this guidance because my playing background was limited.
Nick Fowler and Shane Reed were very supportive colleagues when I first moved to Sydney to umpire.
Dick French. He would just have a quiet word from time to time. When he spoke, you listened.
Roy Grace taught me the “why” about the Laws. His knowledge was outstanding.
Bill Hendricks had such passion for the game and for umpiring Premier Cricket, he knew the place of the umpire, and possessed wonderful humility. He played first-class cricket in South Africa, I had known him for 10 years and never knew until I read it on Cricket Archive.
Mike McKenzie. His passion for refereeing / umpiring inspired me to give it a crack.
Kevin Pye taught me umpiring technique, he was a brilliant coach. He held the CURP to account, expected very high standards as Country Umpire Advisor (and lived them himself), was forthright, but was also encouraging. He helped instill in me the importance of self-belief and backing your gut instinct. He was an outstanding mentor.
Graham Reed is the doyen of match day observers, still going strong after 30 years. He doesn’t miss a beat. One the great selfless gentlemen of the game who has done so much for New South Wales umpiring.
Graham Rose and Bruce Baxter taught me about proper on field conduct and acceptable standards of behaviour in the game. They are tremendous men and still heavily involved in umpiring on the north coast after decades of service to the game.
Simon Taufel taught me about the use of mental triggers to support strong routines and the importance of preparation. He walked the talk. He always does what he says he is going to do. Wish I could do the same.
Ian Thomas was a straight-shooting umpire coach who shared his experience to benefit others. Tomo didn’t waste words and he had the best interests of his charges at heart.
Rod Tucker taught me the importance of enjoyment, not taking my involvement in the game too seriously, how to interact with players and manage challenging match situations.
Richard Widows – supreme umpire coach.
There are so many others over the years. Time is a precious commodity and cricket people are very willing to share experience and exchange ideas. I have been fortunate to have had so many good people who have had a positive influence on me.
In terms of working in the game, and I am blessed to do so, I am grateful to David Gilbert, Peter Hughes and Ross Turner for giving me a start as a cricket employee. Also, CNSW CEOs Andrew Jones and Lee Germon, and in recent years David Moore who has led the Cricket Performance Team at CNSW.
I owe many people a lot.
Who was the funniest umpire you’ve had the pleasure to umpire with?
Can’t split.
Bill Massingham. He loves cricket and umpiring, his enthusiasm is infectious, he is resilient and possesses a great sense of humour and the best jokes. A great character, loved and respected by his colleagues.
Laurie Borg. His calls were so loud he could be heard two suburbs away and he ate a lunch time chicken burger even quicker than me. As Kerry O’Keeffe said one year at the umpires’ presentation dinner, “Mission impossible – sharing a pizza with Laurie Borg.” As always Laurie took it in his stride like the good sport he is and with a big grin. Like Bill, Laurie’s passion for the game was obvious and he loved serving it as an umpire to the best of his ability.
Who is your favourite all time cricketer growing up?
Greg Matthews
Who is your favourite cricket commentator?
Can’t split. Bill Lawry, Jim Maxwell and Kerry O’Keeffe.
What do you enjoy most about umpiring?
The challenge of match management and decision making, the positive interaction with the participants, and the fact it provides me significant purpose. The contest between bat and ball in a high quality competition. The genuine friendships I have been fortunate to develop through the game. Meeting tremendous people among the umpires, players and club officials.
In recent years standing with dedicated emerging umpires who have progressed / are progressing through to the Cricket Australia umpiring pathway. Our representative umpires in New South Wales are exceptional at their craft. We have wonderful prospects on our State Umpire Panel for future Cricket Australia umpiring panels.
Who would you consider the top 2 umpires in the game today?
Rod Tucker and Paul Wilson.
If you’re in the middle seat of the middle row of Qantas QF1flight to London which two umpires from any level would you choose to on your left and right?
Mitch Claydon and Bill Massingham. You would be laughing for the entire journey.
Did you have any superstitions?
Wear Bradman Museum socks on field, with the left one going on first.
Darren on his 350th match at Coogee Oval with umpire Brenton Harrison from Griffith.
Technology – good or bad for cricket from an umpire’s perspective?
Great for the umpires and great for the game. Technology is there to overturn the howler in professional cricket. It is much better that the correct decision is made providing proper technology is available. I think the technology and processes used in international cricket have been well thought through.
What piece of technology is most valuable to an umpire and why?
I like every aspect of the DRS, particularly how the umpires are required to first make a decision on appeal, prior to any request for review. I suspect soon the field umpire won’t be required to adjudicate on front and back foot No balls. This may help with the decision making process, time will tell.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
The game is about the players.
There are three things over which you have control as an umpire; your attitude, the quality of your preparation and the sincerity of your teamwork.
Be yourself. There is no need to apologise for not being someone else.
The next ball is the most important, give it absolute respect. The players are deserving of our best effort for every ball.
Success isn’t permanent, and failure isn’t fatal.
Don’t offer explanation for a decision unless you are asked.
Assessment drives behaviour.
Do you like the modern game and what can the game do to make it better for umpires?
I love the modern game and umpiring Premier Cricket, the variety of formats and the skill level of the players. I appreciate and admire their effort and ability. I particularly enjoy watching and umpiring red ball cricket. The game can better support umpires by investing more in coaching for them.
What advice would you offer a young 20 year old who has the ambition of umpiring Test Cricket?
There is a pathway for umpires just as there is for players. Enjoy the journey. Set smart goals and be patient, build your preparation around your goals. Understand that experience is relevant and a great teacher. Treat every ball, every match with respect. Get a coach. Work on your processes and developing your routines. Ask for feedback, then consider carefully what you do with it. Learn to listen, opportunity sometimes knocks very softly. Humility allows you to be open to growth. If you are good, others will push your cause. The important thing is not to stop questioning.
You’re currently the State Umpire Manager and Coach for Cricket NSW. Can you tell us a little bit about the role, the objectives and your vision?
As State Umpire Manager I work with a dedicated NSWCUSA management team led by Troy Penman. The role involves supporting the team to satisfy the Association’s objectives in terms of recruitment, retention, education and development – State-wide. I appoint umpires to first grade matches in Premier Cricket and to CNSW representative matches. I am fortunate to work in a coaching capacity with the State Panel umpires, supporting their endeavours to improve as match officials as they progress through the umpiring pathway. We aim to provide the highest standard of umpiring to all CNSW competitions and to the Cricket Australia pathway and professional competitions. We also aim to develop as many contracted umpires as possible. NSWCUSA / CNSW currently has nine contracted umpires.
I also get to work with umpires from the country zones and enjoy my involvement with them. We have some exceptional country umpires who serve the game to the best of their ability in the bush. It is great when they come to umpire in Sydney, they love the experience, they perform well and add value to the competition. They are in many ways the heartbeat of NSWCUSA, often travelling long distances to umpire.
What has been the highlight of working at Cricket NSW?
Without doubt, the people who are part of the team. The positive energy they bring to working in cricket is phenomenal. We have had great leadership in my time at CNSW. CNSW leads Australian Cricket. Working in the Cricket Performance team we have been exposed daily to high performance thinking and actions. In the umpiring staff I have worked with exceptional selfless people over the past seven years – Nic Bills, Jay Lenton, Sharad Patel, Troy Penman, Claire Polosak, Bede Sajowitz and Ben Treloar. All have done an amazing job for NSWCUSA and in humanising the face of umpiring.
Seeing our umpires progress through the pathway to Cricket Australia umpiring panels. They have worked hard and deserve the opportunities and experiences that have come their way.
What are your hobbies?
I love reading, also watching rugby league. Eels supporter. 1986 is a long time ago!
Are there any lessons from your time in cricket that you take into work or life in general?
So many good cricket people have given me time. I guess the biggest lesson for me is the greatest gift you can give another is time and the purity of your attention. Always remember where you come from and who helped you along the way.
