Campbell to quit int'l umpiring

Delhi, India:

Jamaica's top netball umpire, Sylvester Campbell, is coming towards the end of his career as an international official, indicating to The Gleaner that these Common-wealth Games will most likely be his last international tournament as an umpire.

Campbell, who officiated in the Australia-England semi-finals at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex, confirmed that he will now be focusing on other areas; but he did, however, leave the door open for him to umpire in Test series' between nations.

"I've been umpiring for about 20 years now and I believe that the time is right for me to step aside," said Campbell, who also coaches the Tivoli Gardens netball club in Jamaica's local leagues.

"I have paid my dues and have done my time and, like a good politician, I know when it's time to step aside," Campbell added.

Campbell also poured cold water on any chances of him officiating at next year's World Netball Championships in Singapore.

"This is quite possibly my last IFNA tournament. I may still do a few series here and there, but as it relates to International Federation of Netball Association events, I am pretty sure this is going to be my last," Campbell confirmed. "So that also includes next year's World Championships. I really don't think I'll be going."

Very pleased

Campbell is, however, very pleased with his development as one of the leading netball officials in the world and credited his rise to years of dedication and hard work.

"I feel very good about the fact that I am always considered for these tournaments, it shows that there is confidence in my abilities," he said. "This is as a result of years of hard work and the fact that I try to stay in touch with the sport, the rules, their interpretation and application. I think all of those contribute to why I am always selected by the world body for these events because there are a lot of umpires and to be called means that you're definitely one of the best in the world."

He was also conscious of the strides that have been made locally as far as netball umpiring is concerned, but underlines that work is still needed to raise the level back home.

"I think we have come a long way, but there is still a lot of work that's needed back home," said Campbell. "There are one or two umpires back home who are showing real promise and we are hoping they will continue to develop within the next couple years."

- Andre Lowe