outstanding $6,000 cash payment from Bermuda Cricket Board of Control, but they are still pursuing an additional $9,500 which they claim is also owed to them.

Yesterday the plight of Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association was outlined by secretary Randy Butler who urged the delinquent clubs and associations to honour their commitments or face the embarrassment of having their debts made public.

"Our members want their money, it's as simple as that,'' said Butler. "Each year around this time we are forced to beg for compensation, long after the season has ended and this is getting very irritable.'' This time a week ago the umpires were owed an overall total of $15,500, much of which outgoing executives of the BCBC had promised to pay long before their departure, according to Butler.

The matter had been brought to the attention of new president El James and his committee who, claimed Butler, had moved swiftly to settle the outstanding debt.

The bulk of the money owed by the Board covered officiating during the Youth International Tournament in the summer -- an event which saw the umpires take time off from their regular jobs to officiate at the matches.

"We are grateful to see them respond like they have, now we would like to see some of the others who owe money take a similar stance,'' said Butler. "Our members have put a lot of hours in during the heat of the summer, officiating in the sun during long hours and under extreme stress in some instances and they deserve compensation for their services.'' The bills are sent out by the BCUA at the end of the month and they would prefer to see the clubs pay on a monthly basis, instead of leaving the payments until the end of the season.

Of particular concern to Butler is the fact that organisations like the Eastern and Western Counties are among those in debt, the pair owing close to $1,500 combined. Among others owing large amounts are several of the Island's so-call big clubs.

In addition to the lead taken by new executives of the BCBC, Butler would like to see the clubs follow the initiative taken by the Central Counties who have already forwarded their payments in full for the season.

"There are a couple of other clubs who have paid in full, but these are a minority and we are urging others to settle their accounts. Our members are asking for their money and we just haven't had it to pass onto them. It's a shame,'' added Butler.

The BCUA will be holding a series of clinics and lectures during the winter and are hoping that attendance will not be affected by the cash problems.

Umpires are paid $54 for a regular overs game and $62 for open cricket matches.

"As you can see from the pay, we are not doing it for the money, certainly not when we get that amount for six hours of work. We are all putting something into the sport of cricket for the love of the game and the little compensation is something that is justified for an afternoon in the heat,'' said Butler.