which the Bermuda Cricket Board of Control dealt with disciplinary matters last season.

Ronold O'Hara, who was involved in two high-profile cases with players last year, confirmed early this week that he was left with no alternative but to quit because of the cases concerned.

One case involved last year's St. George's Cup Match skipper Clay Smith and the other Southampton all-rounder Janeiro Tucker.

Smith was reported by O'Hara and received a short ban by the Board -- one that also saw him lose his place in the Red Stripe squad -- while Tucker's case was never heard.

It was the failure of the Western Counties and the Board to hold a hearing for Tucker that inspired O'Hara's action.

O'Hara said: "I've decided enough is enough. When an umpire reports a player and nobody sees fit to even hold a hearing what else can I do?. I am not upset because Mr. Tucker hasn't been suspended, I am upset because those concerned didn't have the courtesy of holding a hearing.'' BCUA secretary Randy Butler, whose position was changed to assistant secretary on Tuesday, said O'Hara's absence would be a great loss but he admitted many members agreed that he had no alternative.

According to Butler, the failure to deal with the Tucker matter combined with the Board's decision to offer the same player and others amnesty without even consulting the BCUA caused great consternation.

The departure of O'Hara means that the BCUA's ranks have become even more depleted and accommodating a full schedule of matches on weekends with maximum officials is often impossible.

Meanwhile the BCUA elected a new president during their annual general meeting on Tuesday night with Wilbur Pitcher replacing Dennis Raynor. Lester Harnett is the new vice president and Steven Douglas the new secretary, edging out Butler by one vote. Butler is the new assistant secretary while honourary member Luther Wilkin is the acting treasurer.

Left with no choice: Top umpire Ronold O'Hara felt his decisions to report tow high-profile players for disciplinary reasons last year were undermined by the BCBC's response. He has now quit, leaving the list of experienced official depleted.