january-2010

FIT TO GO
Front
Row.
From Australia’s Grand Slam to cricket
and cycling, we round up the hottest
tickets on the sports calendar
WORDS RACHEL FARNAY JACQUES
As the Australian Open
returns to Melbourne
from 18 to 31 January, we
ask Wayne Spencer, the
tournament’s Chief of
Offi cials, what it takes to get
the best seat in the house.
How do you become an
international chair umpire?
You start as a linesperson at local
tournaments, then progress through the
various stages of education and training to
offi ciate at the best tournaments in the world,
including Grand Slams.
16 JANUARY 2010
What are the costs involved?
There are no costs involved
with training and education.
However, offi cials in the early
stages fund their own travel and
are able to apply for grants.
What makes you a
good umpire?
The best umpires have 20/20
vision coupled with excellent powers
of concentration. They also possess strong
interpersonal skills, awareness, knowledge
of rules and regulations, team orientation,
fl exibility where appropriate, a calm nature
and consistency.
What is the most challenging aspect?
Coping with the long periods away from home,
constant pressure to perform at the highest
level day after day, and “life after tennis”.
How is technology like the Hawk-Eye
system changing umpiring?
Umpires have taken the introduction of
Hawkeye as a positive aid and a challenge.
How do you manage an irate player?
While there is a Grand Slam Code of Conduct,
it’s best to solve problems before going
through the formal process. There’s also on
court penalties (points, games and possible
default) and post-match monetary fi nes.
Can Serena Willams and
Rafael Nadal rule the
courts again?
GAME ON
For thrilling spectator sports, head to these
top events coming up.
ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP
You’ll wince as the gloves come off at
the world’s premier mixed martial arts
championship at Sydney’s Acer Arena on 21
February. Watch the world’s greatest mixed
martial artists use a mixture of disciplines
— from Greco-Roman wrestling and judo,
to kickboxing and karate — against their
opponent in an eight-sided “cage”. Call
Ticketek on 132 849.
2010 RAMSAY HEALTH CARE
TRIATHLON PINK
Women take the lead in this event at
Melbourne’s Albert Park, which raises funds
for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Individuals and teams take up the challenge on
Sunday, 31 January to swim, cycle and run a
choice of three courses — short, medium and
long; there’s even a kids’ and male fun run.
COMMONWEALTH BANK
SERIES V PAKISTAN
Summer equals cricket and you can bet it’ll
sizzle on fi eld and off when the Aussies take
on the Pakistanis at the Gabba, SCG, Adelaide
Oval and the WACA from 22 to 31 January.
Th e action continues with the KFC Twenty20
Internationals from 5 to 23 February, and the
Commonwealth Bank Series v West Indies
from 7 to 19 February. Check www.cricket.
com.au for ticket details.
SANTOS TOUR DOWN UNDER
Witness Lance Armstrong, seven-time Tour
de France winner, as he and his Team
RadioShack tackle 794.5km of South
Australian bitumen, alongside 133 of the
world’s best cyclists, in the battle for the ochre
jersey on 17 – 24 January.