From criticism to calling: ECU’s only female umpire breaks barriers in cricket

What started as a way to squash abusive outbursts from parents questioning her cricket knowledge has morphed into a career that has catapulted Eastern Cricket Union’s (ECU) only female umpire, Claudette Wehmeier, into the Cricket SA (CSA) umpire pipeline.

Stigmatised by parents after coaching and umpiring in a junior cricket season, Wehmieier decided to stop the unfair treatment by demonstrating to them that women also love and understand the sport.

“It started as something I wanted to do to prove to some parents that I know what I’m talking about when it comes to cricket,” she said.

Unbeknownst to her detractors, the umpire had a level one coaching qualification and a level three umpiring certificate at that point.

“My children play cricket. One year, there was no one to coach or umpire for them. I raised my hand to organise everything.

“At the end of that season, I got lots of negative comments from parents talking badly about me. I went and told them I’m a level one coach and level three umpire. I decided to put the whole thing to rest, that women also understand cricket.”

The Kempton Park resident started umpiring two years ago. At that time, the ECU’s umpire association had four female umpires. However, one has since joined the Titans while the other two transitioned into playing due to negative outbursts from male players.

“There’s not a lot of women’s cricket. To make a breakthrough, we have to officiate in men’s cricket. A lot of men don’t appreciate and respect us on the field. So, if you struggle against them and don’t fight, you are going to stop. But if you’ve got guts, the road is wide open.”

Although Wehmeier’s journey hasn’t been easy, she has made the most of the opportunities presented to her and is thankful that women umpires are being empowered by her home union and CSA.

“I applied to officiate in a CSA U16 girls’ week, but my request was denied because CSA had booked me into a U19 girls’ week. It was a big jump for me. Afterwards, I got to do the school’s SA20 phase two and finals. I also went to Bloemfontein for the women’s 50-over provincials,” said Wehmeier.

Being among the umpires being groomed by CSA means a lot to Wehmeier. She’s not taking the opportunity for granted and hopes to one day stand in an International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament.

“Being placed in the CSA pipeline is a great privilege. I’m not taking anything for granted. I’m still working hard, studying and improving myself in every session. Hopefully, I will represent CSA at ICC level,” she said.