GRACE CARRINGTON
My name is Grace Saunders Carrington and I was born in the Caribbean Island of St. Vincent. I spent my early years in the fishing village of Troumaca, where watching cricket in the park on weekends was fun recreation for us.
I migrated to Trinidad as a teenager and eventually became a teacher. I also played for a Cricket Club. With my Cricket experience I was moved from the school’s Academic Department to the Physical Education Department where I coached the Under 15 Boys.
Back then, PE teachers were coaches. One day the school received an invitation to a seminar from the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Umpires Association inviting anyone
interested in learning the laws of cricket. I accepted and attended with an attitude, thinking that I knew it all, but my know-it-all attitude was short lived. It became an eve
opening experience with trainers Mr. Cumberbatch and Mr. Gosein, both deceased. May they Rest in Peace. After passing the preliminary exams I was assigned to the Under
15,17 and 19 boys on weekdays and other games on weekends.
I eventually migrated to the United States and umpired in several leagues. The American, Brooklyn and Metropolitan Leagues to name a few. While in New York,
successfully completed the West Indian Final written, practical and oral examination.
When my family move to Atlanta Georgia, I was asked to assist with the training as the regular training officer could not do training in two states at the same time. So, I became
the first female trainer and accessor in Georgia. With my training and expertise, the trainee umpires were all successful in the West Indian Final Written, practical and oral exams, obtaining a 100% pass. It was not an easy task as the men found it problematic having a female in charge. When I felt a bit down, I turned to my colleagues Mr. Hammy Reid and Mr. Desmond Lewis (deceased) for support and consolation. I finally moved to Hartford Connecticut and was the only female umpire there. It was like climbing a greasy pole but I am still here standing. Some male players find it difficult to accept female umpires, but it is easier to get rid of your lawn. We are here for the long haul. I would first like to thank God for giving me the strength and willpower leading to this achievement. Not forgetting my sister from another mother Aileen Naughton who shared my feelings and understood how it felt being a female umpire in a previously male only dominated sport. And to everyone else, too many to mention thank you for helping me
become who I am today in the Cricket Umpiring world. And last but not least my number one fans, my daughters Donna and Tiffany and my mother. Thank you ALL. And thank you the audience for attending and listening. God’s blessings be with all of you.