What is OfficialsHQ?
Following an extensive search, Cricket Australia partnered with RefAssist in 2021, to provide an integrated umpire management solution in OfficialsHQ (OHQ). OHQ was selected for its strong international reputation as a best in breed end-to-end solution for umpiring, including managing availability, appointments, awards and reports. Another key factor in the selection of OHQ was its integration with PlayHQ, seamlessly connecting match data between the two systems.
The Transition So Far...
In the last 18 months, selected local and premier cricket competitions have transitioned Umpires and Umpire Managers to OHQ, which has provided those competitions with an end-to-end umpire management solution.
While the majority of these users have had a positive experience with OHQ, we have identified some areas for improvement to better serve our local umpires and competitions. With that feedback, OHQ have sprung into action upgrading the platform, including the following enhancements:
Key Highlights of OfficialsHQ 2.0
- Improved User Experience (UX) - A redesigned UX with streamlined menu options and easier navigation across key functions
- Multi Day Appointments (2day+ formats) - All-new functionality to enable umpire appointments across 2day+ matches instead of having to appoint each day. Alongside this, appointment notifications and reports & awards links will be sent once for each match
- Auto-Appointments - Optimisation of auto-appointments, reducing travel times for umpires and travel costs
- Streamlined File Upload and Management of Files - Easily upload files and share with one or more specific umpire categories
- Enhanced Umpire Management - Greater profile management capability
- Better Reporting - Various enhancements including the ability to create a base form/template, easily repeat sections of a report, and link reports to different levels (association or grade)
- Nationally Supported Platform - Dedicated staff in PlayCricket Support to assist the community
Process Changes:
The user experience will change from OHQ 1.0 to 2.0, but you will find a more streamlined process to complete tasks, saving you valuable time and effort.
For those that are thinking about using OHQ for the first time, this will be an advanced and user-friendly umpire solution. Cricket Australia encourages you to learn more about the OHQ solution and engage with the training and education resources to ensure the system is right for you and unlock the benefits of this specialised solution.
Below we will outline your local contacts if you would like to learn more.
Timeframe: The transition to OHQ 2.0 will occur in late March, with selected Winter 24 competitions the first to use the newly updated platform.
Training/Information Sessions: If you are excited to learn more, there will be localised training opportunities in each State and Territory. Please reach out to your appropriate local contact for more information:
Matthew Skinner (QLD) – Matthew.Skinner@qldcricket.com.au
Bede Sajowitz (NSW) – Bede.Sajowitz@cricketnsw.com.au
Peter Parker (TAS) – PParker@crickettas.com.au
Andrew Scotford (ACT) – Andrew.Scotford@cricketact.com.au
Saksham Malik (VIC) – SMalik@cricketvictoria.com.au
Craig Thomas / Sarah Fry (SA) – CThomas@saca.com.au / SFry@saca.com.au
John Sherry (WA) - John.Sherry@wacricket.com.au