Claire Polosak, who last month delivered a cricket umpiring course to women in her parents’ home town, Goulburn, has become the first Australian female umpire selected to stand in a final of the International Cricket Council Women's World Cup Qualifier.
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In another major breakthrough for women’s umpiring, Polosak was joined by New Zealand’s Kathy Cross to officiate India and South Africa at Sri Lanka’s Sara Ground on Tuesday, February 21. This continues a rapid rise for Polosak, 28, as an internationally recognised cricket umpire.
Last year she created history, joining Cross to be the first female umpires appointed to the Women’s World T20 in India. At the beginning of last season, Polosak was appointed as third umpire for the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup, becoming the first female to officiate in a men’s state domestic competition in Australia. A month later she was one of four female umpires appointed to an ICC event for the first time when they stood in the Women’s World T20 qualifying tournament in Bangkok.
Hailing from Goulburn, the former high school science teacher has worked her way through men's grade cricket in Sydney, the Women’s National Cricket League, and the Rebel WBBL, where she umpired both as an on-field and a third umpire.
A member of the Cricket Australia Development Umpire Panel, Polosak has been surprised by her rapid progress.
“When I started umpiring at 15, I really didn’t think I’d have the opportunities that have already been presented to me,” she said.
"It has been a great experience working with umpiring colleagues from around the world and to learn from each and every one of them.
“To bring knowledge back to Australia is a huge privilege and honour that I am humbled by."
Last year Polosak was appointed Umpire Educator and Female Umpire Engagement officer at Cricket NSW, which has resulted in 55 women across the state becoming accredited umpires.
“I’m still teaching, but not teaching Year 9 boys about puberty,” she said. “I’m teaching people about umpiring and what they want to do, which is really great.”
Cricket NSW chief executive Andrew Jones said: “We are delighted with Claire’s appointment to officiate in the final of ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier.
“Claire received the appointment because of her outstanding work ethic and consistent performance.
“Cricket NSW aims to lead women's sport in all areas and Claire is helping us do that in umpiring. She is inspiring more and more women and girls to take up umpiring through her work on and off the field.
“We wish Claire all the best for the final.”
