Kim Cotton and John Dempsey have been appointed on-field umpires for this weekend's Burger King Super Smash final.
"Both Kim and John are there 100% on their performances this season. It’s early in their careers, but getting to walk out for this final is a reward for their outstanding seasons so far," said Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri, NZC Match Officials Manager.
For Cotton, who umpired at November's ICC Women's World T20 and was the first female TV umpire in a men's senior T20 match for last weekend's Canterbury Kings v Central Stags match, the appointment is just another step in her swift rise among the umpiring ranks.
"Kim makes good decisions and manages games well”, said Mr Eden-Whaitiri.
“Umpires are appointed by our selection panel, based on performance and player feedback - there's no gender differentiation for officials, it's the same for everyone.
Cotton doesn't feel she's been under extra scrutiny because of her gender.
“The players test you the same as any other umpire - they're just interested in the right decisions, and that's what we want too,” she said.
“We're all striving for that perfect game.”
Burger King Super Smash final
- Wellington Blaze v Canterbury Magicians
- Eden Park Outer Oval, Auckland
- 4pm Sunday 20 January
- Live on SKY Sport and Radio Sport
Note - the final immediately follows the match between the Auckland Aces and Otago Volts at 12.30pm on the same ground. It is the first time a men's match has preceded a women's at this level in New Zealand.
