It is official - new courses aim to attract more umpires into the game
CRICKET
THE Durham Cricket Board Association of Cricket Officials has launched its umpiring and scoring courses ahead of the 2019 season.
Last year the English Cricket Board developed a new programme of umpire training which now sees four levels of training (stages one to four) aimed at providing people with a lower entry point into formal training.
The new courses are shorter, cheaper and spend more time on the skills required to be a competent umpire rather than the laws of the game, which can be learned via a new online course the MCC is offering.
Stage One courses are just £30 and even include a year’s free membership to ECB ACO and further discounts are available to candidates seeking to take the Stage Two course immediately after Stage One.
Umpiring across the country has hit an all-time low and Durham is one of the many counties which has seen a fall in officiating numbers.
During a typical season across the county more than 8,500 umpire appointments need to be made by the various league and cup secretaries.
By far the busiest day is a Saturday when around 120 matches are played requiring 240 umpires.
Durham ACO chairman Paul Jordison said: “Our courses are now all confirmed for this winter, plus we may have weekend umpire’s courses to add.
“We would love to hear from anyone who may want to take up umpiring or scoring.
“It is not just old cricketers we want as anyone, irrespective of age, can become an umpire.
“We have excellent tutors to coach people through the twists and turns and a comprehensive mentoring system ensuring newcomers are paired with experienced umpires to assist whenever necessary. “
There are also opportunities to learn how to score and again full training is provided.
The courses are all confirmed and full details can be found on the DCBACO website, Facebook and Twitter pages.
Anyone interested can also contact Keith Sutherland (umpires) at kgsutherland@ btinternet.com or Sam Blacklock (scorers) at samblacklock1997@gmail.com.