ICC Academy, Taufel to launch umpires’ training programme
DUBAI: The ICC Academy at Dubai Sports City is pleased to announce the introduction of the ‘ICC Academy Umpire Accreditation Programme’, a major step towards extending the ICC Academy’s Education and Training porfolio.
In conceptualizing and implementing the programme the Academy has partnered with 5-time ICC Umpire of the Year ( 2004 - 2008), world-renowned former ICC Elite Panel Umpire, Simon Taufel.
Adding the Umpire Accreditation Program to ICCA’S existing, proven porfolio of programs; which includes the highly-successful ICC Academy’s Coach Education Program (offering courses in Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3) and one that enjoys a strong global reach through participants and qualified coaches, the ICC Academy continues to provide a sustainable, comprehensive, solid foundation of cricket education at all levels and across all roles.
In bolstering the Academy’s education offerings, the Umpire Accreditation Programme is aimed at assisting and inspiring the next generation of Cricket Umpires in the UAE, as well as around the globe, and will appeal to community-based umpires through to those aspiring to international levels.
At the Introductory level, participants will be led through the Role of the Umpire followed by modules covering on-field preparation. Level 1 and Level 2 will take participants deeper into the wider scope and demands required of Umpires and include topics such as; match management, safety and wellbeing, integrity, playing conditions, codes of conduct and additional umpiring roles and responsibilities.
Salman Hanif, Head of Cricket Business ICC Academy, said: “As the global center of excellence with world class facilities and infrastructure offering world-recognised high performance, youth development and education in the sport, it is paramount we implement programs and partnerships that reflect these values, subsequently, we are very pleased to launch this program in partnership with Simon.
“Tapping into his wealth of experience; technical, mental and emotional, will only benefit future decision makers and those that uphold the laws of and for our game, not only in the UAE but as we aim to grow confident, efficient umpires to stand and perform on the world-wide cricket-stage.”
Spanning a 13-year career as an ICC Umpire, from 1999 through to 2012, Taufel, an Australian, has officiated over 74 Tests - presiding over his first at aged 29, 174 ODIS, and 34 T20IS. Taufel then took the reins as ICC Umpire Performance & Training Manager from 2012 to 2016, where he created and implemented cricket umpiring’s first competency-based accreditation program. He is widely considered as one of the best umpires in the world. Simon Taufel is also a member of the MCC Laws of Cricket sub-commitee since 2009.
“I am delighted to enter into this partnership with the ICC Academy and continue my journey in providing accreditation and the tools needed for future Umpires to confidently and effectively preside over the game,” stated Taufel.