Courses for Umpires
In cricket, the umpire plays a pivotal role to facilitate a game in accordance with the Laws and Spirit of Cricket.
People of all ages, genders, races and abilities are getting into umpiring. Described by some as the “Best seat in the house”, umpiring offers a chance build valuable life skills, contribute to the integrity of the game, enjoyment for players and spectators as well as to stay involved in the sport you love.
Online Umpire Course
If you are looking to learn more about becoming an umpire, however are not sure whether a full course is the right step for you in the first instance, you can have a go at the ECB’s Online Umpire Learning Course. The course should take around 45-60 minutes in total to complete and it’ll save your progress as you go so don’t worry if you can’t complete it all in one. The ECB Umpire Online Learning can be found
This course is free of charge and available and it’s available to access from the link below.
Umpire Pathway
The first step onto the ECB umpiring pathway is to attend the ECB Umpires Course. Designed to give people the knowledge and skills to have a go at umpiring, this course blends classroom and on-field learning to give you the confidence to start your umpiring journey.
The course will give new umpires the key skills, knowledge and confidence to stand as an umpire in cricket. No prior experience of umpiring in cricket is needed before attending the course. Whether you plan to support junior cricket or adult leagues, this course will support you.
Topic covered are: understanding the role of the umpire; gain a basic understanding of umpiring the game; answering appeals and the common methods of dismissal; how to communicate effectively with all stakeholders in the game; judging whether or not it is safe to play.
Learners will be asked to complete some e-learning before attending the course, which will take no more than 90 minutes to complete in total. Pre-learning can be completed via multiple visits or in one go.
Learners must be 14 years of age at the time of the course. The cost of the course is £70. There is some help available with costs – please contact David Oliver from Durham ACO on davids.oliver@btinternet.com for more information.
Available Courses
Durham Cricket Foundation’s ACO have no courses available currently. Keep an eye on the website or submit an enquiry form at the bottom of the website to find out more about our plans to run the ECB Umpire Course.
If you have any questions about the courses, including to find courses outside of the region, contact Peter Connor, Durham ACO Education Officer: peter1connor@gmail.com
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Umpire Development Course:
This course is aimed at umpires who aspire to officiate at league level and is designed to develop the skill and knowledge needed to join a league panel. The content builds on the core principles covered in the ECB Umpire Course but are open to anyone with the ambition to progress, regardless of previous practical umpiring experience.
The course fee is £25, which is fully recoverable upon joining a league panel.
Available courses:
Umpire Development Course: Sunday 22nd February 10.00-16.30 at Banks Homes Riverside. Book by contacting Peter Connor: connorp641@gmail.com
Umpire Development Course: Sunday 1st March 10.00-16.30 at Billingham Synthonia Cricket Club. Book by contacting David Oliver: davids.oliver@btinternet.com