Becoming a League Umpire
What to expect
Taking you for your interest in supporting local league cricket and becoming an umpire.
David Oliver is our ACO Education and Development Officer and is your main contact to guide you through the process. You can contact him on davids.oliver@btinternet.com
Umpiring is open to anyone and cricket umpires are often people from all walks of life. To attend an umpiring course you have to be aged 14. All you need is interest and enthusiasm for cricket and a great attitude towards learning a new skill and gaining experience.
How does it work in real life?
As a new umpire, you’ll be invited to join the umpiring team in one of the leagues covering the County Durham area, depending on where you live.
There will be a range of games you could be involved in, both weekend and midweek. You will be able to set your own availability, according to your own circumstances.
As your umpiring skills develop and you gain more experience, other opportunities will become available to you.
Other Benefits:
As well as helping local cricket there are a lot of benefits for your own wellbeing:
- You learn new skills and you get the best “seat” in the house and nothing beats the experience of standing behind a quick bowler following the track of the ball or signalling six!
- You’re out in the fresh air and often sunshine, you’re treated well by players and clubs and you acquire the new name of “umps” and make friendships with all the other “umps” too!
- You’ll receive match and travel expenses
Qualifications
The ECB Umpire Course is designed to give new umpires the key skills, knowledge and confidence to stand as an umpire in cricket. No prior experience of umpiring in cricket is required before attending the course.
Whether you plan to support junior softball cricket through to adult cricket, this course will cover the following topics:
– 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
The course is split into classroom and practical learning, so we recommend learners to come dressed appropriately.
Learners will be asked to complete some e-learning prior to 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.
Further Development
Once you are up and running as an umpire, the ACO is there to provide further development and training opportunities, together with a formal pathway to further progression.