Umpire courses for managers, coaches, ex-players, parents, novice umpires
or those who are just curious

Last updated 1 December 2023

ACO Introduction to Umpiring – free course

Whatever your aspirations, this free 2½ hour introduction to umpiring will give any cricket enthusiast curious about becoming an umpire a taste of what the role entails. The course is not overly technical and is an ideal starter covering the more common Laws so that with greater confidence you can umpire a local cricket match or a match in which you are a player.

This course is not part of the umpire pathway (see below). For those wishing to progress further we will provide an insight into the ECB umpire pathways for men’s and women’s cricket briefly explained below. You will also be given the opportunity to ask any questions and understand how you can reach your own goals.

This course is free.

The Umpire pathways

The ECB has introduced a new education and development programme for men’s and women’s cricket. A new ECB Umpiring Course will give you a basic understanding of umpiring a game and place you at Level 6 or 6W (see pathway diagram aside). If you want to become an ECB Accredited Umpire you must attend the ECB Umpiring Course.

To progress to the next level (men 5 or women 4W) you will need to have umpired a minimum of 5 matches and completed the MCC Basic Level Laws Exam.

ECB Umpiring Course

To join the umpire pathway you must attend this course. No prior experience of umpiring in cricket is required. Whether you plan to support junior softball cricket through to adult cricket, this course is designed to give new umpires the key skills, knowledge and confidence to stand as an umpire in cricket.

This course covers 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

This is a full day course preceded by 90 minutes of online modules.

This course cost £70.

ACO Umpire Extension Course

This 3-day course is ideal for those wishing to become the best umpire they can and an essential part of your development as a competent club umpire or becoming a member of a league panel.

This course will significantly expand your understanding of the Laws of cricket and your ability to analyse and apply league match regulations.

It is likely that in league and various cup competitions in Middlesex it will be a requirement that the umpire has completed this course.

Through their umpiring networks, the Middlesex ACO tutor team will also be able to help you find umpiring appointments.

This 3-day course cost £15.