Umpire Courses 2023/24

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.

Upcoming courses

Thursday 7 December 2023, 7.00 pm to 9.30 am. Winchmore Hill CC (N21 3DN).
Booking link: https://booking.ecb.co.uk/1d1lba

Wednesday 13 December 2023, 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm. North London CC (N8 8RL).
Booking link: https://booking.ecb.co.uk/owzKmz

Wednesday 13 December 2023, 7.00 pm to 9.30 pm. Richmond CC (TW9 2AZ).
Booking link:
https://booking.ecb.co.uk/GKq4EV


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.

Upcoming courses

Sunday 7 January 2024, 9.00 am to 4.30 pm. Middlesex Indoor Cricket School (N3 2TA).
Booking link: https://booking.ecb.co.uk/d/41qkyt/1Q

Sunday 21 January 2024, 12.00 pm to 7.00 pm. Wilf Slack Cricket Centre, William Perkin School (UB6 8PR).
Booking link: https://booking.ecb.co.uk/d/ppqhvl/1Q


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.

Upcoming courses

Sundays 25 February, 10 March and 24 March 2024, 9.15 am to 4.15 pm. Bushy Park CC (TW11 0EL).
Booking link: https://booking.ecb.co.uk/Bbbz15

Sundays 3 March, 17 March and 7 April 2024, 9.15 am to 4.15 pm. Wilf Slack Cricket Centre, William Perkin School (UB6 8PR).
Booking link: https://booking.ecb.co.uk/bmme8r

The booking links are to follow. If you would like to register your interest in this course please send an email to education@middlesexaco.com and you will be sent priority booking.


 

Which course is right for you?

If you just want to know a bit more about umpiring or want to be more confident when asked to umpire a junior game or to do your ‘ten’ as a player then the ACO Introduction to Umpiring is your starting point.

If you want to become an ECB Accredited Umpire you must do the ECB Umpiring Course unless you are already a member of the ACO and have completed the ACO Stage One Course.

If you want to become an established club umpire or, having done the ECB Umpiring Course you want to go further and join a league panel, then you will want to attend the ACO Umpire Extension Course (unless you have already completed the ACO Stage Two course). If need be, you will be able to attend both the ECB and the ACO courses this coming winter and they should be booked at the same time so as to avoid disappointment. You do not have to be a member of the ACO when booking the Extension Course as you can join the ACO after the course has been completed (free membership to the ACO will be offered if you do the ECB Umpiring Course).

Still unsure? Either contact education@middlesexaco.com or book for the free ACO Umpire Introduction Course where all will be explained.

Further umpire resources

Visit the Further Umpire Resources page to access the Middlesex Continuing Professional Development webinars and other materials kindly made available by other County ACOs.

If you have any questions or require any other information please email Ned Wilsher, County Education Officer.