How to Get the Best Seat in the House

Umpiring is one of the most rewarding roles in cricket. You are the only person on the field with the perfect view of the game. But how do you get started, and where might umpiring take you over the next few years?

Your first step is to decide what level of cricket you want to umpire: social and junior matches, club cricket, or the higher levels of recreational league cricket as a panel umpire.

Which Type of Umpire Are You Aiming to Be?

Social / Junior Cricket Umpire

Many new umpires simply want to support their club, coach their juniors more confidently, or improve their “doing your ten” as a player. If you already understand the game, you won’t need extensive training. The free Middlesex ACO Introduction to Umpiring Course is the ideal starting point. It covers the basics and clears up commonly misunderstood Laws.

Club Umpire

Club Umpires are appointed by their club to officiate league and friendly matches where panel umpires are not used. To umpire confidently at this level, you’ll need a solid grasp of the Laws, match regulations and field craft. The ECB ACO Umpire Development Course provides the essential training required.

Panel Umpire

Many leagues appoint independent panel umpires for their top divisions. To join a panel, leagues may require you to be an accredited ECB umpire. This starts with the ECB Umpiring Course, which places you on the formal ECB promotion pathway (Level 6). Progressing further usually involves at least one season of club umpiring plus both the ECB ACO Umpire Development Course and the Middlesex ACO Umpire Progression Course.

Professional umpire

Umpiring is a fantastic recreational role — enjoyable, challenging, respected and rewarding. Whilst stepping up to the professional game is possible, only a very small number of umpires ever reach it. With just a handful of positions nationwide, it is important to recognise that progressing into the professional game is extremely competitive and not a typical career pathway.

What Next?
Visit our page detailing courses available throughout Middlesex.