Introduction to Umpiring | Umpiring Level 1 | Umpiring Level 2 | Scoring

Umpire and Scorer Training in Surrey

Every district association within Surrey offers training for new and developing umpires and scorers. Only the Surrey Championship Umpires Panel association, which exists (as the name suggests) to provide umpires to that competition, does not do so. Full details of dates, venues and prices can be found on the associations' individual pages, but the courses themselves are described in greater detail below.

ECB ACO Introduction to Umpiring Course

For groups interested in learning a little more about umpiring and dipping their toes in the water, we offer a 2.5 hour one-evening ECB ACO Introduction to Umpiring Course that deals with Laws such as No Ball, LBW and others as suits the audience. Not every association offers this course, but everywhere in the county is still covered, as those that do are prepared to send tutors beyond their normal catchment area. The evenings are organised on an ad hoc basis, as and when the groups wishing to undertake the course request them.

Course availability and contact details can be found on the associations' individual pages.

More details about the Introduction to Umpiring Course syllabus can be found here.

ECB ACO Level 1 Umpiring Course

For individuals wishing to take the first step on the qualification ladder and learning the Laws in more detail, each association runs the ECB ACO Level 1 Qualification Course. It is not necessary to have attended an Introduction course to take Level 1. Some associations teach this course over several evenings on a weekly basis; others run it in a more concentrated format over one weekend. An optional examination follows the course.

Course dates and contact details can be found on the associations' individual pages.

More details about the Level 1 Umpiring Course syllabus can be found here.

ECB ACO Level 2 Umpiring Course

Level 1 umpires can progress to Level 2. The Level 2 qualification should take one, possibly two, seasons to complete and consists of the following:

• An initial two day course focussing on the practical applications of the Laws - sessions in the classroom, practicals in the sportshall and an exercise on the field.

• Having kick-started the process the participants (candidates) then complete a season's umpiring, during which they have to keep a log of all the games they umpire - at least 10 matches with a minimum of 20 overs per innings. There are forms to complete in preparation for each match and self assessment forms to reflect on how the match went.

• At least two games during the season will be observed by an assessor. These will be pre-arranged between the umpire and assessor and consist of a pre-match discussion, ideally a boundary assessment but they might be done by an umpire/scorer assessor from the scorebox or, less preferably, a colleague. There will be post match feedback from the assessor and further observations as seen fit.

• Completion of a workbook, issued on the course - this has a section on each Law and requires the participant to answer questions or find out information to show their understanding of the Laws. This is forwarded on completion to a nominated course Tutor for marking and feedback.

• A written exam (multiple choice and multiple selection questions) which will probably be taken as part of the end of season review.

This review, with the nominated Course Tutor or the Assessor at the end of the season, will cover all the above and if satisfactory, the papers are forwarded to a Verifier with a recommendation for accreditation as Level 2. If the participant has struggled in any area then the Assessor and Tutor may recommend that a second season is completed before accreditation.

There are two years allowed from registration to complete Level 2. The courses are run at a regional level, and Level 1 umpires interested in taking the course should contact the Training Officer of their local district association in the first instance.

ECB ACO Level 1 Scoring Course

A correspondence course is currently available. Suitable for all, this course addresses the basic score book entry information required by any scorer. The primary objective is that all participants will gain an understanding of the Laws of Cricket (2003) and how the application of these laws determines what should be recorded in the score book. If you would like to enrol for this course, or would like more information, please contact ECB ACO directly by email at ecbaco@ecb.co.uk or by calling 020 7432 1240.

A Level 1 Scoring taught course is also available, but within Surrey this is currently only offered by West Surrey ACU&S. Check out the West Surrey page for course dates and contact details.