One of the things we are keen to do at NBCC is to make people aware that there are more ways to play cricket that to play the game. Coaching, Scoring, Working on the Ground, Volunteering are all options available to everyone.
If you think you may be interested in Umpiring then the ECB have some excellent courses, starting with the basics and working through a pathway to an advanced level. This allows you to learn at your own pace, at a time that is convenient to you (with the online courses) and to take away any concerns you may have about how daunting anything new can sometimes appear.
Basics of Umpiring
Are you required to umpire for 5 or 10 overs at the weekend? Are you confident in the white coat? If not this resource is for you…
The ‘Basics of Umpiring Resource’ contains the umpiring basics ranging from the key Laws to basic field craft. Use this resource as you wish, view it once or return frequently to refresh your knowledge. This resource is free for you to improve the game day experience for yourselves, your teammates and your opposition!
Umpire Introductory
This short 2-4 hour standalone course will give any cricket enthusiast curious about becoming an umpire a taste for what the role entails, and outline what lies ahead if you would like to pursue your interest.
Umpire Stage One
This course is designed to give you an overview of the basic Laws of the game and how to apply them and introduce the principles of field craft and match management. It will give you the tools to enable you to umpire matches at the basic recreational level where there are no independent umpires appointed.
Umpire Stage Two
This course is designed to give you further knowledge and skills sufficient to enable you to become a member of a league panel and is available to anyone who has attended the Stage One. It will complement that course by looking beyond the basic laws, build on field craft and match management techniques and introduce the concept of working, as a team, with a colleague.
Umpire Stage Three
This course is designed for experienced umpires who aspire to stand at the highest level of league cricket and is available to anyone who has attended the Stage One and Two courses or equivalent. As well as the interpretation and application of Law it also covers the management of the match, the field and the players on it. Man management and other practical aspects are also covered. The course will be suitable for those umpires who, although not aspiring to Premier league cricket, still want to develop their skills to be the best umpire they can be.