The ECB are pleased to announce a single-entry point for individuals to start their Umpiring Journey within Cricket. The new ECB Umpire Course is aimed for everyone who is looking to support their local club or league acting as an umpire.

The day course, delivered by a newly recruited and trained ECB Umpire Tutor team will provide confidence and knowledge to attendees, to arm them with the skills that are required to umpire a game of cricket successfully and enjoyably.

Delivered in both classroom and in practical, game playing environments, learners will learn about the key laws of the game, how to apply them and gain first hand tips and tricks on making and communicating decisions.

Courses are now available across the country, with courses being offered 12 months a year….it’s never too late to start your umpiring journey.

To see what courses are available near you, please click here.

In 2023, the ECB shared with the game a new Umpire Progression Pathway, showing how individuals who join the umpiring community can see a way to go from operating in their clubs through to potentially becoming the next Professional or International Umpire.

The pathway is based on the gender of competition and individuals joining the pathway can progress at a pace that suits them, basing progression on performance and skill, not just down to the number of games that you umpire.

The pathway is open to all and whilst higher levels of the pathway are managed directly by the ECB, ACOs Leagues and County Cricket Boards are involved in providing opportunities for on-going learning, umpiring opportunities away from club and progression across both pathways. To find out more about the Umpire Progression Pathway, please email us by clicking here.

The introduction of the Umpire Progression Pathway has given umpires a clear and transparent process on what they need to achieve to gain promotion. With this move to evidence-based progression, we are delighted to provide other opportunities to be involved in supporting Umpires across the game.

This year the ECB has also launched the Umpire Developer Programme. Over 240 individuals have joined the programme and have been supporting umpires throughout 2023 at all levels of the game.

The role of the Umpire Developer is:

• To watch umpires performing within a game
• To make accurate notes on areas of performance that the umpire is doing well
• To work with umpires on areas of performance where improvement could be made
• To facilitate a positive de-brief where umpires get the chance to learn and develop their skills to enhance their performances.

These are voluntary roles (expenses paid) but provide a key service and support arm to umpires across the game.

We are hosting a number of Umpire Developer training sessions in early 2024 across the country. Attendance is free and for further information on this, please email alan.dale@ecb.co.uk.