Every club is being asked to nominate at least one new match official in a bid to provide two qualified umpires for as many games as possible each week.

Clubs helped out last season when a shortage of panel umpires meant many second team games couldn’t be staffed. The Management Board have promised to fund the training of the new recruits which will take place in the new year.

Umpires Association chairman Philip Radcliffe said: “We feel the onus should be on all clubs to provide one umpire so that the responsibility of improving the umpire numbers and standards is shared equally.”

The new umpires will not have to officiate every week – unless they choose to – but it is hoped they will stand in 12-14 games and this will alleviate the pressures experienced last season. The new umpires will augment the panel of regular match officials committed to the league last season.

Radcliffe added: “We can arrange appointments so that umpires officiate at grounds local to where they live, if necessary. The League covers a wide area and we do not expect umpires to be able to attend every ground.”

The training will be given at ECB ACO Stage 1 and Stage 2 courses. The two courses prepare the candidates for the role of club and league umpires respectively. The courses will focus on the laws of the game and how to apply them on the field of play.

There will be no examination at the end of the course. The Stage 1 and Stage 2 courses will be run on two-successive Saturday, (probably 10.30 – 17.00 on each day.)

There will be no cost to the candidates as the league is paying the course fee which covers the costs of all the resources needed and includes first-year membership of the ECB ACO. The ECB ACO membership includes the comprehensive insurance scheme.

Member of the ECB ACP require a current DBS certificate. Those who do not have one will be able to apply for one free of charge during the course.

Three course dates have been set for January and February at Pudsey Congs

1 Saturdays January 13 & 20, 2018
2 Saturdays January 27 & February 3, 2018
3 Saturdays February 10 & 17 2018
All clubs have been sent a nomination form which they need to return by email to philip.radcliffe@blueyonder.co.uk by 30th November 2017

If there are people interested in representing Altofts CC and earning yourself up to £1000 in summer 2018 then please let me know on 07597785626