2018 sees changes to the Laws of Cricket coming into effect and anyone who might umpire all, or part, of a cricket match at grassroots level or fancies officiating at matches as a club umpire or a member of a League Panel, needs to be up to date.

The East Riding Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association are about to present the England Cricket Board’s official Stage 1 and Stage 2 one day courses prior to the new season at Hull Ionians Rugby and Cricket Club, at Elloughton, on Sunday 18th and Saturday 24th of March between 9.30a.m. and 4.00p.m.

These courses are open to all and do not involve any form of test or examination. They are designed to equip both men and women with the knowledge and skills to confidently undertake this role.

Stage 1 provides an overview of the basic Laws of the game and how to apply them and introduces the principles of field craft and match management to equip you to umpire matches at the basic recreational level.
Stage 2 looks beyond the basic laws, builds on field craft and match management techniques and introduces the concept of working, as a team, with a colleague. It can, also, be the entry point for officiating as part of a neutral League Panel.
After stage 2, anyone who wants to can enter a formal training and assessment program as part of the umpires’ progression pathway. However, that is entirely optional for those keen to do so.

This first year sees a bargain launch with Stage 1 costing just £30 and coming complete with a year’s membership of the ECB Officials Association (worth £30 itself.) Also included is a light lunch and liquid refreshments throughout the day.

If Stage 2 is also booked then that comes discounted at £10 instead of £30 and, again, refreshments are included.

[The club will reimburse the course costs - subject to Committee approval - of anyone who completes the course and volunteers to umpire in Yapham CC senior or junior matches.]

If you're interested, please book directly as soon as possible through the ECB ACO web-site at: http://booking.ecb.co.uk/d/1tqbph or for further information contact Mike Wellock the course organiser on 01430871252