Umpires training course begins in October
by Paul Barker, 21st September 2004

The largest concern in local cricket leagues is the shortage of umpires to staff matches. It is not just a Derbyshire/Nottinghamshire problem, but a national one and the situation is progressively getting worse rather than better.

On many occasions in the lower divisions in our local leagues there are no umpires at all which means the players from the batting side have to stand and officiate. Whilst this is not something that one wants to see because it always leads to allegations of cheating when one of their own is given not out when he is clearly out, it isn’t a practice that the relative umpires associations want to see.

However it has become harder and harder with fewer and fewer people prepared to don the white coat. Whilst nobody wants to press people into doing something that they do not want to do, surely some ex-players who have enjoyed the game for many years would like to continue in some capacity to help the game survive.

The laws of the game are relatively simple to understand and with this in mind the Derbyshire Umpires Association would welcome anyone and everyone to attend their UMPIRES TRAINING COURSE at the New Inn, Winsick, nr Hasland, Chesterfield commencing from Monday 11 th October at 7.30 p.m.

All aspects of the laws of the game will be presented and anyone who is not officiating at the moment but would like to turn their hand to administering the laws of the game are invited as well as current umpires who wish to refresh their knowledge on the laws of the game.

The course will run every week through until December 13 th and it is hoped that a good audience will attend. The course will be administered by Mr. John Heaman and Mr. Gerry Graney and any further information can be gained by contacting these two training officers.

So why not turn up and give it a go? For players who have now come to the end of their active career their can be no better substitute than being out in the middle which is the only place to be. Watching the game is enjoyable but there is nothing like being out where the action is taking place.

Try it and see, you won’t be disappointed.