Umpires course at Worksop
by Paul Barker, 2nd January 2006

After a highly successful course of meetings at Chesterfield the bandwagon now moves on to Central Avenue, Worksop where the Bassetlaw and District Umpires Association will be starting a ten week course from Monday 9th January.

The attendances at Chesterfield were encouraging to say the least with over 40 being present on some weeks and they attained a full house when 22 umpires took the GL6 course and 22 passed, a remarkable feat!

However it is hoped that the same interest will be shown for the Worksop courses especially with cricket’s popularity being at fantastic heights after last summer’s Ashes success. The sad point though is that there is still not enough umpires to go round and it is hoped that these courses will help to stimulate interest even further in the game.

As previously stated many players are lost to the game when they hang their boots up. Several are never involved from that moment on whilst others enjoy sitting and watching the game. If you have played surely the only place to really enjoy the game is out in the middle where you have spent your time, not 60 yards away with no involvement?

Both men and women are welcome at these courses showing that it is a game for whatever gender you belong too. It is without question the greatest game that has ever been invented and without doubt administering the rules is not difficult and with the help of these courses you will quickly attain the standard required to do a good job.

Instructors for the course at Worksop will be Bernie Jarvis and Gerry Graney and any further information can be gleaned from Peter McKenzie on 01909 733094 or Gerry Graney on 01623 642138.

Also at Central Avenue a Scorers’ course will be taking place commencing on Tuesday 14th February under the introduction of Mike Snook and will last for six weeks. There are several clubs that are crying out for scorers and these courses are there to help people how to attain a very high standard in this job.

As we have stated before these courses are simply there to help people. Make a note in your diary about them and go along and see what you can do. If you don’t enjoy it, you simply don’t go again, but it is my guess that after the first session you will be hooked and Monday’s for umpires and Tuesday’s for scorers won’t come around fast enough for you. Try it and find out!