Umpires course starts at end of month
by Paul Barker, 15th September 2008

Once again the Cricket season is virtually over and this season with the dreadful weather that we have had it has been even shorter than usual. The shortage of umpires to administer the laws of the game is now so acute that the situation has become a nightmare for most leagues in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire areas and nationwide.

Personally speaking I find it very difficult to believe that someone who has played the game all his life and has now reached the age where the activity needed is simply too much, doesn’t want to carry on in some capacity to the respective leagues that they have served so well throughout their career.

With that in mind a course is being held at the New Inn at Winsick near Hasland starting on Monday 29^th September at 7.30 p.m and continues for ten weeks. This course is devised specifically for the beginner and casual umpire who would like to officiate in the game. Two qualified instructors will explain the laws of the game in detail and at the end of this course there will be an opportunity to sit the Level 1 examination, although it is stressed that this plan of action is entirely optional and nobody will try to force anyone to take it.

New and younger recruits are most welcome in addition to experienced personnel who have just retired from playing the game. It must be stressed however that this occupation is not a men’s only practice and women are just as welcome as their male counterparts to attend.

The courses are highly enjoyable and once you have attended you will wonder why you didn’t do it years ago. For further details of both these courses please ring Gerry Graney on 01623 642138 or Tom Munro on 01909 720812.