ECB Association of Cricket Officials

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The ECB Association of Cricket Officials was established on January 1 2008 to support umpires and scorers throughout England and Wales.

It is an amalgamation of the former Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers and the ECB Officials Association.

The Association, whose Interim Board is chaired by former Secretary and Chief Executive of MCC Roger Knight (a full Board will be in place by January 1 2009), recognises and aims to regulate the crucial role that all officials play in cricket from playground to Test arena.

The guiding principles are to offer a unified approach to training, development, support and recruitment and to develop the highest possible standards that can be delivered. These standards will be created to be appropriate for the level of the game for the officials to enjoy their pastime all under one body.

Under the ACO, the way in which officials are trained has been reviewed with a new emphasis on the practical side of the role. The objective of the training is to allow would be officials to practice the skills they require to umpire or score in a match as well as to support them as they start out on their umpiring and scoring careers.

The surge in cricket’s popularity has increased the need for appropriate education and flexibility, all of which the ACO aim to bring about throughout England and Wales.

The creation of the Association provides a new opportunity to officials to fully engage with the family of cricket and enjoy all the benefits derived during an exciting time for all concerned with the game.