ACO Education & Courses

ECB ACO is the representative organisation that supports the recruitment, education, development and retention of officials; umpires and scorers in cricket.

To view the scorers' correspondence course click here.

ECB ACO offers the following programmes:

Introductory

• Provides for supporters, parents and players who want to know more about the game of cricket as either an umpire or scorer.
• No prior knowledge or experience is required.
• 2–4 hours.
• An ECB ACO Certificate of Attendance is awarded on successful completion.

Course fee includes all course materials first year membership of ECB ACO, insurance and CRB check.

To view courses available in your area click here.

Level 1

• Aimed at umpires and scorers who wish to umpire or score matches for their club or possibly entry levels of league cricket.
• No prior knowledge or experience is required.
• 12–16 hours.

For umpires - an ECB ACO Level 1 qualified certificate is awarded on passing a 50 question, multi-choice examination.

For scorers - an ECB ACO Level 1 Certificate is awarded on successful completion of a match record based on a script provided.

Course fee includes all course materials, first year membership of ECB ACO, insurance and CRB check.

If there are no courses available in your area please contact your County ACO

To view courses available in your area click here.

Level 1A

• Aimed at the umpire who wishes to progress to the League panel.
• Level 1 qualification and relevant experience is a pre-requisite.
• 10-12 hours.
• An ECB ACO Level 1A Certificate is awarded on successful completion and discussion of their course workbook and practical experience.

Course fee includes all course materials and workbook.

If there are no courses available in your area please contact your County ACO

To view courses available in your area click here.

Level 2

• Aimed at umpires who are suitably experienced and eligible for Level 2 preparation for Senior or Premier League panels
• Level 1 and 1A qualification is a pre-requisite.
• Two-day course and up to two year programme including self and peer assessment over a minimum of ten matches plus completion and professional discussion of their portfolio.
• An ECB ACO Level 2 qualification certificate is awarded on successful completion.

Course fee includes all course materials and workbook.

Any umpire or scorer wishing to join a Level 2 course should apply in the first instance to their County ACO Education Officer.

A list of contacts is found here.

Level 2C

• Aimed at umpires who are suitably experienced, within or below senior or Premier League cricket and who wish to undertake the two day course as continuous professional development.
• 12-16 hours – six county workshops led by recognised and suitably qualified ECB ACO tutors.
• Level 2C candidates who subsequently wish to achieve the full Level 2 qualification will be able to by completing a portfolio and undertaking a professional discussion.
• An ECB ACO Level 2C CPD certificate is awarded on successful completion and discussion of their CPD portfolio.

Course fee includes all course materials and workbook.

To view courses available in your area click here.

Level 3

• By nomination and invitation only.
• Level 2 qualified and experience of senior/ECB Premier League, aspires to multi-day cricket
• Six half-day modules over 18-24 months
• ECB ACO Level 3 Umpire certificate is awarded after successful completion of the course and the presentation of a technical report.

Course fee includes all course materials and workbook.

Any umpire or scorer wishing to join a Level 3 Course should apply in the first instance to their County ACO Education Officer.

A list of contacts is found here.

If you require more information please call ECB ACO on 0121 446 2710 or email ecbaco@ecb.co.uk.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to take an exam to become an umpire or scorer?

There is no absolute need to take any exams but if you want to officiate at higher levels of the game, local league cricket and above, you will have to be a member of ECB ACO for insurance purposes if the league does not have its own insurance for officials and be on a recognized training pathway that will involve examinations.

To officiate in any organized league it is also a requirement to have a Criminal Records Bureau check which can be organized through ECB ACO.

So why take exams if I just want to umpire/score at my own club?

Several reasons – the Laws of cricket are quite complicated and even on a Level 1 course you will learn something you did not know about the Laws no matter how long you have played for. However, the courses do not just 'teach you the Laws' but offer an understanding and interpretation of them and the field craft in how to apply them.

Learning how to umpire or score is not meant to be an academic exercise but to equip you to do the job to the best of your ability. This can give great personal satisfaction and not only help gain the respect of the players but make the day more interesting and enjoyable for you and for everyone else connected with the game.

All courses can be found here.