Q: How do I become a member of the ECB ACO?
A: You can either go to the membership section of the website or print out a membership application and a direct debit form. We can also send you an application in the post. Once completed, return the forms to the address stated on them.

Q: When will I get my membership card?
A: Membership cards will be distributed once all the membership criteria have been met - payment, qualifications, and CRB.

Q: When is the interim board starting?
A: Roger Knight has been confirmed as the new Chairman. He is currently working on the new way forward for the Association of Cricket Officials.

Q: How can I gain an umpire’s/scorer’s qualification?
A: Please speak to your local association. See contacts here: ECB ACO - Courses - County Board Principal Contacts (39 KB)

Q: I hope to umpire some matches in 2008 that are not just League, for example Cockspur Cup and county age group games. The question is, how do I go about this?
A: ECB currently make appointments to Cockspur Cup, County U-17, Elite Player Development Programme, Women's County Championship, Women's Super 4s, MCC University Championship and County Second Eleven matches.

Appointments are made based on the information received by ECB from performance reports on umpires in addition to regular updates from county boards (including information on performances in local league matches) on the potential of officials in their area. All this information is reviewed and appointments can then be made and reviewed at the various levels that umpires perform at.

ECB is also establishing teams of ‘assessors’ who will be available to go to observe individuals as they are given these appointments to obtain an additional perspective on the potential of the umpires used.

This is an on going process and its development is dependent on the information that is forthcoming at the local level. As individuals you should look to your local association to provide you with the support you require to progress to the level your ability merits.

Q: Will ECB be making ECB ACO membership a requirement for their 2008 competitions?
A: In some instances we would prefer to appoint members of the ECB ACO.

Q: I have scored/umpired for ECB age group, 2nd XI, Minor Counties, premier league fixtures. Why am I not a Level 3 ECB ACO Umpire?
A: Please call or email Chris Kelly regarding any questions about appointments or training. Tel – 0207 432 1170; Email – chris.kelly@ecb.co.uk

Q: Who do I request an ACU&S refund from?
A: You will need to contact you Regional ACU&S Treasurer for a refund.

Q: Why did the ECB OA not have a vote?
A: A name change was agreed between ECB and ACU&S to facilitate the merger of the OA and ACU&S. To ensure everyone was aware that a new organisation was being created ACO was agreed by both parties. Until the new board is in place ECB will manage the ACO.

Q: What are the membership types and what are their costs?
A: Classes of Membership

• Full membership - includes insurance cover and is open to anyone whose main residence is the UK/EEC. Prospective members must have an enhanced CRB clearance or local equivalent
• Associate membership - available to individuals who are no longer actively involved in umpiring/scoring or who have no active ECB ACO qualifications. No insurance is provided and CRB clearance is not required
• Junior membership - open to all who are under the age of 21. Full insurance cover will be provided once the member has reached their 16th birthday. Must have enhanced CRB clearance
• Overseas membership - open to all whose main residency is outside the UK/EEC. No insurance is provided and local equivalent to CRB is required.

Subscription rates for 2008 have been set as follows:
Full member - £20 direct debit, £22 cheque
Associate member - £10, £12
Junior member (under 21) - £5, £7
Overseas (non-EEC) £10/15 euros, £12/17 euros

Q: How do I renew my CRB?
A: For all queries regarding CRB please contact the CRB department - Email: CRB@ecb.co.uk - Tel: 0207 432 1224

Q: Who do I make my cheque payable too?
A: Cheques are made out to ECB ACO

Q: If ECB has said umpires who have passed GL5 will be accorded Level 2 status, why bother with GL4 and assessment for QM status?
A: The intention is to fulfil a commitment to members. Examinations can be an incentive to candidates, and achieving QM status will give personal satisfaction.

Q: What will happen to ACU&S merchandise?
A: Existing stocks will be cleared, possibly at a discount, and the new Association will, in due course, market its own merchandise.

Q: Will the answers to the 2007 Christmas Challenge and Crossword be published? And will there be similar competitions in the future?
A: The Interim Board will be asked to publish the results in some way, and it will be up to the Board whether further competitions are held. This may well depend on a volunteer being willing to organise further competitions.

Q: Overseas subscriptions - the ACO subscription for overseas members is £10 (15 euros) which is less than the current subscription to ACU&S. What will happen to the balance?
A: Yet to be resolved but you will receive credit for the subscription.

Q: What will become of Honorary and Life Members?
A: The new Association will recognise the service to the Association of Honorary and Life Members, and other members worthy of recognition, but it will be for the Board of ACO to determine what form this recognition will take.

Q: When will members of ACO be covered by insurance?
A: Cover will commence when the member’s application form is received by the Membership Officer at Lord’s.

Q: Will instructors and assessors be covered if they deliver training other than the new ECB Level 1 and 2 courses?
A: They will be covered if they are members of ECB Association of Cricket Officials.

Q: How long does my CRB last for?
A: An ECB CRB disclosure is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. (Eg. Date of issue: 01/01/2008 - Expiry date: 01/01/2011)

Q: How do I get a CRB if I am based overseas?
A: You would need to submit an 'Overseas Vetting Application'. Download form here Safe Hands Kit Bag: 6 - Overseas Vetting Form (248 KB)

Q: Where can I get a CRB form from?
A: You can request a CRB form by emailing crb@ecb.co.uk . Please include the address you would like the form to be sent to.

Q: Who can I get to sign my form?
A: Please either contact your CDM or email CRB at crb@ecb.co.uk requesting a list of ECB contacts for your area. You will need to include your county in the email.