Scorers

Unlike the playing side of the game, scoring cricket matches is there for as much or as little as you wish to get out of it.

You can either score the game whilst your kids play, through to ex-test match players playing top league cricket, through to county professionals playing the game on a daily basis. It’s a wonderful way to give something back to the beautiful game.

Where do I start?

Below is information regarding the ECB Scorers' Correspondence Course. For more information about becoming a scorer or any queries regarding scoring please contact the ECB Scorers' Representative at scorer.aco@ecb.co.uk.

ECB ACO Scorer Level 1 Correspondence Course

Level 1 is intended to demonstrate the fundamental information needed for any scorer to progress. The two key objectives all students will need to have a comprehensive understanding of are the Laws of Cricket and how these laws affect the score sheet entries.

For students to gain an understanding of the integral factors that affect scorers, Level 1 will require the student to be capable of scoring at a club or school level with confidence and efficiency.

Scoring at this level will require scorers to be familiar with:

The method of using a simple box-type scoring record whilst ensuring that all runs recorded can be balanced. See Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring, part three, page 288.

The role that the scorer plays within the match and the essential duties and equipment that are necessary for any scorer to fulfil this role.

All signals that are used by the umpire throughout the match and the consequential actions that are required from the scorer in response to these signals.

The scoring system in terms of the runs given for different occurrences.

Identifying delivery counts and knowing when the over is finished.

Balancing runs achieved throughout the match both on the batting section of the scoring record and on the bowling section.

The disparity between the Laws of cricket and specific regulations that are put into place.

The basic understanding of all Laws relating to cricket, in particular scoring, and the impact and potential restrictions that could affect the entries within the scoring record.

To complete Level 1 scorers should also have a basic knowledge of:

Which umpire has control over the dismissal of a batsman under Laws 30-39? Which dismissals the bowler receives credit for? Is the dismissal possible if a no ball or wide is called? How many runs are accrued and what is the correct method of completing the scorebook?

When the ball is in play and is dead and the impacts of this on the score sheet.

Byes and leg byes and what is meant by them and the implications that they have on the score sheet.

The meaning of a completed innings.

Where there are cases of unfair play and how this may result in the award of penalty runs.

An initial story of an innings and a scoring record can be downloaded below.

If you wish to take the course please complete the registration form plus the story of an innings and send it to Lynn Allen, The Scorebox, 8 Longleat Court, Great Holm, Milton Keynes, MK8 9HD.

ECB ACO Level One Form (28 KB)
Ealing v Acton - story of an innings (86 KB)

Where do I find games to score?

Your tutor may well know of a club near to you, or maybe you have children who play at a local club or a school? If not contact your County Board or County Association and they will be able to put you in contact with a club.

Clubs will normally be desperate for people to give their time to score or umpire for them and they will be extremely grateful for any assistance, especially at the younger levels of the game. Of course armed with your CRB clearance there will be no problems in quickly becoming accepted and a valuable member of the club.

How can I progress my scoring?

Dependant on where or what club you have joined they may have a vacancy for Saturday or Sunday senior cricket. This will improve your ability and get you to meet varying levels of scorers on your travels.

How far can I go?

Many scorers are happy to score for their club week in, week out, year after year. Cricket scorers who have been doing the job for years almost become institutions within their chosen clubs.

To score at ECB Premier League level, through to multiple-day cricket, such as Minor Counties, County 2nd XI, Representative cricket, First Class cricket and even Test Match cricket courses such as Levels 2, 3, 4 would need to be taken.

But as with Level 1, these are all interactive and highly enjoyable and a great chance to learn and talk through different experiences and learn from both tutors and fellow scorers.

NB Levels 2, 3 and 4 will be available in 2010.