The England & Wales Cricket Board Association of Cricket Officials (ECB ACO) and the Youth Sports Trust (YST) are working to encourage the next generation of umpires and scorers to officiate within our cricket.

The Young Official Courses are designed to be the first step on the officials pathway from the playground to the test arena.

The Young Officials courses are aimed at 14-25 year olds. No past experience of officiating is needed however an understanding of Cricket is helpful.

Each course lasts up to four hours and is delivered by an ECB ACO tutor. Each individual then needs to Umpire/Score three games to receive the certificate of completion.

The courses are designed to equip the young official with the necessary skills and attributes to officiate at local club cricket games.

Young Umpires Course

YUA - Cost And Criteria (63 KB)

Covers the following areas:

• Roles and Responsibilities, Preparation
• The Playing Area, Positioning and Signals
• Methods of Dismissal, LBW
• Extras and Injured Players

Young Scorers Course – (Expected completion early 2011)

Covers the following areas:

• Roles and Responsibilities
• Preparation
• Symbols and Signals
• The Scorebook

We hope the course will provide each young official with increased cricket experience and knowledge, which will improve both their officiating and even their match performance. Remember without Officials there wouldn’t be a game!

If you are interested in either hosting, attending a course or even delivering a course, then please contact YODO.cricket@ecb.co.uk.

If you have already completed the course and are looking to progress your skills further visit the courses section of the ACO website.

Charlie Jewell - Young Officials Development Officer

Introducing the seven young umpires who will oversee the Young Umpires Award