This is my second full season as a W1 umpire. My transition from W2 started with three trial games, and stepping up to this level was a massive leap.
Of course, large parts of umpiring are about maintaining the same principles regardless of the level. If you do that, you’ll do very well, because in an ideal world any game of cricket should feel the same.
But the difference comes in the kind of pressures you’re exposed to, such as bigger crowds, loud music, and logistical distractions. As you reach levels like The Hundred, you have so many more people to meet, talk to, and communicate with effectively.
When you get the official pass with your photo on it, it feels like a huge moment. The standard of cricket is obviously higher, and you’re tested more as a result. There are stricter regulations and interpretations, everything is videoed and assessed by a match referee, and at W1 level we really have nowhere to hide.
But the training is set up to help you manage that. A lot of our discussions are focussed on mental resilience and overcoming perceived errors. The best umpires have the calmest presence. They’re not necessarily better decision-makers or player managers (whilst this all helps!), but how they handle pressure really sets them apart.
I’ve made a relatively quick transition through the umpire pathway. I only started umpiring after the Covid-19 pandemic, but I was already the equivalent of a W2 official in hockey. That meant I already had some basic skills and, combined with my cricket experience playing in Women’s Premier League cricket, I started umpiring at W3 level.
About three-quarters of the way through my first season, I really started to find my feet. And while I’ve always wanted to give back to the game, what I enjoy most about umpiring is the constant development. When you stop learning, that’s when you should stop umpiring. The more challenges you take on, the more you naturally move up the pathway.
I’m a big fan of the pathway system, because it allows officiating to be split into clear levels. It’s transparent. You know where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there. That fairness and clarity didn’t exist when I started.
The ECB’s Officiating Department is incredibly supportive of the women’s game and female officiating. The Professional Umpires Team has three coaches – Tim Robinson, Ian Gould, and Denis Burns – who also attend our games, work with us, and feed back to the ECB. That system leads to further opportunities, and having support at the end of the phone after a tough game is invaluable. It’s great to have someone open and honest to talk to.
I’ve been fortunate to experience some special moments, and doing the Charlotte Edwards Cup semi-final was a highlight. I wasn’t expecting to get that appointment in my first year.
It was a very close game, under a lot of pressure, with loads of England players involved – a real step up. Performing well in it felt like a major achievement and gave me confidence that I belonged at that level. Everything has built from that moment.
I’ve learned the skill of my umpiring is about being empathetic. At first, I didn’t think I was that emotionally intelligent. But in the women’s game especially, having a good level of emotional intelligence can really impact the game positively.
Body language is also massive – we talk about ‘selling’ our decisions – and you have to understand that your body language and facial expressions can sometimes say more than your actual words.
When it comes to my hopes for the future, I’d like to go as far as I can for as long as I can. I don’t set hard targets, but I do want to progress.
Thankfully, I’m also seeing more women and girls getting into officiating. I tutor the ECB introductory course and I do a lot with my local ACO. I’d hate to be removed from that, because it’s so important for women to be role models.
Tutoring the women’s and girls’ courses, and seeing the number of female officials coming through, is really exciting.
Interested in trying officiating? Find your next ECB Umpire Course today.