label.ECBHome
label.ECBHome

Umpiring

In cricket, the umpire plays a pivotal role to facilitate a game in accordance with the Laws and Spirit of Cricket.
People of all ages, genders, races and abilities are getting into umpiring. Described by some as the “Best seat in the house”, umpiring offers a chance build valuable life skills, contribute to the integrity of the game, enjoyment for players and spectators as well as to stay involved in the sport you love.

Umpiring opportunities

Umpiring can provide the opportunity to progress from starting to umpire at your club, through to the highest levels of the domestic game and beyond, in both genders of competition.

Want to start umpiring?

For all individuals wishing to start and umpiring journey, the starting point is the ECB Umpiring Course.

The Umpiring pathway

The pathway is accessible to everyone, allowing participation in any gender of competition.
The diagram below illustrates the Umpire Progression Pathway for 2025, starting from junior levels to professional teams.

Men's Cricket

Women's Cricket

For more information on the umpire pathway in 2025, including latest updates, promotion criteria and more click here.

Available documents to download

Umpire Competency Framework (Appendix A)

ECB Umpire Developer Report (Appendix B)

Umpire Expression of Interest for Promotion - 2025 (Appendix C)

Looking for games to umpire?

Are you looking for Umpiring opportunities across different levels? Become a member of the The ECB Association of Cricket Officials (ACO) to get access to officiate fixtures at local level as well as ECB competitions.