Umpire Courses
Find and book your place on umpiring courses, and join the ECB Association of Cricket Officials (ACO)Gloucestershire Association of Cricket Officials (GACO) are getting in early in anticipation of a growing demand before the 2025 season.
The new ECB Umpire Course has been developed throughout, to engage a new audience of umpires. The new course is a blended learning offer with both an e-learning module and practical face to face day.
The new course has been designed for umpires wanting to umpire in entry level competitions such as junior cricket, softball festivals and all social cricket. We want to change perceptions of umpires and encourage more people to enjoy volunteering from what we believe to be The Best Seat in the House at a cricket game. The ambition is to grow the umpire workforce to be more reflective of the communities that play our game. The ECB Umpire Course is an exciting new course for people to learn about becoming a cricket umpire whilst having a go.
ECB Umpires Course
This course is designed to give new umpires the key skills, knowledge and confidence to stand as an umpire in cricket. No prior experience of umpiring in cricket is required before attending the course.
Whether you plan to support Junior Softball cricket through to adult cricket, this course will cover the following topics:
– Understanding the role of the umpire
– Gain a basic understanding of umpiring the game
– Answering appeals and the common methods of dismissal
– How to communicate effectively with all stakeholders in the game
– Judging whether or not it is safe to play
Sunday 9th March, Bedminster Down School 10am-4.30pm. Cost £70
ECB Umpires Course
This course is designed to give new umpires the key skills, knowledge and confidence to stand as an umpire in cricket. No prior experience of umpiring in cricket is required before attending the course.
Whether you plan to support Junior Softball cricket through to adult cricket, this course will cover the following topics:
– Understanding the role of the umpire
– Gain a basic understanding of umpiring the game
– Answering appeals and the common methods of dismissal
– How to communicate effectively with all stakeholders in the game
– Judging whether or not it is safe to play
Sunday 16th March, Hartpury University 9.30am-4.00pm. Cost £70
Harry Watts / Club Development Manager
Harry joined the team in August 2022 as our Urban Development Officer and was initially responsible for growing the game of cricket in the urban areas of Bristol and Gloucester. In April 2024, Harry was promoted to Club Development Manager where he now delivers on a number of ECB priority areas including Facility Development, Clubmark, as well as working with Local Authorities on their Playing Pitch Strategies.
In 2018, Harry graduated from Swansea University with a degree in Media & Communications and later gained a PGCE in Primary Education from UWE, having spent multiple years working in primary schools. At his local club, Thornbury CC, Harry supports in different areas, including being an emergency player when required!
Now in his exciting role as Club Development Manager, he is responsible for leading the team of club development staff and working closely with cricket clubs across the county to provide direct support with the aim of creating sustainable clubs for the future. Furthermore, Harry leads youth competitions and the ECB Clubmark Accreditation and sits on a number of GCF Development Groups and Committees.
As a local Bristolian, Harry is a Bristol Rovers supporter and is a big all-round sports fan.