Umpiring Overview
The ECB Association of Cricket Officials (ECB ACO) has constructed a developmental "pyramid" (shown below) for all umpires wishing to progress to higher level cricket. There is no compulsion to follow this pathway simply because it is there, and many umpires will be content to achieve the first level of qualification and to remain serving their local clubs and leagues at the grass roots. However, for those who have the ambition and the aptitude, there is no bar to officiating at the very highest level.
Click the links below to find out more about each of the levels offered.
Introduction to Umpiring
One evening session, led by trained district association tutors
Target audience: a group of occasional umpires (parents, coaches, players)
Most common Laws encountered during a day's play
Not examined
Level 1
Individuals wishing to train as umpires start here
Led by trained district association tutors
All major Laws relevant to single-day cricket covered
Optional exam: passes are accredited ECB Level 1 Umpires
Level 1A
After first season, for Level 1 passes wishing to progress
Led by trained district association tutors
Scenario-based, concentrating on man-management and fieldcraft
Additional Laws introduced
Optional assessment: passes are accredited ECB Level 1A Umpires
Beyond Level 1A
Level 2 for Level 1A passes with several years' experience and county ACO approval
L2 provides qualification for ECB Premier League matches and similar
Level 3 for Level 2 passes with additional years' experience and county ACO approval
L3 provides qualification for multi-day county age-group, 2nd XI matches and similar
Level 2 & 3 training provided at county and regional level.
Level 4 for umpires seeking professional status (ECB employees).
