Norfolk welcomes new Umpiring recruits
Next generation of Norfolk Umpires ready to take the field
24 new Umpires have recently been trained to England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Level 1 standard and are ready to take up officiating duties around Norfolk. The new recruits passed the examination for the Level 1 qualification following the two recent courses run by the Norfolk Association of Cricket Officials (NACO) in conjunction with the Norfolk Cricket Board (NCB).
These newly qualified umpires are now able to go and umpire for their clubs, but it is hoped that some will now go on to join the Norfolk Umpires Panel.
Cricket Development Manager for the Norfolk Cricket Board, Kieron Tuck, said, “Both the NACO and the NCB are delighted with the response to our two winter Umpiring courses and we hope that the 24 newly qualified umpires are able to utilise their skills during the 2010 season and beyond. We’d also like to thank the EDP, clubs and the leagues for their assistance in promoting these courses and producing some excellent candidates.”
He added, “It is great to see the NCB and NACO working effectively together to develop officiating in Norfolk. Both organisations, along with the main leagues in Norfolk realise that much more hard work and co-operation will be needed to recruit and train more umpires over the coming years. This in turn will maintain and develop the cricket experience for players at all levels. This winter’s work on the Level 1 courses is the first significant step on that path.”
Tuck and NACO Umpire Training Officer Ken Ellis are already thinking ahead to next winters Level 1 courses. It is likely that there will be two more courses during winter 2010-11 with details to be announced around autumn 2010. Anyone wishing to express early interest gaining a Level 1 Umpiring Qualification should contact Ken Ellis on 01603 891384 or ken.theresa@tiscali.co.uk