Spenser Wilson Halifax League have astonishing 36 per cent increase in umpires for 2017 season

A majority of cricket leagues are struggling to even stand still but the Halifax League have shown an astonishing 36 per cent increase in umpires.

Numbers for the 2017 season have risen from 49 to 67, and league spokesman Paul Whiteley said: "The league’s Umpires' Association have done a magnificent job in the close season, and particularly their president Ray Taylor and appointments' secretary Andrew Mitchell.

"The recruitment process commenced immediately the season closed in 2016 and, with some subtle advertising and contact methods, the enquiries to join the panel started to come in.

"One major training course was held, coupled with smaller refresher ones for umpires coming back into the fold.

"An interesting fact was that the main course was actually held outside the league’s area but, of all the trainees, 70 per cent were future Halifax League umpires."

Asked why the recruitment process had been such a success, Whiteley said: "It was a combination of factors.

"Potential recruits were canvassed by telephone, and the workings of the league fully explained to them.

"Major plus points were that the league has always remained faithful to the 45 overs per innings format and that the match appointments' system is fully transparent, with the majority of appointments for the whole season being available as early as March.

"In addition, the Umpires' Association is an umpire-friendly body looking after all its members.

"That may seem an obvious comment but there are no ‘favourites’, proven by the fact that its appointment secretary officiated in more lower division and second-team matches last season than anyone."

The geographical cover of the league's umpires now stretches from Keighley to Meltham and Batley to Todmorden.

However, they are not resting on their laurels and would be only too pleased to receive enquiries from any person that may be interested in umpiring by e-mailing andrew.mitchell27@talktalk.net.