Bradford League umpires stiffen qualifications (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford League umpires stiffen qualifications

2:40pm Monday 6th February 2012 in Bradford League By Alan Birkinshaw

All JCT600 Bradford League umpires will now have to pass an ECB ACO (England and Wales Cricket Board Association of Cricket Officials) Level One examination to be eligible to stand in a first-team game.

Members of the JCT600 Bradford League Umpires’ Association voted in favour of the new rule at their annual meeting at Cleckheaton Sports Club.

A number of the association’s members hold the ECB ACO Level Two grading, and four passed the Level 1A examination – Michael Apparicio, Rashad Iqbal, Neil Johnson and Mark Wisbey – earlier in the winter.

The proposal was put forward by Philip Radcliffe, who is chairman of the Yorkshire Cricket Board and chairman of the Bradford branch of the ECB ACO.

Glyn Pearson, addressing members before standing down as Bradford Cricket League Umpires’ Association chairman, said: “The Bradford League is a top league and it is important that work is done to improve the standard of umpiring.

“The ECB ACO Level Two qualification is the standard that is required in ECB County Premier Leagues and, as a designated professional league, we should aspire to get our umpires to achieve that level.”

He added: “Just by going on a course doesn’t make you automatically a better umpire, but it does improve your understanding and knowledge, which in turn can help you to develop.”

The rule change was put forward by long-serving umpire Radcliffe.

He said: “In my view the current six-week training course doesn’t prepare members fully for the demands of officiating in the Bradford League.

“I believe this will be a beneficial step for both the league and our members.

“We all want to see the standard of umpiring improve and the ECB qualifications are a nationally-recognised standard.”