Radical change to Halifax League’s umpire appointments

Previously there was no determination or process for which umpires were allocated matches, particularly in the Premier Division.

Also in the case of appointments for knockout finals it was usually determined by years of service, rather than selected on performance in the current and/or previous seasons.

The new strategy includes:

• The use of the ECB's Who's The Umpire, a leading online umpire scheduling website software, will be used to assign umpires to matches.
• A new format will be introduced in which members of the HCLACO are listed in the following categories: Umpires who will not/cannot cover matches in the current season will be de-listed; A category of Honorary Members will be created in recognition of their long service to the League; An Elite Panel of up to 26 umpires will be created, by a working party, to staff all Premier Division and Parish Cup matches, knockout finals plus key matches in the First and Second Divisions. All Panel umpires will be expected to travel to any one of the 12 Premier Division grounds and any other appropriate match.
• A new electronic completion of Disclosure & Barring Service verification will also be introduced to ensure that all safeguarding processes and protocols will assist in driving up the overall umpiring standards, in order to protect everyone across the league.
• Non-Elite umpires may officiate in a smaller geographical area to assist with travel, however each umpire must provide a list of a minimum of eight different grounds for the 2026 season, which will extend to eleven for all following seasons.
• Umpires' match expenses will be determined on being a member of the national Association of Cricket Officials (ACO) and attendance of umpires at mandatory pre-season refresher modules. New umpires will be required to complete the Level 1 Umpiring Course, become ACO members and attend refresher courses to obtain increased rates of expenses.
• Taking into account points 2 and 5, there will be three rates of escalating expenses: umpires who have not attended the requisite courses; umpires who have attended the requisite courses and; Elite Panel umpires.

This is the first occasion in living memory that the appointment system for umpires has been changed and it is anticipated that these will bring a major improvement to umpiring standards in the league. Anyone interested in taking up this rewarding hobby should contact Wayne Shirt on 07934 885515 or [email protected]