Counters and white coats: Cricket umpires courses in Yorkshire

Tim Burnley, Umpire Development Officer for the Aire-Wharfe Cricket League, is telling me about life in the white coat.

The experienced umpire has been officiating a few times when there’s been a run out at the non-striker’s end by the bowler which has the potential to get spicy. Usually, a batter leaving their ground early tends to get warned and then the bails whipped off and an appeal if it carries on.

During an entertaining hour, I even learn about the subtleties of umpire signals such as the correct arm motion for a four that’s meant to be done in front of your chest – so it can’t be mistaken by the scorer for a no-ball.

No room for Billy Bowden’s extravagance then.

There are ECB-run training courses coming up (see below) to share but first a bit of background on getting into umpiring and some of the benefits and challenges.

Bradford League into umpiring

Tim followed the common route into officiating as a former player. In his case, a career spanning 40 years (Keighley & Baildon in the Bradford League than Crossflatts and Tong Park Esholt before Bingley Congs and Airedale).

His first game as umpire was in the Bradford League for Keighley Cricket Club over a decade ago: “I thought I’m already watching the game so I might as well have the best seat in the house! It was completely nerve-racking but I felt very at home.”

As a player, did he recognise the skills of a good umpire? An authority, calmness and rapport with the players all cropped up.

“As a player, I wouldn’t dispute a decision on the field like some people do. I was looking out for an umpire who had the confidence and not that it upset their rhythm.”

I imagine rhythm is as much an umpiring trait as anything else that happens on a cricket field. A sense of getting into your work in a match. Yes, the laws are there in black and white but there can be room for interpretation.

As a bowler, keeping on the right side of the person able to award LBWs and decisions in my favour always felt like a no-brainer. I think it can be a difficult job that many do with humour and skill.

We discuss the age of umpires and the challenges as well as prejudices that come with that. As a wider trend, many cricket umpires are 60+ which has always been the case; opportunity to umpire more once retired.

Recruitment rollercoaster

I guess health, potential availability and retiring from the game are factors that impact recruitment and numbers although every league will have umpires who dedicate decades and as long as they’re able to.

I couldn’t tell you if player behaviour and flashpoints affect recruitment; it might do and probably also varies league to league.

Aiming to attract younger umpires should sit alongside appreciating the great work umpires of all ages currently do at grassroots – but umpires associations can struggle to sell the benefits to a younger demographic.

My own tuppence-worth is that it’s all about messaging and getting across the reasons to get involved. The best example I’ve seen is from the Yorkshire Cricket Southern Premier League whose professionalism with this video deserves another mention.

Every cricket league needs more umpires. Their roster might be okay but you can never have enough and over the years of doing this website, faltering numbers has been something of a constant theme.

Helping more to become qualified is important to the enjoyment of the game for everyone. It’s a chance to be directly involved in the middle, upholding the laws with the carrot of some travel expenses and payment for your time.

Most umpires do it to retain that connection with cricket but there is a pathway to get qualified and progress to a higher level.

Tim’s role with the Aire-Wharfe Cricket League is relatively new but is designed to encourage those who want to acquire new skills through courses. Knowing Tim a little as I do, he’ll be very good at it.

All of which brings me on to a few courses happening in Yorkshire from March…check out the YCB website for the latest as this list isn’t exhaustive.

☝️ UPCOMING COURSES

Umpires Onward Learning Modules – Click links to book on ECB website

🏏 Module C

These face-to-face Modules are suitable to any person who wishes to gain more of an insight into the Laws of cricket, or wishes to have enough knowledge to be able to do their turn at square leg competently or to be a club umpire

North Leeds CC – Module C. 2nd March 9:30am – 4:30pm

Almondbury Wesleyan CC – Module C. 15th March 2025 9:30 am to 4:30pm

Dunnington Sports Club CC – Module C. 5th April 9:30 am to 4:30pm

🏏 Module B

This module is suitable for any person aspiring to become a panel umpire. It looks at some of the more common cricket laws in more depth, whilst expanding on some of the others not covered in Module C.

Elsecar CC – Module B. 1st March 2025 – 9:00am – 4:00pm

Rawdon CC – Module B. 16th March 2025- 9:30-16:30

Almondbury Wesleyan CC – Module B. 9:30am to 4:30pm. 22nd March 2025

For more info on umpiring courses in your area, keep an eye out for opportunities via the Yorkshire Cricket Board or the ECB CO in your county.