HOWZAT! Umpires appeal for new recruits

Umpire Chris Shelton keeps an eye on proceedings

YOU don’t hear umpires appealing very often, but they are right now!

DACO – the Devon Association of Cricket Officials – appoints to games in the top three divisions of the Tolchards Devon League.

DACO has to find 30 qualified umpires every Saturday afternoon for 18 weeks of the season. Inevitably, not everyone is available every week so a panel of officials is necessary.

Chris Shelton, the education officer for DACO, said more umpires are needed now to keep the panel at working strength.

“In order to maintain our current ability to officiate in the Premier, A and B Devon matches, we need to train up more umpires,” said Shelton.

MCC issued updated Laws of Cricket last autumn, which have been incorporated into DACO’s training course for new umpires.

Stage one, is designed for those who just want to be qualified club umpires. Stage two is designed for those who have taken stage one and is a requirement for a place on the league panel.

It is necessary to take both courses to become a panel umpire. Each one costs £30.

“You will receive all course materials necessary when you start the course,” said Shelton.

“Membership of the Devon Association of Umpires is part of the package for each course, which gives members insurance cover for any game they stand in, over and above club insurance.”

Contact Shelton at christheumpire1@gmail.com or on 01803 400951 for details of course dates and venues.

DACO is also on the lookout for scorers, without whom games can’t take place properly.

Contact Nick Evanson nevanson@hotmail.com for details of scoring courses.