CRICKET enthusiasts who’ve never donned a white coat are being hunted as umpires for the coming summer.
Barnard Castle Cricket Club will host an introductory course to umpiring on Tuesday, February 27, at 7pm, to help boost recruits ahead of the 2018 season.
Dave Garth, from Middleton-in-Teesdale, regularly officiates in the Darlington and District League which announced its intention to have one league appointed umpire officiating in each A Division fixture this year.
Mr Garth said: “It will help people understand the new laws and law 42.
“It helps if you’re still playing so you understand the game and it’s a chance to give something back to the sport. It’s not all one way traffic.”
The free session will be run by the Teesdale Cricket Development Group – encompassing all sides in the dale across three leagues from Evenwood down to Barningham.
Anth Coatsworth, from the group, said those coming along could gain valuable advice and could go as far as they want.
He added: “There are now opportunities through the ECB ACO (Association of Cricket Officials) to get up to county level – it used to be just former players but now there is the opportunity to go through the minor counties system.”
Experienced umpires are also welcome to go along to the session.
