In previous years the training has been conducted over 8 consecutive weeks, and we have had very disappointing attendances.
With umpiring numbers shrinking year on year, it is essential that the NCU Clubs support us by providing volunteers to attend our training courses. If they do not, the service that we provide to NCU will collapse. So we are trying something new.
This year`s course - the new ECB Level 1 - will be run over a single weekend - provisionally, Sat. 7th. & Sun. 8th March 2009. at a Belfast venue. Full details will be confirmed at the end of January.
The course is suitable for new aspiring umpires, 'Associate Member umpires', coaches/teachers, and players. It is also a most useful 'refresher' for existing panel umpires, and the short exam at the conclusion of day two, will give attendees the neccessary 1st. level umpire qualification.
Last winter, we instigated the 'Associate Member' umpire scheme - following a meeting with some senior captains - whereby Clubs sent one or two people to attend a basic course. Those brave souls undertook to repay us by guaranteeing to stand in at least two or three matches during the following season. It was only a modest beginning, but NIACUS - and its hard pressed Appts. Sec. Ian Houston - was grateful to Stuart Hegarty & Jake Torrans - Derriaghy, Richard (master race person) Johnson - Instonians, and Carl Williams - Ballymena for their response and support. It is essential that the Clubs perservere with this scheme and provide us with a steady stream of new blood, so that we in turn can provide competent officials for Ulster cricket, next season and in the future.
Applications to attend this 2009 training weekend should be made ASAP, on our soon to be published confirmation of the date and details, to :-
Chief Instructor Keith Smith 7 Moygannon Rd. Donaghcloney, BT66 7NB.
H.Tel. 028 3888 1155
E-mail keithsmith7mr@aol.com
or Hon. Sec. Judith Hewitt 12 Ashbury Pk. Bangor BT19 6TY.
H.Tel. 028 9145 3746
E-mail judith.hewitt@virgin.net
or Appts. Sec. Ian Houston 7 Rockmount Pk. Bangor BT19 6AT
M.Tel. 07889 275 548 - NO CALLS AFTER 10.00PM. please.
E-mail ianatrockmount@hotmail.co.uk
