Hi all

The ECB have today launched an initiative to help anyone to complete an Introductory On-Line course on Umpiring and I encourage you to have a look and give it a go!

I am sure many of our members have a little extra time on their hands at the moment, so why not give it a go?!! It's on-line so you can do it at home in your own leisure time... AND IT'S FREE!!

First-class Umpire, Neil Bainton (from Essex) is supporting the new opportunities for becoming an umpire and said: “I’m sure there’s many players who have thought that they’ve been on the end of a rough decision. The opportunities for people to take the first stage of the ECB’s umpiring course is fantastic and I’m sure it will be chance to come and see if the umpire was actually correct! The online umpires course is open to anyone who would like to take an interest in the role on whatever level, and you never know what it may lead to in the future.”

Other reasons for getting involved include:

• Chance for players, volunteers and parents to engage and develop a new skill during the coming lockdown weeks
• Upskill those players who may usually be expected to stand in games with no official umpires
• Create a better understanding of on-field decisions whilst playing and mutual respect for those who already umpire
• Generate more interest for people considering umpiring as a pathway in the future

You can get involved right away by:

1. Sign up for the course – Here

2. Select your League on the registration page. Our 'new' league is called The Herts & Essex Border League.

3. You will automatically receive a link to access the e-learning portal. This normally take 3-4 hours, but you can complete within your own time with an option to spread over a number of sessions if you wish.

4. Spread the word! Encourage others to join you and me in representing MGCC and our league and take up the umpiring challenge!