How to Become a Cricket Umpire

Every cricket match needs two umpires, One stands behind the wicket at the bowler's end and the other squarely behind the batsman's back, but a safe distance away. Umpires swap positions at the end of the bowler's spell of six fair deliveries (an over). In lower grades of cricket the batting side supplies the umpires. These "umpires" have to make calls on their teammates but cricket is all about "fair play" so there is generally no problem. Players take turns umpiring before and after their turn at bat. Some get the umpiring bug and want to qualify to umpire at a higher level.

Things You'll Need

  • Rule book
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Instructions

    • 1

      Read the rule book and several books on umpiring. The Marylebone Cricket Club, the London-based club that has controlled the rules since 1787, has all 42 rules published online, including those for umpires. Buy the Cricket Australia Umpiring Guide CD for an interactive explanation of umpiring techniques.

    • 2

      Practice "standing" in cricket matches ( the cricket expression for officiating), using the signals and decision-making techniques outlined in the CD.

    • 3

      Contact the USA Cricket Umpire's Association (USACUA) for information about courses and strategies to become a fully qualified umpire. As of 2010 most, if not all, courses center on New Jersey. The courses are a combination or written and practical exams spread over four years. The U.S. association started its first official umpires program in New Jersey at the start of 2010.

    • 4

      Devote four hours of training per week for 16 weeks and you will sit for the U.S. association's preliminary written exam for cricket umpire candidates. The sessions require living in or near New Jersey.

    • 5

      Take the U.S. association's final written exam at the end of year two, provided you attended at least 75 percent of training sessions and passed the preliminary written exam at the end of year one.

    • 6

      Go further by taking the West Indies umpire association's final written exam. You must have passed the U.S. final written exam. The West Indies Cricket Association is a full member of the International Cricket Council, unlike the USA Cricket Association, so the West Indian umpire's association acts as the parent to it U.S. counterparts. It can confer an internationally recognized qualification.

    • 7

      Undergo six practical assessments in the United States and take the final West Indies association oral exam in the fourth year, once you pass the written exams. Practical assessments are of your performance in a match and you will get a critique as well to be a fully fledged umpire.