Hunt for new umpires as cricket league sets a shining example

The South Yorkshire Senior League's mentoring system for potential match officials is now being taken up by leagues throughout the country and has been highlighted in this month's edition of Cricketer magazine.

League spokesman Terry Bentham said: “We now have five active lady officials, which is more than the whole of the county added together.

“At this year's U17 National Ladies final at Loughborough Centre of Excellence, four lady umpires took part in the two-day competition and two of those, Joanne Ibbotson and Lina Nenova, were from our league.

Both did exceptionally well, the matches were streamed live on TV so it was a great advert for our system.

“Last season we fast tracked two new umpires, Alan Mynett and Neil Vaughan.

“They had intensive training and mentoring and both have been accepted to officiate in the ECB North and South Premier League is season 2019. This pathway is open to all, new umpires will be mentored and observed to help them progress.”

Courses for prospective umpires are being held this month and in February at The Centre in Brinsworth.

Dates are:- Stage One: Saturday, November 24 (9.30am-4pm), Stage Two: Sunday, November 25 at the same time.

Stage One: Saturday, February 2, 2019, Stage Two: Sunday, February 3, 2019, both 9.30am-4pm.

For advice or help,call Terry Bentham on 07761 622263.