Wiltshire Cricket and Wiltshire ACO launch Umpire courses for 2026!

Wiltshire Cricket in association with WACO will be running 2 x ECB Umpire courses and 2 of the NEW Umpire Development courses this Spring. Read on for more details of the courses and how you can register!

Upcoming courses

ECB Umpire Course

This course is designed to give new umpires the key skills, knowledge and confidence to stand as an umpire in cricket. No prior experience of umpiring in cricket is required before attending the course.

Whether you plan to support Junior Softball cricket through to adult cricket, this course will cover the following topics:

  • Understanding the role of the umpire
  • Gain a basic understanding of umpiring the game
  • Answering appeals and the common methods of dismissal
  • How to communicate effectively with all stakeholders in the game
  • Judging whether or not it is safe to play

The course is split into classroom and practical learning, so we recommend learners come dressed appropriately.

Learners will be asked to complete some e-learning prior to attending the course, which will take no more than 90 minutes in total to complete. Pre-learning can be completed via multiple visits or in one go.

Pre-requisites:

  • Learners must be 14 years of age at the time of the course.
  • Cost £70.00

Post course, learners will have the confidence and competence to go and umpire at appropriate levels within recreational cricket.

Courses available in Wiltshire:

With a new course, newly developing pathway and a newly trained tutor workforce it is an exciting time to engage with these new courses. Here are the details and booking links for the courses taking place in Wiltshire this winter:

Venue: Dauntsey's School, High Street, West Lavington, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 4HE
Date: Sunday 8th February 2026
Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Cost: £70
Booking: Please click here to register
Venue: Dauntsey's School, High Street, West Lavington, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 4HE
Date: Sunday 22nd March 2026
Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Cost: £70
Booking: Please click here to register

ECB Umpire Development Course

This course is designed as a follow on to the ECB Umpire course. Attendees will elevate their knowledge to a level where they can operate as a club umpire, or as a panel umpire in the lower divisions of cricket leagues. This course is also ideal for club umpire, or those players who wish to be able to officiate 10 overs stood at square leg competently.

In the course, you will cover:

  • Pre game and in game management
  • Dismissals
  • Scoring runs
  • Dead Ball
  • Unfair Actions (Law 41)
  • Managing Player Conduct (Law 42)
  • Player Safety

Venue:

Chippenham Bowls Pavilion, Chippenham Sports Club, Bristol Road, Chippenham, SN15 1NH
Date: Sunday 8th March 2026
Time: 9.30pm to 4.30pm
Cost: £40
Booking: Please click here to register
Venue: Dauntsey's School, High Street, West Lavington, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 4HE                          
Date: Wednesday's 8th and 15th April 2026
Time: 6pm to 9pm each Wednesday
Cost: £40
Booking: Please click here to register

For more information on umpiring courses, please contact Alan Biggins or Karen Smith:

Alan Biggins

WACO County Education Officer - Umpires