COULD YOU BECOME A QUALIFIED UMPIRE FOR THE 2013 SEASON?

Jamie Burbidge, a newly-qualified member of the Scunthorpe panel , umpiring a Lincs League division three match between Hibaldstow (batting) and Haxey 2nds in May.

Umpires are always needed by the associations covering the Lincoln, Grimsby and Scunthorpe districts, which appoint officials to stand in our senior leagues on Saturdays, Sundays and in midweek.
Annual training courses operate during the close season, as the three associations need to find newcomers to replace those seniors who retire from the panels.
The Scunthorpe and District Association is starting its recruiting campaign much earlier than usual, in the hope of attracting more newcomers to the ranks.

Appleby-Frodingham Cricket Club have kindly offered use of their Brumby Hall pavilion/clubhouse. off Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, to accommodate a 10-week umpires' training course, which will start on Monday, October 1 (7pm). 
The association usually runs its training course from January to March, but this year it has been brought forward to be close to the end of the current season. It is hoped that with people's thoughts still being focused on cricket in early autumn, rather than winter sports, this will result in more would-be umpires signing up.
Teenagers to pensioners are welcome - male and female. You don't have to have played club cricket for a certain number of years, which some involved in the game seem to think is the case.
Those interested in putting their names down for the course are asked to email scoopfisher@aol.com
Or you can just turn up on October 1 at Brumby Hall. It's not a requirement that trainees attend all 10 sessions, as clearly some may have a few nights when they are doing other things.
Full, expert training will be given by qualified officials who are experienced umpires. There's no charge for the course, other than the cost of buying the necessary text book (written by Tom Smith). And even the "Umpires' Bible" comes at a much-reduced rate.
There will be many across the county thinking that this is going to be their final playing season. Umpiring allows you to stay in touch with the game once playing days are over.
Lincs Cricket Latest will be happy to publicise the close season training courses being offered in Lincoln and Grimsby, when the time comes. However, ahead of that, if you live in either of those areas and want to declare your interest now, use the email above and we will be happy to forward your details to Steve Massingham (Lincoln) and Gordon Turner (Grimsby) on your behalf.
League umpires are paid match expenses  to cover the cost of travel. You don't have to umpire on  Saturdays AND Sundays - or in midweek, if it's not convenient to you.