New association for Berkshire officials

The membership currently includes two Minor Counties Umpires, seven on the ECB Home Counties Premier League panel and fourteen committed to the Thames Valley League (including the League Appointments Secretary).

Among the scorers, there are two with Minor Counties experience, one of whom has also scored a One Day International at Lords.

Peter Harris was elected chairman while Sue Jones and Mick Southerton became secretary and treasurer respectively and four other committee roles were filled, ranging from education to appointments and publicity.

The Chairman told the meeting: “It was extremely pleasing to find that, before the Inaugural Meeting, I had received nominations for all the positions of Officers and Committee. In addition the Berkshire Cricket Board has already approved a budget for the procurement of all the equipment for training that will be needed by the Association.”

“Being backed by the Board and with a talented and enthusiastic committee, we are extremely well placed to ‘hit the road running’.”

During the latter part of 2007 and the early part of 2008, the Association intends to offer courses and examinations for both Level I and Level II Umpires, as well as a Scorers Course and is also determined to support its’ membership beyond just these examinations.

Assessment Officer Roy Kinner added: “BCOA has pioneered and introduced a County initiative aimed at enlisting and encouraging new younger and ambitious members. In conjunction with ECB, this will identify a clear and transparent development path for Umpires, particularly those who wish to progress to Premier League cricket and on to Minor Counties.

To keep pace with the changes occurring within the modern game, senior Umpires are being used to implement the training programme working with suitable candidates to encourage their fast tracking via on field development and assessment.

Training courses will be equally available for those not wishing to join an independent panel, but simply hone their Umpiring skills to support their local clubs.