It was time for change…it did not come as a surprise to me when I was drawn into attending the BCOA Level 1 Scorers Course.
The lovely Avril Acres encouraged me to attend, despite my hesitation at first. I finally enrolled and immediately my “light” began to shine again as I eagerly awaited the start of the course.
Level 1 Scorers Course 06 April 2013 – Day 1 (the Late Arrival)
I had an extreme sense of freedom as I took to the road and headed off to Kidmore End CC.
It was early and I would have plenty of time for meet and greet, well that was the plan until I got lost. My directions took me to a field in the middle of nowhere (well I was closer than I thought), but it was a case of not knowing the area and trying to read my map while driving!! Disaster!
As a result I phoned the club and a very polite gentleman articulated step by step instructions and I eventually arrived late. The course had started. I wanted to crawl in and make myself invisible but instead I walked over the projector wires, and directly in front of the screen. I could not have made a grander entrance if I tried!
What a way to start – NOT!!!
Avril came over and her warm welcome was much needed.
I soon began to relax as I was given my course materials and listened to the tutors Mike Carter and Eddie Lunn. They delivered with enthusiasm and great humour, as they shared Cricket stories which I thoroughly enjoyed.
They were discussing the attributes needed to be an effective scorer:
- Concentration Skills
- Positive attitude
- Team player
- Passionate about cricket
- Punctual (well almost!!!)
It was at this moment I knew I had what it takes!
Avril demonstrated to us what equipment she carried in her Cricket bag
to enable a successful and comfortable scoring experience. I was in disbelief when she unpacked her pens, pencils, ruler, sharpener, correction fluid, rain mac, cloth, binoculars, umbrella, sweets, and a calculator and so on… Avril I must say you travel light girl!!!
Tea, coffee and biscuits were provided and much needed by then – The Laws of Cricket were interesting and we had lots of discussion from the many Umpires attending the course. I was learning a lot more than I anticipated.
Other Interesting Topics covered
- The 10 key areas of a score sheet and the completion of those – what?
It was then when I immediately apologised to those disgruntled parents from long ago!
- Umpire signals
- Scoring symbols
- The many different ways of batsman dismissals
- Practical Scoring Exercises
- A video (which I will discuss later)
I was exhausted by the end of day 1, as it had been a full day of learning, but I was hungry for more.