Northern Ireland Association of Cricket Umpires


CRICKET NEEDS YOU!!! BECOME AN UMPIRE!!!

As you know, a game of cricket simply cannot take place without umpires. But, sadly, the number of people umpiring in the NCU is reducing.

Last season, for example, there weren’t enough umpires to cover every senior league game on several Saturdays.

The simple fact is that we need more umpires.

With that in mind, the Northern Ireland Association of Cricket Umpires and Scorers (NIACUS), which provides official umpires to the NCU, are looking for people of all ages, genders, races and abilities to think about getting into umpiring.

You don’t have to be a former cricketer, although many umpires are. You could be a parent, a mum, a dad or just someone with an interest in the game. And you don’t have to stop playing to be an umpire.

So, why would you think of becoming an umpire?

Well, being an umpire allows you to be right in the middle of a game and to have what is often described as the 'Best seat in the house'. It also brings with it a wide range of benefits, including:
  • - Improving your mental and physical wellbeing.
  • - Remaining centrally involved in the game that you love and putting something back into it.
  • - Developing as a person, for example by learning management and communications skills and by growing your self-confidence and awareness.
  • -  Contributing significantly to the community and a great sport.
  • -  Meeting new people and friends and being involved in a socially active group.
  • - Opening doors to travel to other regions and even internationally.
  • -  Becoming more knowledgeable about the game.
  • - Remaining relevant!

And, on top of all that, you actually get paid for being an official umpire!

So how can you get involved and what help will you get?

Well, NIACUS look after umpire education, training and development. They provide accredited courses (online and in person) and will be doing so early in the new year and ahead of the 2025 season. The courses are designed to give new umpires the key skills, knowledge and confidence to stand as an umpire in cricket and no prior experience of umpiring is required.

NIACUS will also provide other support and assistance, including subsidised umpire clothing.

All you need to do in the first instance is to express your interest in becoming an umpire. To do that, simply email: alan.neill@hotmail.co.uk

NIACUS will then get in touch and explain exactly how you can take things further.

And please rest assured that expressing an interest doesn’t tie you to anything: if you find it’s not for you, then absolutely no worries.

So, why not think about it and open the door to a whole new world of opportunities. All it takes is an email to start the ball rolling.

It could be the best thing you ever do!!!!