International Institute of Cricket Umpiring & Scoring
BTEC Certificate Course via the Internet
This is the first cricket on-line umpiring course in the world to be accredited by an independent educational validation body - Edexcel. Those who complete it successfully will earn for themselves a qualification for life - a BTEC Certificate. As an indicator of achievement in both academic and vocational disciplines, this is a qualification with 'real-world' value that can only assist career and employment prospects.
The Course is comprised of three units. The first two units are Internet-based, involving the learner using a home computer to progress through the Modules. There is no need to attend a course centre on a regular basis and there is no time limit for completion of the course, you can work as fast or as slow as you want to and you can be in constant touch with your Tutor via eMail. The third unit involves field experience in cricket matches.
The content of each Course unit consists of:
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Unit 1 - Cricket Law and Its Application (Preview)
(Apply here)
Knowledge of the 42 Laws of Cricket alone does not make a good umpire, but no umpire can ever be successful without a comprehensive understanding of the Laws of the game and their interpretation and application. Unit 1 comprises 4 on-line Modules, each containing approximately 12 Laws. Each Module concentrates on Laws related to specific topics, with special emphasis on those most likely to be administered during a cricket match. But this is not 'rote-learning' - learners will not just understand what the Laws say but why they say it. A considerable amount of home study is also required referencing the MCC website and the Open Learning Manual, together with assessed written work which will be controlled via the Internet. Each learner will be allocated a qualified and experienced Tutor who will be responsible for guiding the learner through the Modules via email communication.
Unit 2 - Management Issues and Cricket Umpiring
While cricket is not a contact sport and has a long tradition of 'gentlemanly' behaviour and conduct amongst players and between players and umpires, the increasingly competitive - 'win at all costs' - nature of society these days is unfortunately reflected within cricket, too. Similarly the 'Duty of Care' responsibilities upon all sports officials in today's increasingly litigious sports environment grow relentlessly year on year. Unit 2 Modules cover key aspects of man-management; conflict resolution; communication skills; field-craft techniques; use of body language, humour and personality; duty of care; legal responsibilities and child welfare protection guide-lines. In other words, all the basic personal skills, qualities and attributes necessary for controlling the conduct of the players and a match. Each Module is studied and individually assessed via the Internet and supported by a personal Tutor.
Unit 3 - Practical Umpiring Skills
This unit consists of a season's practical umpiring experience with a minimum of 10 completed match appointments at an approved level of cricket. Learners' performances during this time will be independently assessed by specialist IICUS-accredited Boundary Assessors during a minimum of 3 matches. Additionally, learners will be required to complete a self-evaluation log of all matches in which they stand during this period. Training in self-evaluation techniques forms part of this unit.
The Course may be taken in stages to fit in with your personal situation or circumstances and you do not have to attend an IICUS Learner Centre, but the three units do have to be taken in consecutive sequence, i.e. Unit 1, followed by Unit 2, followed by Unit 3. Learners should be aware that there is an additional fee to be paid to Edexcel who accredit and monitor this course.
