Training

The better, more accomplished and confident you are at doing something, the more enjoyable it is. Learning how to umpire to the best of your ability not only gains the respect of the players, it also makes the role more rewarding and, in turn, the day more interesting and enjoyable for you and for everyone else on the field of play.

Devising and developing effective education, training and assessment programmes for umpires and scorers is immensely challenging, not least because, while umpiring and scoring are practical skills, a certain amount of academic knowledge, learning and understanding is also needed. However, the thrust of umpire and scorer training is undoubtedly more vocational than academic. Instead of discouraging its Course candidates by setting assessments that require elaborate written answers, and establishing forbiddingly high minimum examination pass requirements, IICUS education programmes are based on proven teaching precepts that encourage people to want to learn these skills and to qualify. Many assessment elements are visual, using photographs, animations, and video sequences. They simulate match conditions; because cricket umpiring requires critical vision and the ability to assimilate unfolding action quickly. This certainly does not mean that IICUS training is easy. It is not. But it is more appropriate for today's learners.

'Passing and Failing':
This type of training and assessment is based on the learner's successful achievement of all the Learning Outcomes required on the course. This makes for a much more accurate assessment of what has actually been learnt and understood, rather than traditional 'pass-mark' systems in which the learner may pass an examination even though a substantial percentage of the submitted answers - in some cases as high as 45% - may be either missing or incorrect - revealing unacceptable gaps in the knowledge and understanding of the Laws of Cricket and their application.

IICUS Umpire Accreditation Courses

Now available - C: BTEC Certificate Course description

In Development and available from 2008

A: Foundation Course
The short A1 Course will be suitable for anyone with an interest in the game of cricket, whether it be player, captain, twelfth man, or parent of a player and will be essential for anyone who ever acts - or is asked or prevailed upon - to 'do a stint as' - as an umpire, even if it's only for a few overs while 'their' side is batting.
It will cover the most common situations and applications of the Laws likely to occur during an average Saturday afternoon game - e.g. No ball, Wide ball, LBW, Ground Weather & Light, and Law 42, - and will include essential advice, information and guidance on the umpire's duty of care, with particular regard to dangerous bowling and the requirements of youth/junior cricket .

B: Scorer's Course
This is in the early stages of development and details will be posted here as they become available.

D: Advanced Diploma Course
D1 will consist of a further season's practical umpiring experience at a higher level of cricket. Learners' performances during this time will be independently assessed by specialist IICUS-trained and accredited Boundary Assessors over a number of matches and the Course will conclude with a searching scenario-based oral assessment. This will include comprehensive examination of the learner's understanding of typical national Premier League and professional competitions, first-class county and, where appropriate, International Cricket Council(ICC), One Day International(ODI) and Test Match Playing Regulations.

Renewing Qualifications:
Success in an IICUS Course and in obtaining an IICUS qualification is only the start of an ongoing story. Like most formally-recognised and accredited educational bodies, IICUS believes in a policy of continuous personal development. Members are expected to attend regular, short, 'qualification-rating renewal' sessions at set intervals every few years, to update their skills and learn and adopt latest best-practice.

Prior Learning Exemptions:
IICUS accepts - and will give due credit for - qualifications earned with or through other IICUS-recognised umpire and scorer training bodies, although some conditions may apply. When completing your Application Form for membership of IICUS, you should list out where indicated any existing qualifications you hold, the date when they were obtained and the name of the awarding bodies. The Institute Secretary will be able to advise you upon receipt of your completed Application Form.