The ECB Association of Cricket Officials (ACO) represents scorers and umpires for and on behalf of the national governing body, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Whether it’s the spectacle of a First-Class Test match or a recreational game on the local playing field, cricket at all levels depends on the enthusiasm and dedication of its officials.
Find out more about the Association of Cricket Officials here.
Contact details
Local County ACO: SACO - Paul Harvey, 07850 596509, sacosecretary@outlook.com
National ACO Phone: 0121 446 2710
Insurance
You’ll be covered by the most comprehensive insurance package available. This not only covers you while you are officiating, but also during your travel to and from grounds. You will also be covered for valuables placed in your care.
Development
County ACO’s are delivering regular member learning in both Umpiring and Scoring, aimed for individuals who have completed a base level of education (either the ECB Umpiring Course or Club Scorer Course). These sessions are designed to help support officials with their on-going learning and performance when umpiring or scoring.
The ECB Officiating Department are also delivering a series of workshops over 2024 that will be available for members to attend at no charge. These will be advertised via the Over & Out newsletters.
Code of Conduct
The ECB ACO takes its role as a provider of cricket for all very seriously. Our role is not only to uphold the Spirit of Cricket, apply the MCC Laws of cricket fairly and consistently, but is to act as role models for future generations of individuals being involved within our sport.
The ECB ACO have decided to adopt the ECB General Conduct Regulations, effective 1 January 2024.
Appointments:
With access to the official appointments website, whostheumpire.com, you’ll be able to put yourself forward to officiate fixtures at local level as well as ECB competitions.
ECB DBS Certificate*
If you are currently Officiating within England & Wales and wish to take up Full Membership, dependant on your role, then you will need to hold a valid ECB DBS Certificate. If you are unsure on the status of your Certificate or requirement to have one, then please contact our Customer Support team by clicking here.
*DBS not applicable for scorers from 1 January 2024
Courses
There are a whole host of courses available to you if you wish to become a cricket umpire or scorer. Stage 1, Basic Umpiring and Basics of scoring courses are now available online. For more information please click on the links below:-
ECB Umpiring Course 2025 - Staffordshire
This course is designed to give new umpires the key skills, knowledge and confidence to stand as an umpire in cricket.
No prior experience of umpiring in cricket is required before attending the course.
Whether you plan to support Junior Softball cricket through to adult cricket, this course will cover the following topics:
- Understanding the role of the umpire
- Gain a basic understanding of umpiring the game
- Answering appeals and the common methods of dismissal
- How to communicate effectively with all stakeholders in the game
- Judging whether or not it is safe to play
The course is split into classroom and practical learning, so we recommend learners to come dressed appropriately.
Learners will be asked to complete some e-learning prior to attending the course, which will take no more than 90 minutes to complete in total. Pre-learning can be completed via multiple visits or in one go.
Pre-requisites:
Learners must be 14 years of age at the time of the course.
Cost £70.00
Dates to be announced.
Staffordshire ACO Annual General Meeting Reports 2025
AGM Agenda 2025
Chairmans AGM Report 2025
CEO AGM Report 2025
County Scorers Officers Report AGM 2025
Appointment Officers AGM Report 2025
CDO AGM Report 2025
Treasurers Report AGM 2025
AGM Accounts 2025
SACO Constitution
Officials Remuneration 2026
