A fantastic opportunity: Lincolnshire Cricket are generously offering University of Lincoln sports students three free places for their forthcoming Level One Cricket Umpires Course. Please read the below course information for further details.

The Level 1 course is for those who wish to start their umpiring journey by officiating for their club and in local leagues. No previous knowledge is expected but most of those who register will have played the game or done some sort of umpiring in the past. The course will also be of interest to those who wish to know more about the game and its laws.

The ECB ACO course book will be used to supplement various slides showing situations in cricket matches and there will be practical demonstrations where possible.

The course will be run by fully-qualified instructors.

Venue: Human Performance Centre, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS

Dates: Four consecutive Saturdays from 17th January 2014 – 7th February 2014

Time: 10am – 5pm

Cost: Free for three successful UoL sports student applicants (Usual cost –  £80). Includes course materials, Laws of Cricket, the umpire’s ‘Bible’: Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring & Scoring, 12 months membership of ECB ACO (which includes insurance whilst umpiring) & 12 months membership of the Lincoln & District Umpires Association.

Before applying for one of the three available free places, you need to be able to commit to attending all scheduled sessions. Failure to do so will result in failing the course.

To apply for one of the three free places, please email Alex Blackett (ablackett@lincoln.ac.uk) answering the following question before 5pm Friday 14th November, 2014:

How will you benefit from attending the course?

Please keep answers to a maximum of 350 words. A panel of three staff members will review applications and successful candidates will be notified the week commencing 17th November, 2014.