CLUBS in the Tolchards Devon League have been offered a helping hand training umpires and scorers over the winter.

For 2016/2017 the league has set aside a budget of £1,500 to support member clubs wishing to nominate individuals for training courses run by DACO for either umpiring or scoring.

DACO – the Devon Association of Cricket Officials - has arranged a level one umpiring course at Bovey Tracey CC on November 20 and 27.  Both days will commence at 9.30 pm and finish at 5.00 pm. 

Ed Leverton, the secretary of the league said the aim is to improve standards of match management through the competition. 

“We know that having good-quality umpires and scorers is rated very highly by players, as the recent Devon Cricket League players’ survey revealed,’ said Leverton.

“Ideally, we would like to support DACO to increase the number of umpires on their panel. 

“However, having competent umpires and scorers, at all levels of the game, within the DCL is incredibly important.

“A budget of £1,500 equates to just over 20 course placements. 

“Once the money has been allocated, which will be on a first-come, first-served basis, clubs and or individuals will be responsible for funding their placements on these courses.”

Leverton wants names, email addresses and telephone contact number for any individuals who are interested in participating in either an umpiring or scoring training course. 

DACO, over the course of the next few weeks, will be arranging courses against the demand raised through this promotion,” said Leverton.

“It is important individuals nominated actually take up their places on these training courses.”

The scheme will close to all applications on Thursday, November 10.

Details of course content, together with planned courses, can be found at http://www.devoncricket.co.uk/page.php?Id=232