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YOUR local DACO needs you!   The Devon Association of Cricket Officials is looking to spread the knowledge of the laws of the game and recruit more umpires into their ranks for 2019.The Association have entered into a partnership with the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, which will sponsor some of the courses being run over the winter.

Four, free introduction to umpiring courses will be held in each area in Devon.  These courses last no more than 2½ hours and are ideal for those who are, or would like to be, involved in umpiring junior and friendly matches at their own club.The course covers most of the basic details required to umpire a game of cricket. No previous umpiring experience is needed.

Get involved - take up umpiringChris Shelton, DACO’S training and education officer, said league support was pivotal to getting the courses run. He added: “These courses will provide a basic level of understanding of the laws of cricket for those wishing to be involved in junior, or friendly, cricket at their own club.

“Those interested will have the opportunity to progress to the ECB/ACO-accredited courses in the spring.”

The first of these courses will be held in the South Area, at Barton CC on Wednesday, January 2, commencing at 7.30pm.  Anyone interested attending should contact Shelton on 01803 400951, or email at christheumpire1@gmail.com.

The accredited stage-one course for umpires will be held over two Saturday mornings, January 19 and February 2.  Sessions will be from 9am to 12.30pm.  Candidates will need to attend on both to complete the course.  The venue for the course will be the Exeter Court Hotel and the cost of a place is £30.

The second stage of this course will be on Saturday, February 23 and Saturday, March 2.  Attendance hours and venue will be the same as for the stage-one course.  Candidates wishing to enrol in both stage one and stage two will be able to do so for the discounted price of £40.

The completion of both stages is required in order for candidates to have a full appreciation of all of the laws of the game.

Anyone interested should contact Shelton directly as places will be strictly limited.