Middlesex Association of Cricket Officials (Middlesex ACO)
Our Aim is to develop confident, competent umpires and scorers by providing training, guidance and support in accordance with the ECB ACO's "pathway of training." It doesn't matter whether you choose to aspire to schools, juniors, club, county, national or even international level, we aim to facilitate you on that journey at your own pace
The Middlesex ACO is part of the structure that represents Umpires and Scorers across the country. The parent body, ECB ACO, is responsible for the recruitment, training and development of all officials for and on behalf of the national governing body, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). For further information about the national structure click here.
For more information about the services that the Middlesex ACO offers, follow this link.
Click here for the upcoming Scorers course dates.
Read about the different stages of Umpiring courses and upcoming training dates below, or on the Middlesex ACO website.
Young Cricket Officials
This programme is aimed at giving 13-18 year olds the key skills and confidence to umpire and score a cricket game. It's completely free, and involves face to face training where you learn how to umpire and score, before putting it into practice by playing matches.
You’ll then be ready to go back to your club or school and put these new skills into practice, and then be offered chances at festivals and tournaments where you will be mentored and supported. It’s perfect for any 13-18 year old who wants to learn more about cricket, help out at their local club/school, or learn some valuable skills to use towards a volunteering scheme (such as Duke of Edinburgh).
Upcoming course information for 2025 will be posted soon...
Scorers Courses
The Middlesex ACO organise a number of Scorer courses throughout the winter, aimed at anyone wanting to be scoring on a regular basis through to those who want to progress to the top level. The Basic Scoring course is a free online course, and is run alongside face-to-face courses such as Introduction to Scoring, Play-Cricket Scorer App, Ready Steady Score, and Club Scorer. Should you wish to progress further, then you will need to become an official member of the Middlesex ACO.
Basic Scoring (free online course)
This free entry level course is designed to provide you with all the skills needed to start scoring. You don’t need any prior knowledge of scoring to participate/ The course covers the basics of scoring a game of cricket such as scoring symbols, umpire signals, dismissals and gives a helpful overview of the Laws of the Game. Register here.
Click here for information on the rest of the various Scorers courses.
Umpire Courses
The Middlesex ACO usually run a number of courses for umpires over the close season. For more information on the types of courses offered, and the required booking links, please click here.
ACO Introduction to Umpiring
Whatever your aspirations, this free 2½ hour introduction to umpiring will give any cricket enthusiast curious about becoming an umpire a taste of what the role entails. The course is not overly technical and is an ideal starter covering the more common Laws so that with greater confidence you can umpire a local cricket match or a match in which you are a player.
Upcoming course information for 2025 will be posted soon...
ECB Umpire Course
Introduction
The Middlesex ACO runs a comprehensive programme of umpire education each close season, offering structured training for new and developing umpires across the county. Whether you are taking your first step into officiating or looking to progress towards higher‑level recreational or panel cricket, our courses provide clear, supportive and professionally delivered development at every stage.
Why Become an Umpire?
Umpiring offers a unique and rewarding way to stay closely connected to the game, giving you the best seat in the house every time you step onto the field. It allows you to play a vital role in ensuring cricket is played fairly, safely and in the right spirit, while developing skills that extend far beyond the boundary — decision‑making, communication, confidence and leadership.
Whether you are looking to give back to the sport, support your local club, or progress towards higher‑level officiating, umpiring provides a clear pathway and a valued place within the Middlesex cricket community. Middlesex ACO is committed to supporting umpires at every stage of their journey, from first steps to advanced development.
ECB Umpiring Course
1 day £70 Delivered nationally by ECB Officiating
The ECB Umpiring Course is the starting point for anyone looking to step into officiating. Designed and delivered nationally by the ECB Officiating Department, it provides new umpires with the core knowledge required to stand in social and junior cricket and serves as the first formal step on the ECB promotion pathway.
For those aspiring to progress towards panel cricket, this course is normally essential. Attendees also receive free ACO membership for their first year (worth £35 in 2026), offering access to further training, resources and support.
Courses available in Middlesex:
Courses in Middlesex have already started. The next course in the county is scheduled as follows:
Additional courses across the country can be found via the ECB Course Finder: https://www.ecb.co.uk/course-finder
Please check back for further ECB Umpiring Courses in Middlesex during winter 2026/2027.
ECB ACO Umpire Development Course
1 day or three evenings £20 Delivered by County ACOs
The ECB ACO Umpire Development Course builds significantly on the entry‑level ECB Umpiring Course and is essential for anyone aiming to become a confident Club Umpire or progress towards panel cricket.
The programme covers the practical and technical aspects of umpiring in greater depth, including match regulations, appeals and dismissals, dead ball situations, unfair play, positioning and movement, and duty of care. It is designed to give umpires the competence and assurance needed to officiate recreational cricket effectively.
You need not be an ACO member to book this course.
Courses available in Middlesex:
https://booking.ecb.co.uk/event/39545408-53a2-489d-9206-97db91f561e3/summary
Further Umpire Development Courses are currently being planned for early 2027. Please check back for more details.
Middlesex ACO Umpire Progression Course (UPC)
2 days £40 Delivered by Middlesex ACO
The Middlesex ACO Umpire Progression Course is a comprehensive programme for umpires looking to advance to higher levels of recreational cricket, whether within club structures or on county panels.
Building on the Umpire Development Course, it explores more technical Laws and detailed applications of league regulations. Topics include rain interruptions, slow over rate penalties, powerplays, free hits, penalty time, runners for injured batters, wide ball applications and field craft.
This course equips umpires with the deeper knowledge required to manage complex match situations confidently and consistently.
You need not be an ACO member to book this course, but you must have booked or attended the ECB ACO Umpire Development Course (or equivalent).
Provisional dates for 2027:
Venue(s) to be confirmed
To register interest: education.courses@middlesexaco.com
Continued Professional Development (CPD) Sessions
In conjunction with the ECB ACO, Middlesex ACO delivers a programme of Continued Professional Development (CPD) sessions throughout the close season. These sessions are open to all umpires, regardless of experience or current level, and provide ongoing support to help officials refine their skills, stay up to date with Law changes, and develop confidence in managing the modern game.
Whether you are newly qualified or have many seasons behind you, CPD offers an opportunity to deepen your understanding, share best practice, and engage with fellow umpires across the county.
The CPD programme for 2026/27 is currently being organised, and full details will be published soon. Amongst the topics planned for this winter include:
Next Steps
If you’re ready to take the next step in your umpiring journey, we would be delighted to support you. Middlesex ACO’s winter programme offers clear, structured training for new umpires, developing umpires and those aiming to officiate at higher levels of recreational cricket.
For full details of the courses available this winter — including dates, venues and booking links — please click here, here or please email education.courses@middlesexaco.com and our team will be delighted to help you find the course that best suits your experience and ambitions.
Wherever you are in your umpiring career, we look forward to welcoming you into the Middlesex umpiring community.
Information around the other courses on offer are announced on the Middlesex ACO website.
Still unsure? Please contact Ned on education@middlesexaco.com who will be happy to help.
