The Community Umpire & Scorer Advisory Group and Regional Umpire & Scorer Developers have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to strengthen the umpiring and scoring network across Aotearoa. Their collective focus is on creating clearer pathways, better recognition, stronger regional support, and more consistent development opportunities for the people who play such a vital role in delivering cricket at every level. Umpires and scorers are often referred to as cricket’s “third team”, and this work is designed to ensure they feel valued, connected, supported, and equipped to thrive.
NZC Years of Service Recognition Certificates
This initiative has been developed to formally recognise match officials who give countless hours to the game they love. The certificates will acknowledge long-standing contribution, commitment, and service, while celebrating the important role umpires and scorers play in creating positive cricket experiences for players, coaches, administrators, and supporters. It is a simple but meaningful way to say thank you to those who consistently give their time, knowledge, and care to the game.
Umpiring & Scoring EDM (quarterly newsletter)
The quarterly Umpiring & Scoring EDM has been created to keep the wider umpire and scorer network informed, connected, and inspired. It will share key updates from across the regions, celebrate good news stories, highlight learning opportunities, and showcase the work being led by the Advisory Group and Regional Umpire & Scorer Developers. The newsletter will also provide a regular platform to recognise the people, ideas, and initiatives that are helping build a stronger national community. The first edition will be released soon.
New Accreditation & Exam Process
The two groups are progressing a refreshed accreditation and assessment process that places greater emphasis on practical competency, confidence, and on-field readiness rather than relying solely on a standalone exam. This is a significant piece of work that aims to make accreditation more relevant, accessible, and supportive for officials at different stages of their journey. The goal is to provide clearer expectations, stronger development feedback, and a pathway that better reflects the realities of umpiring and scoring in community cricket. This work is targeted for completion ahead of the 2027/28 season.
Regional Match Official Manager Role
The Regional Umpire & Scorer Developers have prepared a detailed document outlining the work required to support, administer, and grow the umpire and scorer journey. This includes recruitment, onboarding, training, appointments, mentoring, communication, recognition, and ongoing development. By clearly setting out the scope and value of this work, the group is helping demonstrate to Major Associations the importance of dedicated regional support. The aim is to explore how a Regional Match Official Manager role, or similar support structure, could help provide consistency, leadership, and stronger coordination across each association.
New Umpire Starter Packs
The New Umpire Starter Packs are another practical way to support people entering the umpiring pathway and help them feel prepared from their first match. The proposed pack includes a gear bag, counter, set of bowler markers, stump template, and law book. The group is also exploring sponsorship opportunities, providing a potential partner with positive visibility while directly supporting community officials. This initiative reflects a wider commitment to making the first steps into umpiring easier, more welcoming, and more professional.
A Scorer’s Pathway
Members of the Community Umpire & Scorer Advisory Group and some of our more experienced members of the Scoring network are using their experiences and knowledge to piece together what the pathway could look like for scorers in Aotearoa. This is vital to understanding that there is a pathway for those interested in scoring cricket.
Together, these projects show the significant amount of thought, collaboration, and hard work being contributed by the Advisory Group and Regional Umpire & Scorer Developers. Much of this effort happens quietly in the background, but its impact will be felt across the country through better support systems, stronger development opportunities, clearer pathways, and greater recognition for the people who help the game run. Their work is helping pave a more sustainable, inclusive, and positive future for umpiring and scoring in Aotearoa.
