Association of Cricket Officials Issue 28 | Page 29

FAQs Q. Why do some scorers use a symbol for a bye, but others use the letter ‘B’ or a dot? A. The decision on how to record a bye, or indeed any other extra, is that of the scorer. For a bye, the ECB ACO recommends either an abbreviation (B) or a (). If a symbol is used then a legend should be shown in the extras section. Some modern scorebooks print this legend. Q. In what order should I enter data into the scorebook? A. The order is up to the scorer. Many start with the bowling section, followed by batting, then the tally and, if applicable, extras. Whatever order is chosen, stick to it for consistency. Q. I have to run my scoreboard as well as score. Which should I do first? A. Firstly, you are the scorer, not the scoreboard operator. If you volunteer to run the scoreboard, this is a secondary duty to your scoring. The ECB ACO would recommend the book first. Q. Total Cricket Scorer allows me to enter data by more than one method. Which is the correct method? A. The order is up to the scorer. Many use the single-button approach, while others use the multi-button [approach]. Some enter wagon wheels, others do not. If you are running a scoreboard, the use of the freeze button before making corrections is highly recommended. Q. I use an abbreviation for byes and leg byes in my scorebook, but my Total Cricket Scorer (TCS) shows a symbol. Can I change TCS? A. Yes. Go to the ribbon at the top of the screen and select the Tools option. Next, select General and look under the heading of Others and you will see the first box is titled Use Modern Extras Symbols. Untick this box and TCS will use ‘B’ and ‘L’ for extras. Q. One of our umpires refuses to watch for the two balls to go check with his colleague, and often miscounts the over. He tells me I should add any he misses and leave off any extra balls. What should I do? The new scorer video has been well received and is proving to be a great success. I understand it has been used in a number of courses and workshops throughout the regions. A. You should record what you and your colleague, if you have one, agree you have seen. I am expecting to make more ECB and other assorted appointments this season. The ACO will again be appointing Young Officials scorers to the London Schools Cricket Association (LSCA) festival – which this season is to take place at Ampleforth College in Yorkshire during July and August – and also to Lord’s on 10 June for the JP Morgan event and 11 May for the MCC Corporate Day. A. If you want to progress along the scorer pathway, you will need to be accredited. An assessor will need evidence of your work. Copies of scoring records, be they online or offline, can form part of your portfolio. You can also create, or request from colleagues, a feedback form, which can also be part of your portfolio. Q. I have been told that I need to keep a portfolio of my scoring. Why? At the time of writing I am on-board ship, which took a few extra days to cross the Atlantic, as we had to alter course in order to navigate around six (yes, six!) storm systems. I’m now in calm waters and searching for Wi-Fi connectivity! Sue Jones National Scorers’ Officer email us at [email protected] contact us on 0121 446 2 710 29