Association of Cricket Officials Issue 29 | Page 22

Table Cricket Finals ECB ACO had a great presence again at the Lord’s Taverners National Table Cricket Finals held in the Nursery Pavilion at Lord’s on 9 June. The game, which was developed in 1990, is an inclusive form of cricket for young people with a wide range of disabilities, so that everyone can have the chance to enjoy the game. Here is Surrey ACO Chairman Matt Johnson on his first time at the event: ‘I had not umpired the Table Cricket Finals day previously. The enthusiasm, energy and excitement of all the participants was a great experience. It was lovely to see the joy and fun on the faces of the players, and the support they got from those who supported them at the event. The players demonstrated skill, commitment and a keen competitive side, but retained a sense of fun and enjoyment that captured the Spirit of Cricket in a very pure form. ‘The volunteers, helpers and match officials all had a great day, and the organisation of the day helped create an environment where I think we all felt we had participated in a hugely worthwhile event. I want to congratulate the winners and all who helped to bring about one of the highlights of the season for me, and I am sure all who enjoyed the day. It was a life-affirming type of day!’ ECB ACO represented in the Nursery Pavilion – left to right: Keith Short, Matt Johnson, Richard Harrison, Lorraine Elgar, Ian Groves and Stephen Trull. If you want to get involved in this fantastic scheme, please contact Hamish Grant at [email protected] Bideford Seminar Congratulations to the North Devon Umpires and Scorers Association for the seminar they held back in March, which attracted 25 people. The tutors were Paul Dawe, former Training Officer for Devon ACO, and Steve Lavis, Performance Manager for Devon ACO and a minor counties umpire. The tutors quizzed the group quite strenuously on some very important practical points which occur in recreational cricket, and the audience coped very well in response. Areas discussed included Ground, Weather and Light, behaviour/discipline of teams, short and full-pitched bowling and MCC Law changes. It is great to see local ACOs so active in encouraging such discussions and continuous professional development. 22 email us at [email protected] contact us on 0121 446 2710