Success upon success "From Grassroots to GB"

This year we have run more courses for umpires than at any other time. The Umpire courses have been oversubscribed in many areas of the country and have been very well received. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers we have taught, tested and accredited over 300 successful students as Preliminary (level 1) Umpires. Well done to those involved.

The Intermediate Level 2 course has also been successful with a growing army covering the whole of the UK...we still need more to help develop the game.

Clubs, Schools, CSP's, SSC's can contact us and we will work with them to present courses at all levels. Ask us about the very successful format we have for linking Secondary and feeder schools.

If you are interested in organising an Umpiring course, please contact Sian Barnett on
0114 2480357 or please email, sian.barnett@roundersengland.co.uk. 

Umpires Code of Conduct

The integrity of Rounders is embodied in the umpire in whom trust is placed to ensure the game is played by the rules. This code of conduct is a reminder to umpires of their obligation to maintain fair play, to give both teams a chance to win on merit, by applying the rules in a fair and neutral manner. 

Umpires should: 

·         be the third team on the field and shall remain neutral working together

·         always have regard for the best interests of the game, including where publicly expressing an opinion of the game and any particular aspect of it, including others involved in the game.

·         not use or tolerate inappropriate language or unsporting techniques

·         promote ethical principles

·         not show any favour towards any team or player

·         not pass comment on the quality of play or make coaching comments

·         present a professional image at all times and not smoke or drink when umpiring

·         be appropriately dressed

·         maintain a record of the match during play.

·         maintain movement around the pitch to observe play - be where the action is! If you are unsighted and the decision should be yours, consult the other umpire and base your decision on their view.

·         make calls loud and clear, consider the out field who also need to hear. If you are umpiring a match where conditions are such that the players cannot hear you (eg a windy day) or players have a hearing impairment, consider the use of simple hand signals in addition to your voice.

·         consult with the other umpire when decisions are close

·         inform captains at the beginning of the match of how to make a complaint. Player speaks to captain, captain approaches umpires, umpires take captains comments, umpires confer to make a decision.

·         make clear announcement of the cumulative score after every score is made, at the completion of each innings and at the end of the game.

·         only use the unsporting behaviour rule if you have already warned the player or the team – the exception to this is gross misconduct eg violence

·         always have regard for the health and safety of all participants and spectators

Gordon Leesley

Rules and Umpiring Secretary.

17 Oct 2004

Reviewed May 2008