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A freezing Helsinki with temperatures averaging -6° greeted Denis Burns delivering the ICC European Introductory Course in Helsinki at in November. The course took place in a local, triple glazed primary school. Course members noted how warm it was for the time of year!

Ten candidates were in excellent form and eager to raise questions and debate the Laws in forensic detail. There was a wealth of experience to support new umpires, including a member of the national squad, the Chairman of Finish cricket, and Finland’s first female umpire.

Whilst only six attendees took the examination, a number of experienced umpires, including a member of the ICC European Elite Panel, used the event as a refresher course and shared their knowledge and experience with junior colleagues. This is always an enjoyable and enriching aspect of introductory courses. Local umpires are able to speak from an informed perspective, giving key advice concerning local regulations.

The course was a highly organised and successful event. Finland is desperately short of umpires and there are plans to organise another course in the early 2008. If the enthusiasm and commitment of those attending the November course carries into the next training event then Finland will harvest a fine crop of umpires to support their leagues.