Photo © ECC

John Holder and Denis Burns ran an ECC Introductory Umpiring Course, complete with written and oral examinations, over the weekend of 6ñ 8 December in Nice, France, using the new visual format developed by Graham Cooper. The participants travelled considerable distances from around the area of Provence in order to attend, with organizer, Graham Kelsey, journeying from Northern Italy to ensure everything was in place!

The growth of an umpiring base in France is slowly emerging, but this is more than compensated for by the enthusiasm and motivation of those who attended the course. The Laws of the game were discussed and debated in depth. Everyone agreed that the PowerPoint presentation used by the ECC is a welcome format that facilitates real understanding of some of the finer points of the Laws.

The standard of candidates was excellent and they lost no time in quizzing John about his experiences at county and Test level. John was able to speak at length about field techniques and man-management at the highest level of the game. All candidates were appreciative of the opportunity to discuss their concerns and views with an umpire who was able to contextualise his knowledge and skills in an informed and stimulating style.