ICC European Officials Association (EOA)
Welcome to the ICC European Officials Association section of the ICC Europe website. The European Officials Association (EOA) was officially launched at the ICC European Officials Seminar held at Lord's on 4-6 April 2008.
The EOA has been set up to bring all the qualified officials within Europe closer together. It will create an association in which you, the official, can gain knowledge and have a voice in how umpire, scorer and referee education moves forward throughout Europe. It is essentially a communication tool and we aim to be in a much better situation to communicate with our officials now that this Association has been set up.
Full details of further benefits can be obtained by going to the ICC European Officials Brochure. Joining is FREE and all you need do is to download the ICC EOA Membership Application Form and send it to the ICC Europe Office either:
By post to:
ICC European Officials Association
ICC Europe Office
Lord's Cricket Ground
London NW8 8QN
UK
or by email to officials.association@icc-europe.org
Upon successful acceptance of your application we will send you the following welcome pack:
- ICC Europe Tie
- ICC Europe Bowler's mark
- 25 Umpire Overs Cards
This welcome pack will be despatched within 28 days of acceptance. You will see from the Brochure that the chain of communication includes Country Board Officials Association Representatives and a list of these can be found on the Umpire Reps page of our website. You will also find a comprehensive description of our education programme for officials under the following pages of our website:
Copies of past editions of 'Signals' our newsletter for Officials can be downloaded as required.
We look forward to welcoming you into our ever-increasing family.
Answers to your questions
Below are a number of answers to questions that you are likely to have.
Why is it called an 'Officials' Association'?
The word 'Officials' is used to ensure that all personnel responsible for the smooth running of a match are recognised. This would include: umpires, scorers and match referees, and our aim is to offer education to all such personnel.
Can I still use my current ACU&S Qualifications?
Yes. ICC Europe will recognise all ACU&S qualifications (umpire and scorer) that you may have. When completing the Application Form please ensure that you tell us the level of qualification you have obtained.
How do my ACU&S qualifications compare with the 'new' set up?
Comparisons charts are to be found on the:
Do I have to join the ECB ACO in order to umpire in my local cricket?
No. At present ICC Europe do not insist that anyone joins the ECB ACO. However, given the benefits they offer, we see very little point in not joining. The fact that you are insured is a clear advantage and is worth the yearly subscription (currently £20) on its own.
Do I have to join the ECB ACO in order to continue to be a member of and/or be nominated for, an ICC European Umpire Panel?
No. At present ICC Europe do not insist that anyone joins the ECB ACO. However, given the benefits they offer, we see very little point in not joining. Although ICC Europe has separate insurance for its Panel Umpires we still recommend that they join the ECB ACO - however, it is not mandatory.
Will ICC Europe recognise other qualifications obtained elsewhere?
This will depend on when these qualifications were gained and the issuing body of the qualification. Where the qualification is already known to us, and we recognise its worth, we may agree these as being acceptable. Where the qualification is unknown we reserve the right to find out further details before agreeing to accept them. The Level at which any qualification fits into our system will be determined once all the facts surrounding that qualification are known. However, it is our overriding wish that all umpires/scorers follow the same standard pathway and, to that end, we would urge all Countries to use the new qualification pathway that we are advocating.
Does the ICC EOA replace my own Country's Officials Association?
Definitely not. We see your Country's own Association as a vital link between you and us. You will see, in the ICC European Officials Brochure, the pathway of communication that has been set up and we see your local Association as a vital part in this process.
My Country does not have an Officials Association, what do I do?
We would encourage all Countries to start such an Association in order to service the needs of its officials. Some Countries already have an Umpires Association and we would suggest that these titles be changed to reflect the fact that all officials should be represented within these groups. However, where no such Association exists we still have a Representative from each Country and these are the people who you should contact should you require any help and advice on a local basis. A full list of these Representatives can be found on our Umpires Representatives page
