On Sunday, 3 November, the Warwickshire Cricket Foundation, in partnership with the ECB and the Warwickshire County Association of Cricket Officials, held a female umpiring course.
This is the first female umpiring course run in Warwickshire, with 26 females dedicating their time to learn more about officiating the game. It is also the largest female only umpiring course run in England to date.
The course was delivered by international female umpire Anna Harris, Warwickshire ACO Education Lead Rob Evans, and Dan Such.
Anna Harris began her umpiring career in 2017 and has made history as the youngest international cricket umpire in The Hundred. Earlier this year, she served as the TV Umpire for the T20 World Cup Final held in the United Arab Emirates, where New Zealand played against South Africa.
Anna said, “I hope that all these women and girls will feel inspired to take up umpiring and encourage others to do the same, leading to more women being involved in the game.”
Those on the course included players Anisha Patel and Liz Russell, who have previously played professional regional cricket.
Anisha Patel, Warwickshire and Central Sparks cricketer, said “Having a playing and coaching background has already given me a bit of an umpiring background but it’s great to be here today to get more of an insight and gain a qualification”
Those qualified are now able to start progressing through the Women’s or Men’s pathway and start gaining experience umpiring junior, non-county cricket, and social Cricket.
Gabby Basketter, Women and Girls Club Development Officer, said “There’s a range of women who attended the course from those with softball playing experience to hardball experience.”
“It’s great to see people with varying experience want to have a go at umpiring and more importantly be able to support club activity going on during the summer.”
For information on upcoming umpiring courses, please click here to visit the relevant page.