THE ever-decreasing number of umpires is a continuing worry for all cricket leagues in Yorkshire - none more so than the Drakes Huddersfield League.
So once again the Huddersfield Umpires Association are holding a winter training course at Broad Oak Cricket Club, starting in the New Year.
The course, on Thursday evenings, starting on January 11, will be conducted by the YCB's West Yorkshire Training Officer, and has been designed to accommodate both recent and new club umpires, together with those also wishing to become fully-trained umpires and included on the League list.
The first six weeks of the 10-week course will cover all basic aspects required to officiate as a club umpire, while those wishing to extend their knowledge and hopefully join the umpires list can continue for a further four weeks.
The Drakes League are urging all clubs to ensure that a minimum of one person per club attends the first part of the course, while also encouraging them to seek out volunteers, either from existing club members or past players, who wish to undertake the full course.
Further details can be obtained from Trevor Atkinson (01422 378371) or Ron Tindall (pictured) on 01484 643307.
* The Drakes Huddersfield League's annual dinner is starting to sell out fast with over 389 tickets already sold for the January 19 event at the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top.
Five clubs have still to get their booking orders in to executive secretary Paul Whiteley and they are requested to do so as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
* The Sellers Huddersfield Junior League are holding their annual meeting tomorrow at Bradley & Colnebridge WMC (7.30pm).
Any clubs wishing to join the league for the 2007 season should either be represented at the meeting, or contact secretary John Dollive (01484 863943) as soon as possible.
