The Dorset Association of Cricket Officials has its own website which you can visit by clicking here.

The Dorset Association of Cricket Officials consists of umpires and scorers who are dedicated to serving the needs of recreational and youth cricket throughout Dorset. At present we provide match officials for all county youth matches, up to the under-17 age group, along with premier league and division one matches throughout the season. In order to fulfil this function to the highest possible standard, every match official is invited to attend a training course during the winter. These training courses are held throughout the County, and are organised and run by our trained instructors. All instructors and officers of the Association are unpaid volunteers. At present we run at least two courses a year. We are available to run more, shorter courses, for those clubs to which, at present, we cannot appoint umpires.

There are approximately eighty one cricket clubs in Dorset. We appoint umpires for twenty of those clubs for Saturday matches only. Our aim is to increase this number. To this end we require more instructors and equally important more equipment for our current instructors. Until recently we have been unable to fulfil the requests for umpires to officiate for Sunday matches. Fortunately, we are now able to provide umpires for a small number of Sunday matches. We aim to continue this improvement by training and recruitment.

The DACO Committee Members

LINK TO DACO WEBSITE

Core Activity

The core activities of the Association are officiating, appointments, development, training, examination, representation and regulation of Dorset Cricket Officials to enable each umpire and scorer carry out their respective duties at whatever level they desire, or are capable of achieving. The Association provides the following in the execution of these core activities:

• County-wide training using up-to-date visual/aural computer driven systems
• Visual/aural and oral examinations, leading to internationally recognised qualifications
• Insurance cover for members (ECB ACO), including personal injury and public liability
• Free CRB clearance checks, in co-operation with ECB ACO
• Opportunities to attend locally based refresher courses
• Representation with the DCB, MCC and ECB
• Opportunities to umpire and score national competitions
• Communication through a dedicated web site and journal, The Signal.
• Representation, support and advice for members of all levels
• A Trust Fund (ACU&S) to provide financial and practical support for members in need
• A forum for social contact between members of all levels and experiences

Objects of the Association

There is a national shortage of qualified umpires and scorers. This shortage became acute in Dorset recently, however with our recruitment drive this was alleviated to a small degree. This slight improvement does not imply that we are not intent on increasing our membership. Our proven courses of instruction and examination go some way to address this shortage.

In addition to our present core activities, the Association is dedicated to:

• Attract new officials by raising the status of umpires and scorers
• Retain umpires and scorers by providing support and encouragement
• Improve the quality and develop the skills of umpires and scorers, by providing training, from short introductory courses, through various levels, including advanced training for experienced umpires and scorers, including refresher and update courses
• Develop and extend the assessment of umpires, so that umpires are helped and encouraged to maximise their potential
• Provide a mentoring scheme for new recruits
• Develop a pathway for umpires and scorers who aspire to the highest levels
• Provide for the continuing professional development of umpires
• Extend and develop communication with members, and between members, by promoting and extending the journal, the web site and by newsletters
• Provide facilities and encouragement for umpires and scorers of all levels and abilities to meet and share experiences
• Increase the membership of the Association so as to be better able to provide for and represent those members.