On 28^th January2021, we heard that over 700 people had taken the Online Basic Scorer Course, although few had asked for further information or contact withcounty ACO.  There is still an opportunity to take the course - https://www.ecb.co.uk/be-involved/officials/find-a-course/scorers-count

Other courses are being updated to place more emphasis on use of electronic devices and also modules of a more practical nature, such as pre-match and post-match procedures in co-operation with umpires.  Some courses will be held physically (covid permitting) and others adapted for remote learning.  Details are being finalised and will be published here as they become available.

Tweaks are being made to the grading system and, in a few weeks, I will be writing directly to those Members who may be interested in progressing their career, especially scoring at County or Regional level but also those who may be interested in acting as mentors, tutors or observers.

If you are not already a Member, please consider doing so, not only for your own career but also to help others along the pathway.  Download the application form from https://www.ecb.co.uk/be-involved/officials/join

Nationally, over 6,200 matches were scored using PCS Scorer Pro on laptops (or desktops!).  Approx 1,100 scorers are using that method.  Over 100 of these scorers have applied to join the National Register.  In Staffordshire, I have identified over 200 matches and 56 users of Pro in 2020 despite the pandemic.

County Boards are being encouraged to run Community Workshops for youngsters in which the Community Coaches will devote some time to Umpiring and Scoring.  Several Counties already run matches in which players rotate between fielding, batting, umpiring and scoring so that everyone is involved and have some experience of every role.

I shall be writing to all known scorers and club officers, probably in late February, with details of courses and any other events, when finalised.  If you know of anyone not on my previous circulation, please ask them to email colinp@a-b.co.uk

SITUATIONS VACANT:  If you are a CLUB who needs a scorer for 2021 or a SCORER who does not have a regular club engagement, please let me know and I will try to pair you up!

MEETINGS Scorers are very welcome to attend any of the Meetings for Officials (advertised elsewehere in Knot Out) as some of the topics are equally relevant to Scorers.  In addition, I hope to arrange a meeting especially for scorers (and clubs), possibly in March, to explore the latest version of Scorer Pro and the possibilities of videoing and broadcasting matches.  This will cover the necessary privacy and other protocols as well the alternative equipment available.   I hope to share some experiences from those who have done it already.