PURPOSE

We are looking for two Professional Umpire Coaches to support the development of umpires in, primarily, the Professional Umpires’ Team (PUT) and the performance pathway. We will also expect the two coaches to contribute to the continued establishment of a development culture within the umpiring team.

All applicants will still be assessed based key criteria and skills required for the role. However, we are actively looking to increase the percentage of umpires who are female or identify as females to at least 25%, therefore encourage applications from this group. 

WHO WE ARE

The England and Wales Cricket Board is the national governing body for all cricket in England and Wales, supporting the game at every level – from grassroots to professional.

We believe cricket is a force for good that can have an enduring impact on everyone’s lives and we have an ambitious strategy to inspire a generation to say ‘cricket is a game for me’. It provides great entertainment. It teaches important skills, both physical and social.  It can help inclusion and social cohesion, bringing communities together.

The ECB welcomes applications from all backgrounds to ensure we deliver our Inspiring Generations strategy and fulfil our purpose to connect communities and improve lives through cricket.

OUR VALUES

• Stronger As One Team – We are stronger together. We allow for individual strengths and beliefs but head in the same direction. We respect, support and really listen to each other along the way.
  
  

• Push New Boundaries – We are bold, brave and curious. We challenge and don’t settle. We forge the future whilst remembering our roots.
  
  

• Be The Best In The Game – On & Off The Pitch – We train hard. We strive to be our best to help the team be the best. We celebrate our victories and learn from our let downs.
  
  

• Passion For Play – We are here to inspire & be inspired. We are serious about what we do, but don’t take ourselves seriously. We enjoy the journey and have fun.

YOU’LL BE DOING

• ‘Observe’ umpires officiating within the professional and performance pathway environments

• Offer verbal and written feedback on aspects of technical, on-field performance and off-field skills and behaviours.

• Work particularly closely with a selected group of umpires, to be agreed with the Professional Umpires’ Manager.

• Assist with the establishment, review, monitoring and evaluation of individual development plans.

• Maintain up to date knowledge of trends relevant to umpiring in the professional game and pathway environments.

• Lead on the creation and delivery of CPD, designed to further enhance umpires’ knowledge and development.

• Collaborate regularly with other Professional Umpire Coaches, sharing information relevant to the umpires and their development.

• Provide regular information on the umpires to the Professional Umpires’ Manager (and Pathways Manager).

• Contribute to the identification of umpires with the potential to progress within and to the Professional Umpires’ Team.

• Draw upon knowledge and expertise to assist the development of umpires identified as requiring specialist or particular support.

• Support the education of ECB match referees on the technical aspects of the umpire’s role

YOU’LL HAVE

Knowledge and Understanding

• Of professional cricket in England and Wales, along with its expectations of umpires.

• Of the current Laws of Cricket, Playing Conditions and ECB directives and how they should be applied in professional cricket.

• Of the skills, knowledge and attributes required to officiate in elite sport (preferably cricket).

• Experience

• Supporting the development of people (preferably match officials) within elite or high performance sport.

• Of being a match official within elite or high performance sport.

 Skills

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively.

• Ability to deliver timely, appropriate, and effective feedforward.

• Excellent planning and organisational skills.

• Flexibility and reliability.

• High expectations and commitment to the principles of continuous development.

• Good computer literacy skills, including MS Office.

• Excellent observation, analysis, reviewing and written reporting skills.

• Openness to implementation of new ideas and an understanding of current philosophies.

• Ability to accurately interpret and use performance data in sport.

• An awareness of coaching in a high-performance environment.

YOU’LL RECEIVE

·       Competitive salary

·       Holiday - 25 days a year

·       Volunteering – 2 days a year

·       Pension - Non-contributory pension

·       Private medical insurance

·       Employee health cash-back plan

·       Long-term sickness insurance

·       Life assurance - four times your annual basic salary

·       Enhanced family leave and pay

·       OpenBlend - an innovative coaching and performance management tool

·       People Academy - a range of programmes and initiatives to help you develop and reach your potential

·       Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 confidential access to expert services including counselling, wellbeing, and independent legal and financial advice

·       30% New Balance discount

·       Cycle 2 Work Scheme

·       Season ticket loan

·       Preferential access to tickets to England and The Hundred games

·       Opportunities to be a part of and be involved in our Employee Resource groups: Women in Cricket Employee Network, Race in Cricket Employee Network, Social Mobility in Cricket Employee Network, Disability Employee Network and LGBTQ+ Community in Cricket Employee Network

Timeline for recruitment

We kindly request all applicants to note the following timelines and key dates related to the recruitment process:

Closing date for applications: 8th January 2024

Interviews to take place: Week Commencing 29th January 2024