Umpires

Start your umpiring journey
Learn the game. Support the players. Protect the Spirit of Cricket.
Cricket needs umpires at every level. From club cricket to international matches, umpires help the game run fairly, safely and with respect.

If you enjoy cricket and want to stay involved in the game, umpiring is one of the best ways to contribute. You will learn the Laws, understand match situations, support players and captains, and help protect the Spirit of Cricket.

Start with the ICC Umpiring Foundation Course. Progress through ICC Umpiring Level 1. If you have the experience and performance record, Level 2 may become the next step.

Not sure where to start?
If you are new to umpiring, start with the Foundation Course. If you already umpired regularly and want to become an appointed neutral official, look at Level 1. If you are already operating at a high domestic level, discuss the Level 2 pathway with your KNCB Umpire Lead.

Take action: Register for the right course, ask your club for match opportunities, find an experienced umpire from your club as a mentor, and start building match experience.

Become
Best starting point for new umpires, club volunteers, parents, coaches, players and captains.

ICC Umpiring Foundation Course

Your umpiring journey usually starts at your local cricket club. Clubs need reliable people who can help matches run properly. The ICC Umpiring Foundation Course gives you a clear first step into officiating.

Who is this course for?

• Players and former players who want to understand umpiring better
• Parents, youth coaches and club volunteers who support match days
• Captains and players in lower leagues where matches are often played without appointed neutral umpires
• Anyone who wants to help manage cricket matches in a safe, fair and enjoyable way

What will you learn?
The online course introduces the basic role of the umpire, the Laws of Cricket, match-day responsibilities, signals, teamwork and the principles of match management.

Ready to begin? 
Register through ICC KREDO Registration or log in to your ICC Kredo account (ICC KREDO Login) and follow the course. The course is online and you can start at any time.

Your next step:
Complete the Foundation Course, study your local playing conditions and regulations (KNCB Forms & Regulations), contact your or a nearby club (KNCB CLUBS) and start gaining practical experience at club level.

Grow
For umpires who want to move from helping at club level to officiating as appointed neutral umpires.

ICC Umpiring Level 1 Course

If you enjoy umpiring and want to progress towards local league cricket, the ICC Umpiring Level 1 Course is the next step. It helps you develop the practical skills needed to manage matches with more confidence and consistency.

Who is this course for?

• Club umpires who want to improve their practical match skills and have passed the ICC Umpiring Foundation Course
• Officials who want to be appointed as neutral umpires in local league cricket
• Umpires who are ready to receive feedback and build match experience
• People who want to progress towards higher domestic appointments over time

What will you learn?
Level 1 focuses on preparation, fieldcraft, communication, decision-making, teamwork, player management, match scenarios and self-reflection. Delivery starts with online learning. After you have finished the online part there will be 2 days of classroom-style sessions, role play, practical scenarios and in-person assessment.

Ready to begin?
Log in to your ICC Kredo account (ICC KREDO Login) which you have used for the ICC Umpiring Foundation Course and follow the online part of the level 1 course. After passing the course fill in the following form (insert form) and you will get an invitation for the face-to-face sessions. The KNCB will organize 1 or 2 sessions after season (September/October) and1 or 2 sessions before season (March/April). In 2026 participation for the face-to-face sessions will cost € 150,00.
After a positive assessment and 5 games with an experienced colleague, you can call yourself bondsumpire. You need to stand a minimum of 6 games yearly to stay active in this role.

Your next step:
Complete the Level 1 Course, study your local playing conditions and regulations (KNCB Forms & Regulations), make yourself available for appointments and start gaining practical experience at Topklasse, Hoofdklasse and 1e Klasse level. Officiate regularly, work with experienced colleagues, ask for feedback, and build the consistency needed for progression through the ranks.

Specialise
For umpires who show consistency, good decision making and invest time to officiate regularly.

Continues Development

During the year the KNCB organizes meetings, either face-to-face or online to set standards, give guidance and discuss best practices for all umpires. The umpires who preform best on-field, are active during this sessions and show that they are open for learning may be invited to be member of the IROP. This panel will officiate in the Topklasse and will get changes during the Pro Series, the KNCB regional games.

Ready to begin?
As a bondsumpire you will be invited to this sessions.

Your next step:
Participate during continuous development sessions and officiate a lot of matches. The umpires who are progressing to higher leagues are standing on average 25 games yearly. For the umpires in the IROP this average is around the 40 games a year. The last group has minimum of 5 years experience and officiate a minimum of 250 matches.

Master
For experienced umpires who have already proven themselves in domestic cricket and may be considered for higher-level or international appointments.

ICC Umpiring Level 2 Course

The ICC Umpiring Level 2 Course is the next stage in the international umpiring pathway. It is intended for a selected group of umpires who already show strong performance, maturity and consistency in demanding match environments.

Who is this course for?

• Experienced domestic umpires with several years of match experience
• Officials who perform consistently in higher domestic or regional competitions
• Umpires who can manage more demanding match environments
• Candidates who may be selected or invited by their national cricket association

What will you develop?
Level 2 is expected to focus on advanced match management, consistency, professional standards, pressure situations, communication, teamwork and readiness for higher appointments.

Ready to begin?
This course is by invitation and will be organized by the ICC regional Office.

Your next step:
Keep performing well in domestic cricket, seek assessment and coaching, stay up to date with Laws and Playing Conditions, and speak with your association about selection criteria and future opportunities.