The Umpires and Scorers Association in Ghana in collaboration with the Ghana Cricket Association on Saturday, September 13 trained sixteen (16) aspiring Umpires in a foundation course at the Achimota Cricket Oval.
Certified Umpire Tutors, Philip Yevugah and Margaret Tuffuour effectively engaged the emerging officials with the essential skills required for modern cricket officiating.
The one-day training brought together a diverse group of participants (5 males and 11 females), including professional players and young aspiring umpires, with the majority being young girls from Nsromma Cricket Academy. The program created a unique learning environment that blended the experience of players with the enthusiasm of new entrants to the game.
The course combined classroom sessions and outdoor practical, covering topics such as judging LBWs, starting and managing matches, signal communication, and decision-making protocols. Interactive activities including umpiring signal drills and outdoor practice scenarios helped participants build confidence in applying the laws of cricket.
Cricket Operations Officer of the Ghana Cricket Association, Eugene King Eugene graced the program to lend his support, highlighting the Association’s commitment to strengthening umpiring structures across the country.
“Combining the umpiring with Academics will take your places. I want you to take this step serious, because umpires are very respected people in the game of cricket. The GCA is always available to support any of you to grow in this path you have chosen. Congrats to you all for participating in this course and be proud to broadcast, that you are a cricketer and an emerging umpire.”
Speaking after the program, the tutors commended the participants for their commitment, punctuality, and enthusiasm. Special praise was reserved for the girls from Nsromma Cricket Academy, whose energy and discipline stood out throughout the day.
“Having organised this foundation course under the GCA is a great step to these youngsters, as they have exhibited some enthusiasm during the course. As umpire tutors in Ghana, this is ground breaking for us. We aimed at getting more girls and that is just the beginning and we give a lot of credit to the Ghana Cricket Association for the support and also the Nsromma Cricket Academy.”
The Umpiring Foundation Course is part of a broader initiative to strengthen the officiating pathway in Ghana cricket, ensuring that the sport continues to grow with fairness, integrity, and professionalism at all levels.
The President of the Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association of Ghana, Emmanuel Bruce-Okine, expressed his full support for the program and reaffirmed the Association’s dedication to building a new generation of quality umpires and scorers to support the growth of Ghana cricket.
Philip and Margaret were among 14 West African umpire tutors to be trained in May this year and they are lightening the candles of others.
By: Davis Nii Attuquaye Clottey
