Course Structure

Upon receipt of an Application form and payment, the Training Administrator will send a confirmation letter together with a copy of the Laws of the Sport, a Theory Examination Paper and a contact sheet for Area Tutors.

The following stages will then need to be completed:

Stage One - The Theory Paper
The Theory paper consists of a series questions which you will have as much time as you want to complete.  The expectation is that they will use whatever reference material is available in order to reach an informed answer  It will encourage you to read the Laws of the Sport of Bowls but you will also find that there are occasions when you may have to seek advice from elsewhere.  It will provide the base knowledge required for Stage Two.
The pass rate of 90% is required for this Stage.
The question/answer sheet will form the first part of  your "portfolio" which will remain with you throughout your Umpiring career.

Stage Two - Two Day Practical Seminar
Having successfully completed the Theory paper from Stage One, you will be invited to attend a two Day Practical Seminar held in a convenient location within your area.
These days will be mostly green based.  We will be demonstrating measuring techniques and skills, Marking technique and thorough explanation of those Laws that require a more than a straight forward answer.  Experienced Umpires will also be on hand to offer their experiences and knowledge as this forms part of their continuing development. The tutorial is designed to be relaxed yet informative and will drive home one of our major principles - Umpiring is fun!

Stage Three - Practical Examination
The final stage to qualification is the Practical Examination.  This will be carried out on the second day of the Seminar.  The examination will last approximately 1 hour.  You will be expected to carry out a series of measuring tests designed to stress the importance of confidence and selection of the right tools for the task.  You will also be asked a number of simple oral questions, just as you would expect when actually Umpiring.

Congratulations!!
If all three stages of the Course are completed successfully you will be informed or your result before leaving the Practical Seminar, issued with a certificate of competence by the Development Officer and invited to become a member of the EBUA.

How much does it cost?
The Training Course and Examination costs £30 and payment should be made upon application.

Am I too old?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions.  The simple answer is NO.
All we ask is that you are physically fit enough to bend down and measure, remain standing for a period of 4 hours and to quote one of our more eminent members, "are sound of wind and limb".