Hampshire Association of Cricket Officials (#HantsACO)

The association's aim is to recruit and retain umpires and scorers by providing a structured training programme.  Its purpose is to improve standards of officials and encourage progression between grading levels to ensure there is a minimum number of umpires and scorers to support recreational cricket in the county.

The Hampshire Association of Cricket Officials (HACO) has a current membership of about 400 umpires and scorers.  Automatic membership is gained when someone joins ECBACO and opts for Hampshire as their County ACO.

Vision Statement 

To provide the” RIGHT OFFICIALS FOR THE RIGHT MATCH” both by maintaining and improving standards and raising the numbers of umpires and scorers in league and club cricket in Hampshire on a non-discriminatory basis.

Mission Statement

To recruit and actively encourage people of all ages to take up cricket officiating and to provide support through the training and development of officials in Hampshire, including for young umpires and scorers.’

Areas of focus include:

• To further develop recruitment of and training and development of new and existing Officials] particularly for Hampshire Cricket League Club teams.
• To explore innovative ways of recruitment in schools, clubs and junior organisations in Hampshire.
• To develop new ways to monitor and improve current performance of officials.
• To ensure a continuing flow of umpires and scorers who are competent to umpire in Southern Premier Cricket League (SPCL) and Hampshire Cricket League (HCL) matches respectively.
• To identify club players’ needs to improve their satisfaction with the game through officials’ participation and performance

HACO has a positive relationship with the Hampshire County Cricket Club, the Hampshire Cricket Board, The Southern Premier Cricket League, the Hampshire Cricket League and the ECBACO. It also maintains and develops its relations with the South Coast Panel of Officials.

Funds and resources are available to achieve the above.

HACO Contact List 

Chairman: Jeff Levick

Secretary: Graham Burgess

Treasurer: Tony Leadbetter   

County Education Officer: Jon Leckie   

County Development Officer: Jeff Levick   

Scoring contact for Hampshire: Fiona Newnham   

Useful Links

 ECB Rules and Regulations - Non-First Class Cricket