Umpires
Umpires are to short mat as referees are to football…
… their job is to be experts in the rules, ensure the game is played in a fair and sporting manner and offer assistance to the players to help keep the game running smoothly.
Our umpires are players too so they know how important it is to keep games running smoothly and will always make themselves available to support players.
Where can I find a list of registered umpires in my area?
You can find a full list of registered umpires as well as area and regional managers on our website. If you need support relating to umpires, please contact us.
What's involved in becoming a registered umpire?
To beome an umpire, you must have a solid grasp of the laws of the game. There is a three step process to becoming an umpire:
- A written exam paper of 50 questions that are desisgned to test your knowledge of the laws of the game. The pass mark for this paper is 96%
- Once you have passed the written exam, a practical assessment must be undertaken to demonstrate your confidence on the mat and familiarity with measuring equipment.
- The final step to becoming a registered umpire is a spoken exam designed to test your ability to deal with tricky situations whilst in duty. This exam is usually carried out at the same time as the practical assessment.
We have a great team of regional managers, area managers and examiners who will offer you lots of support in working towards your umpire qualification. You can find details of the umpire management team here.
How much does it cost to qualify as an umpire?
There is no cost to take the umpire exam and grants are available towards the cost of some of the specialist equipment that an umpire needs.
What are the Laws of the game umpires must adhere to?
The Laws of the Game can be downloaded below. Some local leagues and competitions may introduce local byelaws but these provide the foundation for all Short Mat Bowls games in England.
| Title | Link |
|---|---|
| ESMBA Laws of the Game | Download |
How do I find out more?
You can find contact details of the umpire management team here and you can contact our Umpire Director using our contact form.