In August 2023, Nottinghamshire Appointments Officer Amy Coyne organised an all-female officiating showcase, the first of its kind in England, to demonstrate the growth of female umpiring in the county.
Thanks to an online ECB course, Amy began her umpiring journey through lockdown, and last year officiated at Lord's in an U15 girls' finals day.
In the video, Amy speaks of her journey from passing her Level One Umpiring course, her grandmother's influence and the barriers she has overcome with the help of family and her assistance dog, Lexi.
Leading female umpire and former England cricketer Sue Redfern was in attendance of the showcase event, and advocated the call for more women to take up officiating and administrative roles in cricket. Redfearn emphasised that female visibility will make the sport a better place for women and girls, especially during their formative years as young players when body confidence and physical changes are at the forefront.
We also speak to age groups umpire Pamela Orton, who found inspiration to take up officiating after seeing Amy officiating alongside Pamela's husband.
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Want to get into umpiring? Whether an experienced player or brand-new to the sport, umpiring courses are available in a friendly, encouraging environment, including female-only introductory courses.