Never criticise colleagues

As a team, the umpires must stand together at all times even when one of them has made a fundamental error. If your colleague has made the error, go across to him at the next convenient time and encourage him to forget what has happened and that he needs to concentrate on the rest of the match. Be positive and never criticise your colleague when approached by players or officials. Sometimes players and club officials may be upset, particularly after the match, remain positive about your colleague even though you know he has made a mistake

Talk positively about umpiring

Whenever you are at a match try to broadcast your enthusiasm for umpiring and ask players whether they have considered becoming umpires at the end of their playing careers. Encourage players, club officials and spectators to attend your local association meetings, they may be able to contribute a different view about umpiring

The most important match today

Remember that the match you are ready to umpire is the most important match for all the players, club officials and spectators. It may be a match between two junior teams who have never played before or it may be a top of the table clash between two Premier League teams containing overseas Test professionals. All the participants will expect you to perform well, treat them with respect and allow their match to run smoothly so that everyone enjoys the experience