The latest list of the NCU's approved transfers between clubs for the 2012 season (update 18.05.2012)
Latest list of transfers approved to date by the Union for the 2012 season - open list (pdf)

NCU name under 15 Interprovincial Squad for 2012
The NCU youth selectors have named the following squad for this year’s Under 15 Interprovincial Tournament which runs from the 4th to 6th July at the Stormont grounds in Belfast.
The final squad of 14 players has been selected from the Regional Development Squad of 18, and it now enters its final phase before the Inter Pros at the beginning of July.
NCU Under 15 Interprovincial Squad...

NCU name under 13 Interprovincial Squad for 2012
The NCU youth selectors have named the following squad for this year’s Under 13 Interprovincial Tournament which runs from the 2nd to 4th July in Cork, Ireland.
The final squad of 13 players has been selected from the Regional Development Squad of 18, and it now enters its final phase before the Inter Pros at the beginning of July.
NCU Under 13 Interprovincial Squad...

Ulster Bank Schools Cup
The second round of the Ulster Bank Schools Cricket Club has brought together last year’s finalists, RBAI and Regent House.
Both won their first round games with ease - holders Belfast “Inst” by nine wickets over Bangor Grammar School Seconds and Regent by 10 wickets over Limavady Grammar’s second string.
First Round Results and Second Round Draw...

NCU name Under 17 side to face Southern XI
The NCU youth selectors have named the following side for the second Interprovincial clash, which sees the boys take on the Southern XI at Muckamore Cricket club this Sunday 20th May.
James McCollum from Lurgan Cricket Club captains the side again and will be looking for a much improved performance from his boys as they take on their southern counterparts.
Read more...

Volunteer Stewards for the Ireland v Australia
Cricket Ireland are seeking volunteer stewards for the Ireland v Australia match at Stormont on 23 June 2012.
Stewards must be at least 16 years of age.
It is intended to rotate stewards throughout the day so there will be opportunities to watch the cricket.
People who are interested should contact Bryan Milford at ncu.cricket@btinternet.com and leave contact details.
Club Secretaries are asked to bring this to the attention of their members.

‘Super 8s’ – a new concept for Girls and Women’s Cricket
On Friday 27th April 2012 a concept was turned into reality when a new format of the game for Girls and Women’s Cricket, ‘Super 8s’, was launched by Cricket Ireland in conjunction with the Northern Cricket Union. The concept was presented to invited guests by Nigel Jones, the Northern Cricket Union Cricket Development Officer.
Tim Simmonite, Cricket Ireland’s National Development Manager, was also in attendance to give the guests an overview of the current landscape of Girls and Women’s Cricket in Ireland and in particular Northern Ireland.
In his talk Tim identified the challenge to both engage and encourage participation in the Girls game between the stages of softball Kwik Cricket and Women’s hardball cricket. ‘Super 8s’ has been designed to bridge the gap between the two.
Read more...

UMPIRES REPORT FORMS
To all Club Captains
Please note - If you have official umpires at any of your league or cup games (Home or Away) at any stage throughout the season, you must ensure that the correct Umpires Assessment Form is completed accurately and returned to myself (either by email or by post - both addresses on form) within 7 days of the match taking place (but preferably 3).
For matches that took place last weekend, captains have already failed to accurately complete Umpires names (both christian and surnames are required!), have used old forms or have sent the forms to the incorrect person.
It is essential that due care and attention is given to this task if gradings for Umpires are to be accurate and subsequently effective.
All clubs have previously been issued with this Form (along with the new Grounds Report & Fair Play report) and they are also available on this website.
In addition, clubs who fail to return said Umpire Form within 7 days will be fined in accordance with the Union's Competition Rules.
If anyone has any queries regarding the completion of these forms please do not hesitate to contact me.
Andy Clement

Tommy Puts Steel into Twenty20
Lisburn businessman Tommy Anderson was delighted when Ireland's cricketers qualified for the World Twenty20 Cup in Sri Lanka in September. He's always been an enthusiast of the short-form game - so much so that he's decided to sponsor the Northern Cricket Union's three T20 senior competitions.
"I've always been excited by the 20-over game and Ireland's qualification in Dubai has given it a terrific boost", says the managing director of Lagan Valley Steels Ltd of Lisburn.
Read more...

NCU Directive for 2012
The NCU Management Board has issued the following Directive to all clubs:
  In the interests of health and safety smoking is not permitted in scoreboxes.
Clubs are asked to ensure that this Directive is observed at all times.

Player Clothing 2012
Coloured clothing will be used in the following competitions:
Challenge Cup, Irish Senior Cup, National Trophy, Ulster Cup, Ulster Shield, Twenty20 Cup, Twenty20 Trophy.

Predominantly white clothing will be used in the following competitions:
All League Competitions, Junior, Intermediate, Minor and Minor Qualifying Cups, Ulster Plate, Twenty20 Shield.
View Players Clothing Info 2012 (pdf)

NCU Bye-Laws 2012
The NCU Management Board has agreed a couple of additions to the NCU's Bye-Laws for the 2012 season.
"Powerplays" and "Free-Hits" have been introduced for matches in the Challenge Cup, Premier League and Section 1 of the Senior League.
Bye-Laws (i) and (k) detail these new changes.
View NCU Bye-Laws 2012

Volunteering in Sport
Volunteering is an ideal way to get involved in sport, develop new skills and stay engaged in a sport. It can be a rewarding activity which helps you to meet new people and take on new challenges through roles such as coaching or administration.
Sports volunteering activities
The wide range of opportunities to get involved in sports volunteering includes:

• coaching
• administration
• officiating
• committee work
• organising events and competitions

Depending on your individual skills or interests, you can offer to volunteer in any of the above areas. Some of the most important attributes include enthusiasm and interest.
For more information on volunteering in sport visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/sports-volunteering.

Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport and Leisure Conference
The NSPCC's Child Protection in Sport Unit and SportNI are working in partnership with a number of sports governing bodies to plan an all Ireland Safeguarding in Sport and Leisure conference.
The conference is targeted at those in the role of child welfare officer/children's officer at club or community level and those with responsibility for the development and management of junior activities/clubs.
This will be a full day conference.
Read more...

Public Relations Officer Sought
The NCU is seeking a volunteer to act as its Public Relations Officer (PRO).
The PRO would be responsible for handling the Union’s relationship with the local press and media as well as promoting the interests of the Union’s main sponsors.
Read More . . .