OVER the last few weeks clubs not having a scorer at each of their games is proving a problem, probably more so at the moment with the school holidays.

The league is extremely fortunate in having some well-qualified, very experienced and competent scorers.

But that is not the case at all clubs.

Some really struggle and often rely on their opposition’s scorer to help them out.

Scoring is a task that takes concentration at all times, even when scoring electronically.

I know once the match is set up then youngsters find it is just a case of pressing a button, as the score is recorded for you.

Hence the concentration goes and the word “boring” creeps into their mind.

Their focus wanders, and all too soon something is missed and the other scorer has to help out with what went on.

Some scorers do both electronic scoring as well as recording it in a book, which keeps them fully occupied.

That way also provides a double check they have kept a correct record – and if you are on your own that is a big help.

I recently witnessed a 12-year-old lad using an iPad, scorebook and then the scoreboard at the end of the over, and he coped very well.

It can be done if you are interested enough.

All too often, when the season starts, the scorer is often the last person a club thinks about and start looking around for a willing volunteer – very often a young player.

That is all well and good but often this young player is called into the second team to make up the numbers.

There is nothing wrong with that but then a scorer has to be found.

A scorer is a very important member of the team of match officials.

They should meet with the umpires before the game and discuss various things such as where they are going to sit, how they are going to acknowledge the umpires' signals and whether the umpire will use the pre-signal, just to mention a few.

Having a competent scorer makes an umpire’s job much easier.

Training is always given by the Bolton Cricket League Umpires and Scorers Association at the start of the season, both in the art of using a scorebook and CricHQ, the electronic package the league uses.

It is a good way to watch a match as you have to watch everything that happens.

Just remember, no scorer no club statistics.