In recent years there has been an increase in the number of umpiring groups that have implemented leadership groups. 

They have been a growing area of umpiring group organisation, structure and participation. They have had a significant impact on the mood of groups and ultimately the culture of the groups.

Leadership groups have a range of roles in the various umpiring groups where they are in operation. They include acting as:

• A conduit between the umpires and the coach/coaching staff
• An intermediary to handle some lower level member issues (e.g. transgression of team rules)
• An advocate to coaches on issues raised by umpires
• Leaders in training/coaching activities
• Encouragers of the continual improvement of the umpiring group environment - including positive modelling and example setting
• Mentors for umpires within the group

The composition and size of leadership groups vary – including, umpires from different disciplines, ages and experience.  The general experience is that the members of the umpiring group decide the membership of the leadership group.

It is common for umpire coaches to meet regularly with leadership groups to discuss various issues that are of interest to both parties.

In an attempt to increase the ownership and impact of a leadership group on the umpiring group, members of the leadership group may ask umpires to identify/rate certain aspects of the umpiring group environment that were deemed important and discuss and monitor those at monthly meetings of the leadership group and coach/es.