Umpiring was not always the plan for Sam Nogajksi, but it quickly became a passion that would take him from local junior matches in Tasmania to the biggest stages in world cricket.
Now about to begin his 24th season, Sam’s journey started in unexpected circumstances. At just 18, a knee injury forced him to step away from playing for a year. Rather than leaving the game behind, he found another way to stay involved.
“I injured my knee in a cricket match at 18 years old and was advised to take 12 months off sport for a full recovery. As a result, my parents suggested I stay involved through umpiring. It was a perfect fit, and while I did go back to playing after that one year of umpiring, I promised the association I would return to see if I could make my way through the umpiring pathway and onto State, National and International cricket.”
Picture: Sam Nogajski's International Test Debut in Bangladesh, 2025
His first match, an Under 18 game at Lightwood Park alongside Michael Lee, marked the beginning of that pathway. It is a journey that has delivered on that early promise in remarkable fashion.
What has kept him motivated over more than two decades is the challenge that comes with the role.
“The longer the match the more challenging it is, and I love to be challenged. So having been able to work hard enough and to have been given the opportunity to umpire at the highest level, Test Match Cricket and First Class Cricket is by far my most favourite formats. But having said this, the excitement of umpiring with big crowds for T20 Internationals, BBL or the IPL is also very special, exciting and enjoyable.”
For Sam, the appeal of umpiring goes beyond just the format of the game. It is about being part of something bigger and having a front row seat to the action.
“Everyday is different and it is a real challenge to do the role really well. It is the best seat in the house and every day I get to see talented athletes show off their skills. Its also great umpiring with your mates and being part of team.”
That mindset has helped him build an outstanding career on both the domestic and international stage. His achievements include his ODI and T20 International debuts in 2017, followed by his Test match debut in Bangladesh in November 2025.
He has officiated at ICC Men’s T20 World Cups and earned selection on the ICC Emerging Umpires Panel in 2025, as well as standing in the ICC Under 19 World Cup Final in 2020.
Closer to home, Sam has been a regular on the biggest occasions in Australian cricket, including Sheffield Shield Finals, One Day Cup Finals and Big Bash League Finals. His consistency has been recognised with Cricket Australia Umpire of the Year honours from 2022 through to 2025.
Despite these accolades, his focus remains on giving back to the game that has given him so much.
“Being a match official for any sport is one of the most rewarding ways to give back to the sport that you love. With Cricket, its a great way to stay involved, learn more about the game, earn some money and meet new people with a common interest in the sport.”
He also takes great pride in seeing local Tasmanian players, coaches and umpires succeed on the biggest stage.