You may recognize the story of Jason Shelton as a Tasmanian cricket player, but maybe you haven’t heard his story as a match official just yet.
Having spent years involved in the game as both a player and coach, Shelton was looking for a way to remain connected to cricket while gaining a new perspective on the sport he loves. Three seasons into his umpiring journey, he has already built a strong foundation and embraced opportunities that have taken him both around Tasmania and interstate.
Shelton's first experience with umpiring came in a Youth Pathways Under 17 practice match at The Crossroads, before making his Cricket Tasmania Premier League debut just days later.
His introduction to umpiring grew naturally from a lifelong passion for the game.
A self-described "cricket nerd", Shelton found himself regularly discussing the laws of the game with umpires while playing and coaching. Recognising the influence quality officiating can have on a match, he saw umpiring as a chance to give back to the sport while remaining actively involved.
"It has been a great game to me and as a player when games were umpired well it made for good cricket," Shelton said.
What has surprised Shelton most is the variety that the role offers. While many have a favourite format, he appreciates the unique challenges each version of the game presents.
The speed and excitement of shorter-format cricket keeps umpires constantly engaged, while the patience and adaptability required in longer matches provide a different type of challenge. For Shelton, watching players perform across multiple days and changing conditions is one of the aspects that makes cricket such a unique sport.
Some of Shelton's most memorable experiences have come in tightly contested matches where every decision carries added significance.
He says the matches that stay with him are often the close finishes, where walking away feeling you've performed well in a high-pressure game brings a strong sense of satisfaction.
Beyond the action in the middle, the community surrounding umpiring has been another highlight. Shelton speaks highly of the support he has received from fellow officials across Tasmania, describing the umpiring fraternity as welcoming and eager to help newcomers develop their skills.
That support has played an important role in a journey that has already featured several standout moments.
One of the highlights came last summer when Shelton travelled to Sydney as part of an umpiring exchange program. The opportunity allowed him to officiate a hard-fought grade cricket contest while spending time with one of Australia's elite umpires, Ben Treloar.
Closer to home, Shelton says every promotion through the umpiring ranks, representative appointment and finals match has been a rewarding milestone and evidence of the progress he has made in a short period of time.
His passion for Tasmanian cricket stretches back well before his umpiring days. Among his favourite memories is Tasmania's historic first Pura Cup triumph in 2006-07.
Shelton was fortunate enough to be part of the Tasmanian playing squad during that era and was able to witness the final victory and celebrations firsthand.
"It was brilliant to see this result and what it meant to all the people that had played a part in Tasmanian cricket to that point."
Looking ahead, Shelton is eager to encourage others to consider taking up umpiring.
"If you have an interest in the game, then it is a great way to be involved."
Having experienced cricket as a player, coach and now umpire, Shelton has developed an appreciation for the game from multiple perspectives. While his umpiring career is still in its early stages, his enthusiasm for cricket and commitment to continual improvement suggest there are many more memorable moments to come.
Looking to get into umpiring?
Start your journey as a match official this summer season.
Contact Darren Close to find out more.