THIS WEEKS gamES

THE WHISTLE BLOWER | Young umpires take first step at U16 Nats
This week we feature the 3 Tasmanian umpire
representatives at the recent U16 AFL National
Championships in Sydney.
Nic Saltmarsh is a Field Umpire who is 19 and
in his fifth year of umpiring. Nic started off as a
Boundary Umpire in 2006 and did two seasons in
the Northern Tasmanian Football League (NTFL)
before switching to field umpiring. Last year,
Nic was appointed to the Northern Tasmania v
South Australia U23 match in Adelaide which he
says is the highlight of his career so far. He also
officiated in last year’s Tasmanian U19 Grand
Final as well as the 2008 NTFL Grand Final. Over
summer, Nic umpired in the Northern Territory
Football League competition which he says was a
tremendous experience. He officiated in 9 Senior
matches including umpiring on the Tiwi Islands.
Nic lives in Ulverstone and is a 2nd year University
Student studying Education in Burnie. Nick says
his mother and father, as well as Phil McCulloch
who coached him last year, have been the biggest
influence on his career. He says his umpiring
ambition is to be as consistent as possible, do the
best he can and enjoy it.
Terry Shore is 22 and is a Boundary Umpire. Terry
is originally from Burnie but is presently living
in Hobart whilst he is studying at the University
of Tasmania. He is in his 4th year of studying a
Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Engineering
degree. Terry is in his fifth season of umpiring and
has quickly moved through the boundary umpire
ranks including being on the VFL panel in 2008.
He says his two best appointments have been last
year’s Tasmanian U19 Grand Final and the NTFL
U18 Grand Final in 2006.
Jason Nicholls resides in New Town and is
now in his third year of Goal Umpiring having
commenced in 2008. Jason, who is 27, has
already been very successful in his career with his
best appointments being: 2010 U16 AFL National
Championships; 2009 Southern Football League
(SFL) Reserves Grand Final; 2009 Tasmanian
U19 Grand Final. Jason says the most influential
person in his career has been Stuart Allen who
is a fellow Goal Umpire who introduced him to
umpiring. Jason’s umpiring ambition is to umpire
to the best of his ability for as long as possible
and to take any opportunities that present
themselves. Jason is a Hospitality Worker at
Wrest Point Casino. He also umpires Cricket and
Netball as well as coaching one of the Palena
Netball Club teams. Jason also plays Indoor
Cricket and Mixed Netball. When not involved
in sport, Jason enjoys going out with friends
whenever possible.
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