Pearson jack of many trades

THE exciting launch of Australia’s new Hockey One league is causing University goalkeeper Jayden Pearson plenty of sleepless nights — but not because of the fearsome forwards he could face.

Pearson, a member of the Tassie Tigers national championship winning side in 2014, is also one of Australia’s fastest rising umpires and recently officiated in the National U/21 championships gold medal match.

“Getting the gold medal match came as a bit of a surprise and I got to umpire with Jim Unkles, who is an internationally ranked umpire,” Pearson said.

“I had been happy with the feedback that I had received in the games leading up to the final, which allowed me to go into the game less nervous than I thought I would be.”

“I also received my Australian badge, with them noting my high-level fitness and game understanding as key areas of strength for me.”

The launch of Hockey One, a home and away domestic league featuring seven teams, means officiating spots will be at a premium under the revamped model.

“Whether an opportunity presents itself is yet to be seen with appointments a little while away, while I’m unsure if I’ll commit to playing Hockey One after a tough season last year with the Tigers,” Pearson said.

The Launceston-based shot stopper travels 900km each week to play with University and umpire matches in the Premier League, while also playing on the field with Launceston City when available.

“From a playing perspective with University this year it has been tough after we lost a few players from our starting eleven and have struggled to field a consistent team.”

“The upside is that we have been able to get some good miles into our up and coming players who are now starting to cement spots and while we aren’t currently in the finals, I not prepared to write us off.”

The Premier League has four rounds remaining with University needing to defeat DiamondBacks at 3pm, before Pearson umpires the blockbuster clash between Derwent and OHA men from 4:30pm.