Standing at an impressive 203cm, it’s certainly hard to miss Peter George, especially on a cricket field.
But after years of taking wickets for fun, two-metre Peter has traded in pace and bounce for integrity and authority in his role as an umpire.
With a playing career spanning 12 seasons and two states - South Australia and Queensland - Peter has a decorated domestic career that culminated with one game for Australia, earning him baggy green number 416.
However, after hanging up the boots, it was a timely conversation with former Queensland and Australian fast bowler Andy Bichel that ignited the next chapter of his cricketing journey.
A self‑confessed cricket nerd, he quickly fell in love with the finer details of Playing Conditions and By‑Laws, with his years of playing experience also assisting with his strong match‑management skills.
His return to the cricket field came swiftly, officiating a Second XI game in February 2023, followed by his first WNCL appointment that September at Karen Rolton Oval.
Since then, he has officiated 31 domestic matches, including nine WNCL fixtures and 14 WBBL games.
His rapid rise was further recognised with selection at the 2025 Cricket Australia Under 19 Male National Championships, culminating in an appointment to officiate the Final.
The 2025/26 season marked Peter’s fifth year as a Premier Cricket umpire and saw him reach the significant milestone of officiating his 100th Premier Cricket match.
His strong performances throughout the season were recognised with appointments to both the West End T20 Cup Final and the West End First Grade Division One Final, before he was ultimately named Premier Cricket Umpire of the Year at the SACA Bradman Rolton Awards Night.
Peter said it was an honour to still be involved in cricket at the highest level.
“I was actually part of the Premier Cricket ‘Team of the Year’ in 2012-13, so receiving the Umpire of the Year award this season feels like a full circle moment for me,” he said.
“Getting the opportunity to umpire Premier Cricket Finals and at domestic level is a reward in itself, so to be recognised with this award on top of that is very special.
“Umpiring has given me a way to stay in the game – being on a cricket field feels like home to me.
“A highlight so far has been taking part in the Big Bash, something I never got to experience as a player.
“Although it can be difficult at times to balance family, work and umpiring, I want to thank SACA and Cricket Australia for continuing to support my progression to higher levels of umpiring.”