Draft:Jonathan Stone

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Jonathan Stone is a British sports official who has officiated professionally across three distinct sports: tennis, association football, and baseball. He is best known for his twelve-year career as an professional tennis umpire, which included officiating the 2010 Wimbledon Women's Singles Final.[1]

Early life and football career

Stone was born in Ashford, Kent, England. He began his sports officiating career at the age of 16 as a football referee in England. Over a span of more than 20 years, he advanced through the English football league pyramid.[2] In 2009 Stone was at the centre of controversy when he was Spat on by footballer Anton Stephenson. Stephenson had been red carded and reacted violently by spitting on Stone.[3] Stephenson was later banned for 182 days and fined £150 by the Kent County Football Association.[4] He eventually officiated matches at major English stadiums, including Highbury, White Hart Lane, Upton Park and More. Stone also officiated on the 2004-05 Women's Premier League Cup Final. Held at Griffin Park, Arsenal beat Charlton 3-0. [5] Despite continuing his career in the USA, Stone was called upon to officiate at a club he sponsors when the match referee got injured. Stepping in at half time Stone ensured the game completed without incident. [6]

Tennis umpiring

Stone transitioned into tennis officiating, working as a professional umpire for 12 years on the ATP Tour and WTA Tour. During his tennis career, he officiated at major international tournaments. His highest-profile assignment came in July 2010[7], when he served as an official during the Wimbledon Women's Singles Final between Serena Williams and Vera Zvonareva.[1] Following the Wimbledon Final Stone went on to officiate at a number of high profile tournaments including officiating at the Singapore Youth Olympics on 2010, where he was appointed to Four different Youth Olympic Finals.

Baseball umpiring

Following his career in tennis and football, Stone relocated to the United States to pursue baseball officiating. He attended the Harry Wendelstedt Umpire School in Florida, as well as the Umpire Placement Camp.[2] He subsequently worked as an umpire in American professional and independent baseball leagues, including the independent Expedition League and games within Minor League Baseball. Stone made his professional Minor League Debut when working as the plate umpire on June 9th, 2023 for a FCL game between the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox. [8] The game finished 11-9.

Beyond Officiating

As well as being well known for his officiating career, Stone has also forged a career in business. The owner of Blue Breaks Sports Card & Hobby Shop[9], he has continued to support teams with sponsorship from near and far. [10] [11]

Recently in May of 2026 Stone was announced as Co-Owner of North West Counties Football League team Telford Town FC.[12] An instant impact saw the team announce new funding and expansion for the Women's team [13] as well as promotional offers for local residents and season ticket holders. [14]

See also

References

  1. Craig, Stephen (February 26, 2020). "Multi-sport official Jonathan Stone reflects on historic career". Kentish Football. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  2. "Daily Inspiration: Meet Jonathan Stone". VoyageTampa. May 14, 2024. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
  3. "SHAMEFUL STEPHENSON HAS TO BE PUNISHED". Kentish Football. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  4. "KCFA find Stephenson guilty for spitting at Kent football referee". Kentish Football. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  5. "2004–05 FA Women's Premier League Cup", Wikipedia, 2026-04-12, retrieved 2026-06-21
  6. Rushbrooke, Luke (2025-03-29). "Sponsor steps up for Lichfield City after match official suffers injury". Lichfield Live®. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  7. "Former Kent League referee Jonathan Stone lines up date with the stars". Kentish Football. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  8. "Gameday: FCL Red Sox 11, FCL Twins 9 Final Score (06/09/2023)". MiLB.com. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  9. Bates, Greg (2023-07-05). "New Fanatics/Topps rules to have big impact on card shops, breakers". Sports Collectors Digest. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  10. WRITER, SCOTT TOMKO STAFF (2023-08-05). "Venice memorabilia shop sponsors UK soccer team". Sun Newspapers. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  11. Goode, Ryan. "Racing Club Warwick Delighted to Announce Growing Partnership with Blue Breaks". Racing Club Warwick. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  12. "TELFORD TOWN FC ENTERS MAJOR NEW ERA UNDER DANDO AND STONE". www.telfordtownfc.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  13. "Telford Town FC Increase Investment Into Women's First Team". www.telfordtownfc.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-06-21.
  14. "Telford Town FC Proud to Once Again Offer Free Season Tickets to Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans". www.telfordtownfc.co.uk. Retrieved 2026-06-21.