Reffing hell!

Football is facing an unprecedented crisis with the shortage of referees at grass roots level meaning some clubs may not be able to finish their fixtures this season.

The extent of the problem has been highlighted by Montgomeryshire Referees Officer, Gareth Lloyd, who said that “the whole future of football in this area depends on whether we can address this shortage by working together”.

Referees have been calling it quits with some regularity over the past 18 months, blaming the abuse, both verbal and sometimes physical, that they have received from players, officials and spectators.

Games have already been postponed this season with Mr. Lloyd calling the problem “chronic” with 50% of active referees in Montgomeryshire now aged over 60 years old.

“Unless steps are immediately taken to rectify the situation there is a grave possibility that some clubs might not be able to finish their fixtures on time,” said Mr. Lloyd.

“I am appealing to clubs to look at their own clubs and within their vicinity and attempt to recruit at least one possible referee.”

A Referees’ Course will begin on Monday at Welshpool Rugby Club at 7pm. If anyone is interested, contact glloydcfc@btinternet.com.