A dire shortage of referees is continuing to hinder the local soccer programme and another urgent call has been sent out for additional help.

Stuart Crockwell, president of Bermuda Referees' Association, said his organisation continued to be stretched and this weekend, in particular, could see them facing a major problem with three First Division matches and two Second Division fixtures scheduled for Sunday.

With Crockwell himself leaving the Island on business, he was concerned that not all games this weekend would be covered by official referees and linesmen, even though Sunday's situation had been improved with the BFA rescheduling the Vasco against Devonshire Cougars match for last night.

"We still have to accommodate close to a full First Division schedule and I honestly don't see how we will be able to handle things. I will not be available, and even if I was it would be a struggle for us to have a referee and two officials at each of the six matches from Somerset to St. David's,'' said Crockwell.

"Mind you the situation has improved slightly from a few weeks ago, thanks to the help of a few club representatives who have come forward to assist us. But the fact remains that we are still hard pressed, especially on a busy weekend like this one.'' One official answering the BRA's plea for help was Gregory (Ribs) Simons who had decided to quit refereeing last summer.

"It's good to see Gregory back out. He was making good progress and we were sad to lose him at the start of the season,'' said Crockwell.

Crockwell noted that with the busy holiday period ahead, his association would again be stretched to cover all matches, including the Dudley Eve competition and junior games.

Meanwhile, the BRA are attempting to improve the standard of refereeing in the junior divisions. A move is underway to compile the names of referees involved in the junior leagues and arrange for them to participate in a crash course for officials.

"We are trying to collate all the names of the referees in these leagues and have them do a course on a weekend when it is not busy,'' said Crockwell.

"This will enable us to bring some consistency in these leagues and hopefully these officials will come along to complement us at the higher level.'' A meeting between Bermuda Referees Association and club coaches is planned for next week.

Crockwell said that no specific date had been set, but one would be chosen when he returned to the Island on Monday.

The unprecedented meeting, organised by Crockwell and Dandy Town coach Mark Trott, is designed to forge better relations between the two groups.