the game and leaving top officials over-stretched, according to soccer chiefs on the Island.

Few people are willing to take the initial step by joining the Bermuda Referees Association, which could make the current shortage long-term, they say.

Although there have been no incidents involving supporters and referees so far this season, few newcomers are accepting invitations to officiate, and with the season now well underway, concern is growing.

BRA president Stuart Crockwell said: "Abusiveness that has plagued the game is proving to be a definite deterrent when it comes to people making themselves available, and it is making it so hard for us to recruit new people.

"A few have told me quite recently that refereeing does not appeal to them because it doesn't have that much to offer. But I don't necessarily agree with that view.'' BFA First Vice-President Aldwyn Savery, a former Director of the BRA, agreed but said genuine attempts to recruit people would go on.

"The consensus among our own referees is that people are not coming forward because they can't handle the abuse that officials receive from the fans and perhaps a small number of players,'' he said. "Despite this, we are still emphasising the need for people to come forward.

"During the last five years or so we have been unable to attract people.

We've been targeting ex-players and those who have a good knowledge of the sport, but we haven't brought in many. The way things are now there will be a lot of games played this season without any official linesmen.'' Their views echo those expressed recently by Gregory Grimes, chairman of the BFA's Referees Committee.

However, Savery and former referee Carlyle Crockwell are presently conducting a refereeing course with the aim of providing Bermuda with more officials from next season. But they also hope that some of those taking the course will be capable and willing to assist as linesmen within the next few weeks.

Savery took exception to any suggestions that refereeing had nothing to offer these days, pointing out that FIFA and CONCACAF had often invited locals to officiate at fixtures in the Caribbean, Latin America and North America.

"I feel there are so many opportunities out there for referees these days, especially when it comes to doing international matches. It's a shame that we are struggling to find people,'' he said.