A new set of faces will appear in black, red and yellow next season as retirements and new procedures could alter top-flight refereeing almost beyond recognition

Three of the five main officials who took charge of the top games last year appear to be ready to hang up their whistles while a new hardline approach from Referee Committee chairman Gregory Grimes will see only those who attend regular training sessions offered the top appointments.

"There could be some wholesale changes," said Grimes, who has breathed fresh life into the refereeing fraternity against the odds since taking on the role last October.

"A few senior figures will not be back again this year but also a change in the way we appoint referees and assistants may also mean different officials taking charge of the top games.

"We are encouraging all of our officials to attend regular training sessions, both practical and theory, and the appointments will be based on that commitment.

"It is the Referees' Committee's intention to appoint officials to matches based on their overall participation in the education programmes. Initially, this may result in shortages but for the overall improvement in the standard of officiating in Bermuda, this approach is best.

"We want to see officials giving the right decisions based on the most recent law changes which means attending the sessions."

A combination of this policy ? and the imminent retirements ? could see new referees thrust into more senior roles.

George O'Brien and Anthony Mouchette are understood to be considering calling it a day while Stuart Crockwell's position is unknown, although Bermuda's only FIFA referee did not officiate in the majority of the second half of the last season.

This leaves Granville Bennett and Lyndon Raynor left over as the only regular Premier refeees staying on, although Joe Pimental, who refereed a handful of matches in the top flight, will also be whistling away next year.

The retirements may also affect Bermuda's FIFA contingent, which worries Grimes greatly.

If Mouchette, currently an assistant referee for the world governing body, does quit and Crockwell doesn't return to the fold, Bermuda will be left with no FIFA officials, although it is understood there are some other candidates coming through the ranks.

"Ideally we would have four officials and then they could travel to matches as a team as many of the other officials from other associations do," said Grimes.

"It's not an ideal situation and we are keen to remedy it as soon as possible to help with our standing internationally.

"And depending on what happens with Stuart (Crockwell) and Tony (Mouchette), there is no reason why we can't have that again in the next couple of years."

And on the domestic front, Grimes has no concerns about bringing on younger referees, particularly with the average age of the 29 officials currently at more than 41 years old.

"There are some very bright young referees and I am happy that with the increased training programmes we will be able to continue to improve football standards here," continued Grimes, a referee for 20 years and BFA executive member for 15.

"Yes, there is room for improvement within the refereeing fraternity in Bermuda and to that end we have commenced a programme to accomplish just that.

"There may be some changes in terms of personnel but we will have confident officials who have the full knowledge of the laws and their application next season."

As well as looking to improve refereeing standards, Grimes is also keen to improve the level of understanding of the game of coaches, who often can be the most vocal in criticising an official, whether they are right or wrong.

"Before the season, we are going to have a mandatory meeting with managers and coaches from all clubs to explain to them any law changes or changes in interpretation," continued Grimes.

"This will hopefully iron out any misunderstandings or misconceptions they have ? quite often we hear players and coaches screaming at an official who they feel have made a mistake, however, when it is pointed out to them the law has changed they are left speechless."

And Grimes, although concerned that everyone stays vigilant, is hopeful that referee security will improve in the coming year.

Following an ugly incident at Somerset Cricket Club, when young linesman Antoine Augustus was nearly assaulted by a fan who this week was jailed for eight months, security was tightened at matches ? something Grimes is keen to see continue into the new season.

"There was an improvement in security after that incident," he added.

"To a certain extent the onus is on the referees to ensure that they only take to the field with a security escort. If they do not insist upon it, it only opens up problems in the future.

"Referee security is always an issue and I hope we do no witness any of these sort of problems in the coming season."