New president of Bermuda Football Referees' Association, Stuart Crockwell, wants his organisation to make a major contribution towards helping the sport regain respect.

Crockwell replaced Gregory Grimes as president of the association at the recent annual general meeting when Grimes decided not to stand for re-election. Other changes saw Peter Sousa named vice president and Esten Curtis as secretary-treasurer. Members of the committee are Angela Dill Edwards and Christopher Terry.

"Soccer has gone through a lot of changes and if we can prove to the soccer fraternity and the public at large, along with FIFA, that we can go beyond our troubles, then we can regain a lot of respect,'' said Crockwell, who with Curtis is one of only two FIFA-listed referees in Bermuda.

"Additionally, I would like to see the referees regain lost respect -- lost mainly because of our amateur approach,'' added Crockwell. "We need to get more potential officials involved, first at a junior level and then let them advance slowly, not throw them to the wolves by having them do Second and First Division matches too early.'' Grimes indicated that during his tenure the association was hampered by the lack of members. Officials were desperately needed in both the junior and senior programmes.

"I experienced a lack of dedication,'' he said. "Members were seldom willing to give their support, and that has been the situation for a while.

"Last season this was our main problem. Too many people were not showing up for assignments and attempts to clear this up just simply did not work out.

"Fortunately, though, the few who were dedicated stuck through until the end and without them the season would not have finished, that's for sure.'' Crockwell indicated he would like to see more new faces brought into officiating, both as referees and linesmen.

"There are some people who want to get involved in the sport, but not as referees. So we could have some concentrate primarily on running the line, and others who wished to become more involved could become referees,'' he said.

"Since being elected I have spoken to many people, and I hope some will come forward and assist us in helping things run smoother.'' Anybody interested in becoming referees or linesmen are urged to attend a meeting at Police Recreation Club next Monday, starting at 7.30 p.m.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD -- Outgoing president of the BFRA Gregory Grimes (left) congratulates his replacement, Stuart Crockwell.