referees should interact more with the various clubs, Bermuda Football Association (BFA) are taking steps to cement a closer relationship between the two.

But the BFA will first allow the referees an opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions via a forum this evening.

BFA general secretary David Sabir has announced there will be a special meeting tonight at the Police Recreation Club (7.30 p.m.), which all current and potential match officials are invited to attend.

"The Board of Inquiry, in its final report, recommended that prior to the commencement of the season, referees should give talks to players and coaches at football clubs regarding the rules of the games,'' said Sabir in a press release. "However, we must make absolutely certain that all referees are committed to properly administering the rules of the game.

"It is hoped that this meeting will focus on their future within the sport.'' Also of concern to Sabir is the general indifference shown by both spectators and players towards referees and linesmen.

This, he inferred, was hampering progression of the sport and if allowed to go unchecked would continue to cause problems.

"It has long been stated that referees and linesmen are important factors in the successful playing of a football match,'' continued Sabir, who will lead tonight's meeting along with Referees Committee chairman Delroy O'Brien.

"In Bermuda the discussions involving the state of our referees and linesmen are spread among all quarters of the football fraternity.

"There are many problems within the ranks of our referees. These include an acute shortage, which threatens the very existence of the sport; the problems with players and spectators who don't understand the laws of the game.

"Understandably some of our referees have given serious consideration to abandoning the sport.''