For the first time, some of Bermuda Football Association's top stars are publicly questioning the state of the game, calling for an end to internal wrangling and the start of pronounced changes on the field.

In recent interviews with The Royal Gazette , several players from First Division clubs went so far as to call for the launch of a semi-professional league.

Among their chief concerns are: Inconsistent officiating that does little to protect skilled players; Little incentive, either through financial rewards or lack of a national programme; No marketing of the product or creation of an enjoyable atmosphere by clubs or the BFA; Lack of recognition or consideration for the sacrifices made by the players and their families.

In fact, were it not for an undying "love of the game'' players say they would probably quit.

"I've contemplated many times just taking a break (from soccer),'' said North Village midfielder Leon Raynor.

"The thought of throwing in the towel has crossed my mind,'' offered Vasco star Corey Hill.

In addition to holding down full-time jobs, players train up to three times a week and often play matches twice weekly. Some have families -- who are charged admission to watch their husbands or fathers play. During games, the best players are often hacked and chopped to the point of frustration.

"If there was a game going on, I wouldn't go watch,'' said Hill. "It's discouraging.'' Added Southampton Rangers striker Janeiro Tucker: "We're getting nothing out of it.'' Attempts at unionising players in the past have failed. Now some are wondering if professionalism is the answer.

Hill says a league with fewer teams and some form of payment "is the only way to get the game to improve ... (Otherwise) it's only going to get worse.'' Combined with the absence of a national programme, players currently "have nothing to look forward to.'' A 27-year-old graduate of Alabama A&M University, Hill has long been one of the BFA's best players. "It's time someone spoke up,'' he said, adding his views were shared by a large number of players.

One of those is Raynor, a recent marketing graduate from Georgia State University, who can't understand why the clubs and the BFA do so little to promote the game.

"There's a lot of dissatisfaction (among players),'' he said.

"A lot of players feel the BFA should be paying them ... right now, there's no incentive'' Tucker, who at 21 is one of the Island's top young players, concurs.

"There's no consideration for the players. It's very frustrating. Sometimes I wonder why we do it.'' Raynor says talk of a semi-pro league -- even a pair of boots at the start of the season -- has intensified. Now it's a question of putting words into action.

"We all have to work together. We as players have to realise what we put in is what we get out,'' said Raynor.

But players save most of their criticism for the referees, whose work they feel has deteriorated over the years.

One coach, speaking on the condition of anonymity, agreed: "In some cases, it's just plain brutal.'' The concern is that top players are being tackled -- often violently -- from behind or are chopped down at the knees by less-skilled defenders, who usually go unpunished by the officials. The result is players either retaliate -- and get carded themselves -- or simply don't put in the effort.

Just ask Tucker, who was hacked unmercifully in two straight games last week and had to sit out Sunday's clash with Dandy Town because of an injured ankle suffered in a game five days earlier.

"Ridiculous,'' he said. "It's worse than last year ... The referees have to protect the players.'' "Referees have to allow the players to show the skill they have,'' said Raynor.

Hill, who has had his share of knocks of the years, feels officials are more "intimidating'' than any full back he's faced.

"They come to the game thinking people are there to see them,'' he said.

DISGRUNTLED DUO -- Janeiro Tucker (left) and Corey Hill are among a group of players who believe semi-professionalism could be the answer to Bermuda's soccer woes.