Hunter Valley Group 21 Rugby League is facing a referee shortage for the 2014 season.
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Over the past couple of years, the numbers for senior and junior officials have been in decline.
The workload on the current crop of referees is huge, given the amount of matches that need to be covered each week from under-6s to first grade.
“Refereeing is a challenging sport but it does have its rewards for those who apply themselves to the game,” respected referee Rod Bowd said.
“We cover games in Murrurundi, Merriwa, Greta-Branxton and all towns in between.
“Group 21 referees have been appointed to some high grade representative fixtures because of their ability to control these games.
“In 2013, Matt Edwards received the No 1 appointment for the Country Rugby League (CRL) Championships.
“Ex-Group 21 whistle-blower Shayne Hayne is a current first grade referee in the NRL.”
There is a very good young group of referees coming through the association, according to Bowd, who travels to all junior rugby league games during the season offering guidance and support.
“These guys have already received CRL appointments at junior age representative games,” he said.
“This year two more young referees – Jesse Rutter and Jake Davis – have joined the Development Squad with Liam Parker, Joey Butler and Roxley Duggan.
“Jesse and Jake, both from Singleton, are very committed to training and hope to secure a Junior Country Championship appointment in 2014.”
Bowd said refereeing wasn’t just a young man’s profession.
“If you have integrity, commitment, a good level of fitness and want to earn some extra money then you should consider it as a way to stay involved in the game of rugby league,” he said.
“Retired players who no longer want the physical contact of the sport but want to maintain their fitness level are also encouraged to consider refereeing.
“If there is any official who has moved to the area and may want to continue to referee, we’d like to hear from you too.”
Bowd said people could now do their referee’s ticket online.
“This has reduced the amount of time candidates have to be in a classroom,” he said.
“Once they register online and select a course date they then pay the $25 and progress through the course.
“After the online section is done, they will need to do about four hours in a face-to-face class before they are deemed qualified.
“If anyone is interested in doing their referee’s ticket they can go to www.playrugbyleague.com.au and select the ‘Get Involved’ tab and then ‘Referee’.”
If females and males, 13 years of age and older, would like to become a referee, phone Rod Bowd on 0418 476 691 or contact any member of the association for details.