Over the past couple of years the referee numbers for senior and junior league divisions have been declining. 

The work load on the current referees has been huge given the number of games 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. 

Group 21 referees have been appointed to some high grade representative games because of their ability to control these games.

There is a very good young group of referees coming through the Association under the watchful eye of Rod Bowd, who is a very well-known referee in the area. 

Some of these referees have already received Country Rugby League appointments at junior age representative games. 

This year, three more young referees have joined the Development Squad with Liam Parker, Joey Butler, Jesse Rutter, Daven Patton, Nick Martin, Jackson James-Walsh and Jake Davis. 

They have been very committed to training and hope to secure a Junior Country Championship appointment in 2015.

If you have integrity, commitment, a good level of fitness and want to earn some extra money then you should consider refereeing as a way to stay involved in the game of rugby league. 

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. 

Group 21 junior clubs are encouraged to seek persons suitable to become referees so they do not face a shortage on their game days.