The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is crying out for referees after an early season shortage has led to some games being played without registered referees in control.
Referee development coordinator Paul Greenstreet says the union has about 80 qualified referees on its books - well short of the 110-120 needed to adequately cover all levels of rugby down to U14 competitions.
"We've already had games without referees last weekend - two lower grade senior games - and the high school stuff hasn't really kicked in yet," said Greenstreet.
"The top first 15 sides need referees from higher up the system - you can't just put anyone on a game between Rotorua and Tauranga Boys' College or Wesley."
Greenstreet says anyone can join a referees association, with associate referee courses taking about three hours to complete.