There are more matches than referees.Peter Debney, Rugby Referees Association A shortage of referees is threatening to have a huge impact on Wairarapa-Bush rugby.
Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Referees Association spokesman Peter Debney said it was becoming increasingly difficult to come up with enough referees to cover club and college gameseach Saturday.
"We have had some referees doubling up by controlling matches in the morning and then again in the afternoons. It's not ideal and we can't expect our members to keep doing that sort of thing," he said. "Right now there are more matches than referees and we need to rectify that."
Debney said the situation was not only confined to Wairarapa-Bush with Manawatu and Wellington having the same hassles. It was important union officials, referees and clubs were all working together to find a solution.
Clubs might encourage their members to complete the NZRFU's Rugby Smart course, a move which would see them become "associate" referees and qualified to officiate at the lower levels, Debney said.
"No matter what the level of rugby, it is vital that safety issues are properly addressed ... it is important for referees to be qualified to a point where they have a good working knowledge of the rules."
