By Helen Thompson

Last updated at 11:30, Saturday, 20 August 2011

A referee shortage has struck the Iggesund Cumberland League on the eve of the new amateur rugby season.

President of the Cumberland RL Referees Society Jackie Beech has spoken of his fears for the future of the game in the county due to a lack of active whistle-blowers.

At present the league is having to consider bringing in referees from outside of the county to cover the games and Beech insists the problem could get worse when the switch to summer takes place in March.

“The league may have to go out of the county to find their referees. The reason for this is due to the lack of referees in attendance at our society meetings,” said Beech. “The society are no longer sure of who are and who are not members. Only five turned up at the last meeting and one of those was non-active.

“It would be helpful if those who are available to referee would turn up at our next society meeting to be held at the Cumbria Sports Academy (Copeland Stadium) on Monday, September 12, at 7pm.

“With a lot of leagues changing to summer rugby, and some already playing in summer along with the professionals (and the RFL have first call on the referees), and refs who work shifts it does mean we need to know the availability of all our referees.”

The Cumberland League are about to start a truncated season this Saturday, which will close in early December, before taking a break and resuming with a full summer season in March.

The society is urging any referees who will be available for any games to contact secretary Peter Wharton on 01768 863450, or 07764 627103 or e-mail peter.wharton@rfl.uk.com

“We need to know so a list can be made up and we still do need more referees, so anyone who would like to give it a go can also contact Peter,” added Beech.

First published at 08:55, Saturday, 20 August 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk