Southern Premier League football matches may struggle to get under way this season because of a refereeing shortage.
At a Football South meeting earlier this week concern was raised about the dwindling number of match officials in Otago. It has worsened to the extent that there may only be seven referees available for the 10-team league, which starts early next month.
New Football South executive officer Bill Chisholm said the situation had reached near-crisis proportions because of retirements and a lack of replacement recruits capable of handling senior matches.
"We have approached quite a few former senior players who are still playing masters football, and several have indicated an interest in taking up the whistle," he said.
Chisholm said the referee shortage had been worsening for years, with recruitment drives having success only at junior level.
He suggested recruiting students capable of running a line, and becoming assistant referees after a short tuition course.
The refereeing shortage has been exacerbated by the level of poor discipline by players on and off the field. Offenders in the coming season will be confronted by unhappy club treasurers as the fines for cautions have risen to $50 for a red card and $25 for a yellow.
A Dunedin pre-season competition will be held over three weekends starting this Saturday. The 10-team Southern Premier League will start on April 4, with the main game between University and Green Island at the Caledonian ground.
