Boosting numbers within Bermuda Referees Association might prove to be one of his toughest tasks, but new boss Gregory Grimes is prepared for the challenge.

After having been voted in as president for the second time in three years, Grimes' main goal is to spearhead a recruiting drive that will give the Island a healthy new crop of soccer officials.

Can it be done? "I hope so,'' said the new president this week. "One thing's for sure, we are going to make every attempt to have an improvement for next season.

"Keeping our numbers at a reasonable level is imperative. Now we just have to encourage all those who are considering quitting to continue ... and I want us to have a successful recruiting programme during the summer months when we hope to attract at least 10 new referees.'' Grimes, a former Bermuda Football Association director, admits that last season proved tough for officials with the increase in the number of unsavoury incidents involving officials forcing some to rethink their position.

Following a bottle throwing attack, Leroy Wilson indicated that he would quit, Lyndon Raynor announced similar intentions and Anthony Mouchette hinted he would follow suit if things got worse.

"I have spoken to Mr. Raynor, who has been attending our meetings on a regular basis, and he has indicated that he will come back and Mr. Mouchette will also. But I haven't spoken to Mr. Wilson. I will be contacting him to encourage him to continue because he was making a lot of progress,'' said Grimes.

"It's important to get this talented trio back in the fold. They are experienced people and we need them to be present in our ranks in order to further assist the development of the new people that we hope will join up.'' For the summer recruitment drive, Grimes hopes that current FIFA referees and linesmen will become involved as well as former referees who reached that status.

He feels that those who have reached such a high level will be able to show how much they have benefited from the experience.

For the past few years the BRA have been stretched, Grimes admitting that they barely got through last season. And he is acutely aware that unless some capable people are found soon local soccer could face a real crisis.

"The fact of the matter is that we need more people to referee in order to make it comfortable for everyone. It's unfair when people have to double up and do several games a week. If a referee does too many games he is bound to become stale and susceptible to making mental mistakes.'' One route that Grimes would like to take is to meet with ex-players and talk them into putting something back into the sport. Too many, he felt, had turned their back on the game.

"I think we have to make a personal, hands-on approach and I think that our job is to go out there and give them our personal view of the importance for them, with their vast playing experience, to put something back into the sport that they once loved.'' But Grimes concedes that the violence that erupted in soccer last season could prove to be a turn-off.

"I agree that those incidents may continue to have a negative effect. But I intend to, with my executives, meet with the affiliates and the BFA and work together during the off season to put in places things that will eliminate some bad decisions that happened last year,'' said the president.

"We must all join hands and assist in developing a sound, promotional drive to reach new people. It's not just a problem for the BRA but also one that should concern the BFA, the affiliates and the soccer loving public. We just have to work together to get things right.''