The perennial shortage of referees threatens to wreak havoc upon the fast approaching 2004-05 football season. . . just when it appeared the situation was improving following the recruitment of new blood last season.

While the Bermuda Referees' Association (BRA) again struggled to field adequate numbers at matches during the previous campaign, the retirement of a few seasoned campaigners has now drastically reduced the association's ranks - something which could again prove to be a major headache for club officials, players and fans alike.

The association were due to hold a special meeting last night.

The perennial referee shortage reached a crescendo last season when the Premier Division clash involving Somerset Eagles and eventual league champions Dandy Town was abandoned in the first-half at St.John's Field after the home team's Khano Smith was floored by an opposing player during an off-the-ball incident. There was only one BRA member officiating the match, Anthony Mouchette.

Southampton Rangers then felt a bit undone against the same team at the same venue when a Rohaan Simons effort, which rebounded off the crossbar, appeared to have crossed the line - only to be overruled by a female rookie referee assistant.

North Village and Boulevard also bore the brunt when their Premier Division contest failed to get underway at BAA Field after no officials turned up at the grounds.

Now retired or understood to be contemplating severing services with the association are senior official Stuart Crockwell - one of only two local FIFA referees who announced his retirement at the conclusion of last season - Cal Simons, Joe Pimental, George O'Brien and Gregory (Ribs) Simons. Leroy (Curly Joe) Wilson, meanwhile, has opted only to officiate in women's matches this season.

Although senior officials Lyndon Raynor and Anthony Mouchette were said to be contemplating retirement from the sport, it is now understood the pair have had a change of heart and are set to resume duties out in the middle this season which gets underway on Saturday at BAA Field with both the Men's and Women's Charity Cup.

Last year saw many top matches officiated by a sole official while, in other cases, First Division matches and even a few cup ties went ahead with only one qualified man out in the middle.

And even though the BRA managed to recruit a few new members, the upcoming season promises to provide the association with its biggest challenge to date with calls reportedly having already been sent out to clubs urging for their assistance.

In past years both the Bermuda Football Association and the BRA have run initiatives to help swell their ranks but these schemes have been met with little success.

BRA president Richard Knight could not be reached for comment yesterday, however one member stated: “From what I understand it is going to be a real struggle for us this season. I haven't attended any of the meetings lately but from what I gather at least four referees have retired. . . and that's certainly not good news for us.”