The threatened boycott of BAA Field by local soccer referees appeared close to being called off last night with the club expected to bow to demands by Bermuda Referees' Association (BRA) that they beef up security at the ground.

A special executive meeting on Tuesday night resulted in the BRA reaching a decision to boycott all matches scheduled for that venue until the host club committed themselves to improving security.

Bermuda Football Association officials, who earlier in the day had discussed the matter with BAA president Donna Maiato, are still anxious to meet with BRA president Stuart Crockwell and his executive so that a satisfactory resolution can be reached.

"We are hopeful that everything will be resolved and all sides will be happy,'' said BFA first vice president Aldwyn Savery, who revisited BAA last night to clear up any other discrepancies.

The BRA made their controversial decision after referee Leroy Wilson was reportedly attacked by BAA player Yul Wade on Sunday -- the third incident at the ground involving a referee in as many weeks.

In addition to the attack on Wilson, an official's wallet was stolen and the referees' changing room ransacked.

Savery moved swiftly to resolve the escalating dispute in the morning, meeting first with Maiato but then finding it difficult to arrange a meeting with Crockwell who was preoccupied with classes during most of the day.

Still, Savery remained optimistic that a satisfactory agreement would be reached between the three groups -- BFA, BRA and BAA -- and that plans for the referees to boycott matches at BAA would be cancelled with weekend matches going ahead as planned.

"We have already put the wheels in motion. BAA have come up with some concrete ideas to ensure that officials and the players are safe while at their ground,'' said Savery.

Among the ideas presented by the Pembroke club were: Moving referees away from the changing rooms used by players, instead granting them use of an area inside the main club.

Allowing game officials to park in the clubhouse grounds where they would be received by a club member.

Assigning a club member to escort referees on and off the pitch before, during and after matches.

"I thought it was a good meeting and BAA really took matters in stride,'' added Savery. "The BFA are very grateful that they have decided to take these steps and it's now up to the BRA to determine whether they will accept the proposals.'' It is known that a representative of the BRA was present during the discussions and that he was to report to Crockwell. However, it was not known whether the president and his executive would accept the proposals, although it seemed likely.

Meanwhile, Maiato earlier confirmed that she had been in contact with the BFA, but refused further comment, explaining that it could jeopardise progress being made to resolve the dispute.