has delighted organisers. But the promising turn-out has done little to alleviate Bermuda Football Association's chronic shortage of officials.

Savery, first vice president of the BFA, said this week the sport was still in desperate need of more referees and linesmen.

"Yes, there was an overwhelming response to the course with an average of 23 people showing up over the two weeks. That figure included many current and former referees as well as five new prospects, including a female,'' said Savery.

"But while we were pleased with the enthusiastic response, there remains an acute shortage of officials and this is a challenge that we have to deal with for the rest of the season.'' So far this season referees have regularly had to "double up'' to accommodate the busy schedule and several matches have been arranged during the week in an attempt to lessen the load at the weekend.

The BFA are hoping that clubs will now encourage some of their members with a good knowledge of the game to act as linesmen.

According to Savery, trying to persuade them to take refereeing courses will not help alleviate this season's problem. But if some could make themselves available for a simple briefing on the laws of the game, they could make a contribution by running the line.

"We are desperate, the shortage problem is very much alive. Admittedly we were very encouraged by those attending the course, but the need right now is to find help to assist us during a very busy domestic programme,'' explained Savery.

"We would like to see some of the ex-players come out and help as linesmen.

If the response is good then it could be the turning point for soccer this season.'' Savery was also enthusiastic about the results of the course, revealing that the success rate reached an all-time high as regards both the written and oral exams.

He was particularly pleased to see former referees Carlyle Crockwell and Roddy Burchall make a contribution by explaining various laws and rules of the game.

Tomorrow morning those involved in the course will continue their upgrading during a gathering at Police Field. Savery is asking anybody else interested to come out and get involved.