Soccer fans will again be forced to find alternate means of Sunday afternoon entertainment as the refereeing crisis afflicting the game remains at an impasse.

Bermuda Football Association (BFA) were yesterday compelled to postpone all matches in the First Division this weekend -- there were no Premier Division games scheduled.

However, on a brighter noter, action in the Commercial and Women leagues is set to resume following a one week hiatus.

Local referees announced their boycott last week following an attack on Grade Two official Perry Scott and were standing by that decision yesterday. But the BFA noted that Commercial and Women's Division matches could go ahead without qualified officials.

"According to the regulations governing the playing of Commercial and Women's Division matches, the decision of the BRA (Bermuda Referees Association) should not prevent the playing of all these matches over this weekend,'' said a BFA press release.

"For the sake of clarification, the BRA has not and does not have the authority to cancel football matches on behalf of the BFA.

"The BRA and its members have withdrawn their services for a disclosed period of time. Matches played under the auspices of the BFA must conform to certain regulations and as such Premier and First Division matches must be administered according to the Laws of the Game by appointed BFA match officials.

"Hence, our only recourse at this time is to postpone those matches affected by the decision of the BRA.'' Rather than take to the pitch, referees will occupy the boardroom at Police Recreation Club to further discuss and formulate recommendations to be presented to soccer's governing body.

Topping the refs' agenda are issues of personal safety and security while officiating matches, something highlighted by the recent attack on Scott by North Village Rams midfielder Kacy Simons.

This would likely mean certain clubs having to find ways of upgrading facilities in order that overzealous fans and players don't come in easy physical contact with match officials.

"We had a discussion last (Monday) night, and, even though I had said earlier that I would like to take some things back to the BFA today (yesterday), obviously there's some more issues that my referees want to discuss,'' explained Lyndon Raynor, president of the BRA. "Therefore we've decided to meet again.

"Obviously, there are going to be some short goals, and then some long term goals that eventually the affiliates will have to address for the continuance of soccer.

"And those concerns go beyond refereeing issues, but incorporate the whole state of football and where we want to take it.'' Raynor further intimated that it was not the intention of the BRA to hold the BFA and the sport of soccer at ransom, but rather to ensure that presented is an environment conducive to the well being and enjoyment of all concerned.

"The referees are just as anxious as the rest of the football family to see football being played once again on our fields, for the enjoyment of all,'' continued the statement. "But before this can occur we must ensure that it is done in a manner that is equitable to all.'' Meanwhile, yesterday's scheduled talks between the Bermuda Referees Association and Bermuda Football Association president Neville Tyrrell failed to materialise, due to the latter's arrival back on the Island being delayed.

Discussions have been tentatively rescheduled for today, with further debate to follow involving the BFA president and the executive members.