GROUP 4 is hopeful a new NRL program entitled “Battle Fields to Footy Fields” will help them source new referees.
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Tony Hardy, NRL referees development officer for Northern NSW, said the program is aimed at men and women who have served, or are serving, in the defence forces.
It aims to assist their transition back into everyday society through officiating.
“The NRL has foundation courses up and running where they pay for everything for anyone who has served or is in the armed services.
“They pay for everything - from uniforms to insurances and associated fees.”
It’s another way of enticing and recruiting referees to the local association.
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“Anyone over the age of 13 can become a referee,” Hardy said.
“We would like to increase our indigenous and female participants but welcome anyone who puts their hand up”.
It’s all about attracting people to officiate in junior, senior and school games.
At the moment, Group 4 has 12 referees who can officiate senior league games.
“We need about 25 to 30 to comfortably referee our senior league games without having to double up [on using referees],” Hardy said.
“At the moment one referee could do a Friday night game, a Saturday game and then a Sunday match.”
Match official are paid $10 for running the line up to $120 for refereeing a first-grade match.
A foundation course under the Battle Fields to Footy Fields program will be held on March 31 in Tamworth.
“Anyone is welcome," Hardy said.
"All they have to do is go on the Play NRL website and find the courses in Tamworth.
"It’s a face-to-face course too.”
Tony Hardy can be contacted on 0400 412 178.
Group 4 referees have long complained of the need for more match officials. The new season is slated to start at the beginning of May.
