GROUP 4's "very dire" referee shortage will be addressed shortly, it has been revealed.
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The NRL, in conjunction with the Group 4 Referees Association, will be running foundation one referee courses in Tamworth and Gunnedah, advised NRL referee development officer Ryan Schmiedel.
The young Group 4 referee said a February 15 course will be held at the West Tamworth Leagues Club (10am start) while Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club will host another course on March 21 (also starting 10am).
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Schmiedel pleaded with all clubs within Group 4 to advertise the courses strongly "as the 2020 Season for the association is looking very dire with numbers".
"Group 4 RA currently have 12 members registered to cover all games throughout Group 4 - juniors and seniors.
"We need some serious recruitment happening so we can cover all games with qualified referees."
He added: "If persons that wish to become referees don't want to do seniors, they can just elect to do junior games at their respective grounds."
Registration fees to the association are: under-18s $25 and over-18s $100. This covers insurance and affiliation fees. It also includes a uniform plus a polo shirt, a hoodie and a tracksuit and training shirts.
In 2020, first-grade referee and touch judges will received match payments of $150 and $75, respectively, with payments of $100 and $50 for reserve grade), $70 and $30 for under-18s, and $50 and $30 for league tag.
For more information and/or to register, visit refrugbyleague.com.
Alternatively email the association on gp4referees@gmail.com, or contact Schmiedel at rschmiedel@nrl.com or by calling 0436 925055.
