Dwindling referee numbers hit new record low after widespread abuse

Critics are keeping the next generation from lacing up the referee boots, leading to record low numbers in the district rugby league competition.

Referee Lukas Durrant finds himself “fatigued” having to do up to five games over the weekend as the number of refs are dwindling. Picture: Angelo Velardo

• Toongabbie’s James Peatling earns NEAFL Rising Star nomination
• Moses putting Eels before Blues

The Parramatta District Rugby League Referees Association is calling for fairer treatment of match officials in the media as the number of refs in the junior competition sinks to an all-time low.

Executive officer Michael Karam said a mix of harsh criticism of NRL referees in the press, along with shifting attitudes to work and school, contributed to the number of active referees in the Parramatta District junior competition, dropping from 85 in 2018 to just 48 this season.

“I think it’s a bit of a mixed bag of people working more and putting trades and school commitments above refereeing and NRL refs being hung out to dry in the media,” Mr Karam said.

“You see everywhere refs are being painted in a bad image.

“They’re just doing the best they can in a pretty tough job.”

Referee Lukas Durrant is one of 40 to 42 available referees every week for more than 180 games. Picture: Angelo Velardo

While sideline abuse has been a leading cause of diminished referee ranks in the past, Mr Karam believes that is no longer the case.

“Over the last couple of years I’ve had a massive decline in reported incidents,” he said.

“The NRL and NSWRL have done a great job in cleaning the game up at the district level.

“It would just be nice if the media backed off a bit. Refs aren’t looking to be the next headline.”

While local referee numbers are floundering, player participation figures right around the country are skyrocketing with the Parramatta District junior competition alone recording a 3.25 per cent increase in 2018.

IN OTHER NEWS

Mr Karam said it was a recipe for disaster.

“In the Parramatta competition we have 180-odd games and 5480-odd players a weekend to cover, meaning every referee is officiating in four to eight games on a Saturday and Sunday,” he said.

“The competition is growing. Participation numbers are rising but the number of refs are dwindling.

“Pretty soon we won’t be able to keep up.”

Lukas Durrant, 17, said he found himself “fatigued”.

“Having to do four or five games every weekend gets pretty hard,” he said.

The PDRLRA has entered into discussions with the NRL and NSWRL to try and find a sustainable solution to the issue while Mr Karam hopes that the launch of the NRL’s new ‘Make The Call, Be a Ref’ campaign will help bolster the association’s ranks sooner rather than later.

Referee Lukas Durrant at Ringrose Park in Wentworthville is one of a short supply of referees for the club. Picture: Angelo Velardo

“Other regions are struggling as well but, having to officiate the second biggest competition in the state, we’re feeling it the most,” he said.

“If you’ve ever considered picking up the whistle, now’s the time to give it a go.

“It’s a great way to keep fit and the best seat in the house to enjoy the great game of rugby league.”

The NRL is holding a Foundation 1 refereeing course from 9am to 1pm at Guildford Leagues Club on Sunday, June 9.

For more information or to register, go to learn.playnrl.com