Cumbria Referees Society has had a boost with the addition of new referees, which meant all games were covered at the weekend.
Gerry Garvey, an ex-society referee helped out at the Penrith 2nds game and new society referee Alan Mackay stepped in at Wigton Under-18s match so all games had an official referee.
Mike Firby, chairman of the society and referees appointments officer, said: “With the increase in Sunday games, the Cumbria society realised it would need new members to help cover all games.
“It continues to try to recruit and develop new members but when it finds people interested, their development is limited by the lack of senior friendly games now being played.
“The strength of the society has been helped also by the return this season of Roy Hyslop after a season’s injury plus Stephen Elliott and Matt Duncan returning to the society.
“The progression of the two young referees Archie Harding and Nathaniel Mitton are a credit to both referees and our YMO manager Alastair Boyle. The society is trying hard to expand both this scheme and to work with club referees.
“With new recruits from the end of last season Martyn Harrison, Ben King and Craig Hine now fully in action and this season’s new starters Alan Mackay, Danny Airey and Darren Todd getting involved it is very encouraging.
“The task now is to find games to develop the new referees to league standards and hopefully keep shortages of society referees to a minimum and service the requirements of all Cumbrian teams.
“With a strong team of five Referee coaches, plus two injured referees also helping, referee development is a main priority of the society.
“The results of that team can be shown by the development to higher level games at level 4/5 and 6 games of society referees Andy Shaw, Archie Harding and Simon Barker and grade promotion for several other referees.
“Finally, a mention must go to all active society referees – all ages, all grades and the effort they put in on a regular basis.”
