As the football season draws to a close, officials are campaigning early to lure referees and umpires to games next year.
But rugby league, union, soccer, AFL and softball officials say they face an uphill battle as verbal abuse from the sidelines is deterring people from officiating.
Cairns and District Rugby League is suffering its worst referee shortage in a decade.
With about 60 junior games and 15 senior games a week, and only 30 active referees, co-ordinator of referees Michael Inman said most referees were required to work up to four games back-to-back throughout the day.
"By the third game you get burnt out and the players are not getting the quality they deserve," he said.
AFL Cairns umpire development manager Ray Hocking said some of his umpires had officiated at up to 90 games a season – 40 games is the target to avoid burn-out.
Mr Hocking said instances of abuse at umpires from players had been less this season but spectator heckling was still a problem.
He said green uniforms worn by new umpires to distinguish themselves from senior umpires had helped reduce spectator abuse.
It is a similar story for Cairns District Rugby Union, which recently lost three of its four top
referees. "We have a critical shortage of experienced referees," said rugby union referee education officer Bill Dentice.
He said 80 per cent of referees quit because of spectator heckling.
Cairns and District Soccer Association vice-president Tom Booy said his sport was also in need of experienced referees.
"When a ref makes a mistake, everyone on the sideline yells," he said.
Cairns and District Softball Association umpire co-ordinator Natalie Fresser said those on her books were often called upon to umpire three games a day.
Ms Fresser said the problem in recruiting umpires was the usual focus was on finding players, rather than officials.
To get involved contact Kel Zieth (rugby league) on 0417 726 327 or 4091 6367; Ray Hocking (AFL) on 0402 116 613; Bill Dentice (rugby union) on 0429 935 955; Tom Booy (soccer) www.soccercairns.asn.au or softball on www.cairns.softball.org.au
Last Modified on 01/10/2009 14:13