By Tivy-Side reporter

Lockdown could give a fillip to football in west and mid Wales by alleviating a problem over a dearth of referees, it has emerged.

There is increasing concern over the refereeing situation, compounded by long-serving match officials reaching a stage when considering hanging up the whistle.

After a suspension of all domestic football until at least May 15 the Central Wales Football Association launched a referees recruiting initiative.

The football authority is running an online referees’ course which has met with a hugely positive response in encouraging around 120 people to register at a cost of £25.

A spokesperson said: “It is most definitely a case of ‘Stay Home. Become a referee.’”

How many go on to take charge of games remains to be seen, but even a quarter would be a big boost to the sport in a large area of Wales.

When a referee qualifies he receives full kit with a logo of his area association plus all basic equipment to start up.

There are around 80 on the CWFA referees list, which at first blush may appear sufficient to meet demands.

But as well as two divisions of the Spar Mid Wales League consisting of 29 teams, the authority administers to the Costcutter League, Cambrian Tyres Aberystwyth League, Mid Wales South League and JT Hughes Montgomeryshire Amateur League, all having more than one division.

Insisting that a referee’s lot is a rewarding one CWFA referees’ secretary Dylan Griffiths of Penrhyncoch said: “Be brave and make the decision to become a referee.”

Anyone interested can contract Mr Griffiths on 01970 822202 or mobile 07999 345802.