Retiring players offered cash sweetener to take up the whistle

Like many leagues this season, the West Lancs has been hit with a shortage of match officials, with around 10 matches being postponed due to a lack of available officials in 2021/22.

That’s despite many higher-level referees stepping down to help out when the gaps are particularly acute.

Now the West Lancashire League says it will help fund the cost of the Lancashire FA Referees Course for would-be whistlers – who may be coming to the end of their playing days - who would then operate on the league.

It costs £130 and once the newly-qualified referee has completed five games on the West Lancs, they will receive a discount towards the overall price.

Hon Gen Secretary John Brown said: “The league has had discussions with the County FA over the shortage of referees in the County and the league’s concern of possible shortage in the future for our games.

“There will be a cost of £130 per person but the league has decided that when the individual has refereed five games on the West Lancashire League a discount will be paid towards the cost.

“Any person who takes up this proposal will guarantee that he would only officiate on games in the West Lancashire Football League who play Saturdays during the season.

“Once registered as a referee you have the right to officiate on other leagues but we hope that you stay with the league you are used to and familiar with.”

Referees on the West Lancashire League are paid £30 per match (£20 if assistant) and 28p per mile.

To find out more about the course, go to Lancashire FA here.

To contact John Brown, email him at bluerucksack@aol.co.uk.