OFFICIAL SHORTAGE BRINGS CALL FOR EXTRA REFS

The future of American football in Scotland is under threat due to a lack of referees.

A record 15 teams are set to play competitively in 2010 but with just seven officials available to cover their games, it could wreck the mini-boom the sport has created domestically since the NFL pulled the plug on the Scottish Claymores six years ago.

The crisis has led to a call for new whistlers to come forward – with avid watchers of the Super Bowl being encouraged to enrol on the training courses being set up to expand the numbers of available referees.

“It’s a great opportunity for fans of the game to get involved without any risk of bumps and bruises,” said a spokesperson representing all of the Scottish clubs.

“American football referees are always part of a crew of at least 3 officials so they aren't ever left to just show up and handle a game alone.

“There are travel expenses paid for as well and a good training programme to get people up to speed. There are strict rules for team discipline on game day so referees never need fear some of the abuse you read of from other sports.

“Most American Football fans will have a grasp of the main rules already - knowing how a tackle is marked - a knee on the ground for example, false starts, off sides etc. Each referee has his or her own area of the field to look at and aren't expected to be able to see everything like soccer.”

The Scottish region of the British American Football League will see seven adult teams, three youth teams, plus five University sides, play in 2010

Anyone interested in becoming a referee in American Football in Scotland should contact info@scottishamericanfootball.info for more details