YORK and District Rugby League Referees' Society are whistle happy again after their ranks were boosted by 13 newly qualified officials.

A shortage of referees and touch judges in the amateur game prompted the York committee to run a refereeing course at New Earswick All Blacks Sports and Social Club.

And after five weeks under the instruction of the Selby Referees' Society's recruitment and development officer Dave Nathan, helped by his York counterpart Stuart Evans, 13 candidates, including adults and junior boys and girls, passed their entry examination.

Added to the successful candidates from a prior course there are now 18 new referees in the York area and some have already officiated in junior seven-a-side competitions and the current Interworks tournament.

Thanks go to the New Earswick club for the use of their facilities. It is hoped another course will take place at the start of next season. For details call Dave Nathan on Selby (01757) 701207 or Stuart Evans on York (01904) 789321.

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