The shortage of referees in Laois was highlighted at the weekend as county GAA chairman Peter O’Neill had to referee a club game.

With no referees available to officiate at the clash between Camross Na Fianna and Clough-Ballacolla, it was left to the county chairman to ref the game.

O’Neill told the Leinster Express that the county was in dire need of some new referees as the situation reaches crisis point.

“We have to go out to the clubs and get them to register referees, and then we have to completely and utterly protect them,” stated O’Neill.

There is a growing concern in the county that some shield and plate competitions may have to be scrapped due to the shortage of referees.

Many counties have the same problem, and one of the main reasons for the shortage of match officials is the abuse that they are receiving during games.

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