RUGBY LEAGUE: Five towns in the Border Rugby League want a footy team on the field this season but it won't happen unless more referees come forward in the next month.

BRL president Norm Crisp said in recent seasons, the BRL referees had been boosted by referees from the Toowoomba Rugby League.

"The TRL has told us they are short of referees themselves,” Crisp said.

"I am seeking referees whose accreditation has run out and can be updated with a one-day course or prospective referees keen to do a full course.”

At present, there is only one referee from the BRL area active in officiating and he is from Tenterfield.

"Perhaps a lot of the junior referees could move up to officiate at some senior games,” he said

Each week, two referees will be needed to officiate at the two BRL games. Clubs are required to provide lines officials but the requirements are less stringent for women's leaguetag.

"This lack of referees is a serious situation and I can assure any possible referees there will be no tolerance of abuse of referees on the field or from the sideline,” he said.

"People found guilty of abuse can be suspended. Referees are paid for officiating, which includes some travelling.”

Time is of the essence with the round robin and representative team trials on March 25. The Border Bushrangers will play in Miles a fortnight later.

The BRL competition will start on April 22 and the grand final will be on August 26.

Three rounds will be played which makes for a 15-week fixture competition.

Each club will host one carnival daywhen all BRL games will be at the one venue, other games are home and away.

Prospective referees welcome to call Crisp on 0418716591.