THE continuing shortage of qualified referees and the dwindling number of pitches were among the topics raised at the annual mid-season meeting of the Chippenham Sunday League on Wednesday.

Bob Pocock, the recently appointed referees' appointments secretary, spoke at some length about the worrying shortage of match officials.

The Chippenham League has less than 50 referees on its books, and as they were not all available every week, some matches would inevitably be without an appointed official.

Although the problem was less acute than with other leagues it did not appear that the situation was set to improve, he said.

In an effort to elicit input from the club secretaries, the meeting divided into five smaller discussion groups and each group discussed, in turn, league fixtures, player registrations, referees and refereeing, press coverage and general administration.

League secretary Chris Clarke said after the meeting: "We managed to get more feedback from the clubs by splitting into small groups.

"The refereeing problems caused the most concern, but there were some positive contributions and suggestions.

"We will be talking to Wiltshire County FA about one suggestion made that club members who take the referees' examination will not be forced to officiate at a defined quota of matches to retain their registration."

Clarke added: "Many clubs voiced their fears over the dwindling playing facilities in all parts of our catchment area, and this will be reported to the next management committee meeting so we can decide if it is worth pursuing our local councils."

The recent spell of extremely wet weather was at the forefront of people's minds when thinking of fixtures.

"It was recognised that the situation could be similar in future seasons and some of our members felt that it would be worth considering early season mid-week matches." Mr Clarke said.

"We have been refused permission in the past by the Wiltshire FA for mid-week matches in the early part of the season, but another application in the light of prevailing weather conditions may be viewed more favourably."

Clarke added: "Many clubs present were in favour of the league commencing earlier than the traditional first Sunday in September, but that is something to be considered at the league annual meeting in June 2001."

Before the meeting chairman Ken Clarke called for a minute's silence in memory of a former referees' appointments secretary, and vice-president, Doug Kemmery.

The meeting started with a cheque presentation to Wiltshire Air Ambulance for £2,200, the proceeds of the league's annual six-a-side competition.

During the summer the League organised the competition in memory of previous league officer Ken Clarke.

Ken, a native of Bolton, had lived for several years in West Lavington the home village of his wife, Margaret, and it is here that the now annual six-a-side tournament is held. Martin Hayward, Ken's son-in-law, presented the cheque to paramedic Craig Jarvis.

Presentations were also made to three officers of the league with over 80 years aggregate service between them.

Treasurer Doreen Rugg and chairman Ken Clarke received engraved salvers from secretary Chris Clarke. Business commitments prevented fixtures secretary Andy Hillier, receiving his salver personally.