WANNABE Wayne Barnes are being offered the chance to embark on a refereeing career as part of a recruitment drive by the Plymouth Rugby Referee Society.

The city's whistleblowers society may not be able to guarantee new recruits will make it to a World Cup semi-final, as Englishman Barnes did in 2007.

But, said PRRS spokesman, Ian Darcy, learning the refereeing ropes might just turn out to be the smartest move a rugby-loving individual can make.

For becoming a match-day official will help recently-retired players to maintain fitness levels and retain an involvement in the game.

And, added Darcy, taking the plunge will also help bolster the referees' squad numbers, which he admitted could do with a timely infusion of new faces.

So, it's a win-win situation?

"Yes, I really believe becoming a referee is just that," said Darcy.

"For those players coming towards the end of their playing careers refereeing is a great way to stay within the game.

"But with the added bonus that it'll be achieved without the many injuries you tend to pick up as a player.

"We are a very, busy society covering league and cup games throughout Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall.

"My colleagues and myself cover matches up to Level 7 in the rugby refereeing rankings, which takes in Devon One (South and West) and up to the Cornwall/Devon League."

However, Darcy was quick to emphasise that individuals with limited playing experience should not rule themselves out taking the refereeing route.

"There's a lot of support for new referees including an entry level referee award course, run locally, to help cover most aspects of the laws and the game," said Darcy, who added the opportunities are not restricted to officiating at local level.

"With exchanges you have the opportunity to officiate further afield throughout the season.

"Some refs have covered fixtures up and down the country and as far as the United States and other European countries.

"There is a great social network both on and off the pitch and unlike other sports, there's a tremendous amount of respect for rugby officials.

"Normally after officiating its customary to enjoy a few beers and some food with both the home and away teams in the clubhouse discussing the finer points of the game."

For further information on becoming a referee, or information on the PRRS and its members, visit www.plymouth-rrs.co.uk where you'll find all the society's contact numbers.