Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador has no problem with recruiting referees, but says it is a challenge to keep them.

Don Kelly, the referee-in-chief of HNL, said with an attrition rate of 35 per cent, the key to keeping referees is offering them perks.

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"One of the guys there ... Saturday morning, he'd done a game at 9 and 10 o'clock and he was staying until around until 11. I said 'My god, this is great of you to put so much time in,'

"'Yes, we get paid so much a game, but if I stay for the extra game, I get a free poutine at the canteen.'"

Kelly said some young referees give up the position due to the verbal abuse they take, but many more quit in order to avoid the responsibility of taking control of a hockey game.

He said there are more than 700 active referees in Newfoundland and Labrador.