Huddersfield referees’ appointments chief Ronnie Cushing is delighted by a big rise in the number of qualified officials.

And he says the Examiner has played a big part by backing the Save The Ref campaign, initiated back in 2008 when the town was one of the worst in the country in terms of numbers.

Of the 54 matches which come under Cushing’s remit this weekend, 49 will be taken by qualified whistlers, more than double the average number five years ago.

“It’s great news and I’m really pleased about it,” said Cushing, himself a referee. “It’s certainly down to the campaign we launched.

“We have had great backing from the Examiner and the county and national FAs, and I have to say the clubs have responded well.

“I’m sure they realise it’s far better to have a qualified referee in charge, and the respect shown to them has certainly improved.

“We have a greater number of referees from Huddersfield, and also others who come in from other places such as Barnsley and Halifax when commitments there allow.

“We’re not complacent, because we obviously want to get to a stage where all matches are staffed, but we’re going in the right direction.

“And we also have a number of other areas coming to us and asking for help and advice in launching their own campaigns.”

Huddersfield FA knockout competitions take centre stage tomorrow, with Challenge Cup holders Bay Athletic, of the West Riding County Amateur League, heading to District League Division III side Brook Motors.

Current District League leaders Holmbridge host 3D Dynamos, of Division IV, while Britannia Sports are at home to DRAM Community’s WRCAL side.

There is a WRCAL Premier Division derby between Huddersfield YMCA and Kirkburton at Laund Hill.

And in the West Yorkshire League Premier Division, Shelley, in seventh, head to second-placed Barsdey aiming to build on last Saturday’s 3-2 win at Hunslet Club.