President of the Pembrokeshire Referees' Society, Danny Thomas, proudly congratulated members of the society who had gained promotion during the 2007/8 season. One of those who made the grade improvement from class 7 to class 6 was his son, Darren, who took up the whistle just two seasons ago. The former Carew and Monkton Swifts player is joined as a Class 6 referee by former Goodwick United manager Sean O'Connor, who took up the whistle at the same time. The experience of being a player and manager in Pembrokeshire has aided the development of both Darren and Sean, with them both having the respect of players in the local league. Also promoted to class 6 is Jeff Hurton from Roch, who has been officiating for just four seasons, with his son being a member of Clarbeston Road AFC, and Rob Blowes. Rob officiates regularly in the Welsh League alongside his duties locally, and has achieved this grade overcoming a hearing impairment. Whilst the three mentioned officials have achieved their aims as referees, the ambitious Blowes will be looking to climb the referee's career ladder further in the next few seasons. Two club stalwarts who have taken up the whistle this season have also moved from level 8 to level 7 referees. Tenby Under 16 manager Charles Davies was one, alongside former Herbrandston reserve team manager Helmut Reindhart, who like Blowes also officiates in the Welsh League and has ambitions to further his refereeing career. Society secretary Jonathan Twigg endorsed his president's congratulations and went further in encouraging any ex-player to consider becoming a referee. "Those who have achieved promotion this season have been regular attendees at society monthly training nights and contribute actively to the discussions," he said. "Being a referee is the next best thing to playing and grass roots football needs more referees." Anyone interested in becoming a referee should contact an officer of the society, or Pembrokeshire League secretary, Brian Hawkins, for further details.