Since arriving from England to become Football Tasmania's referee development manager in 2017, Tony Peart is proud to have witnessed numbers grow to 360 active refs in the state.

And he is keen to see the demographic expand along with the volume.

"We want to send a message that refereeing is not just aimed at kids after a bit of pocket money on a Saturday morning," he said.

"We are looking for referees of any age, non-players, ex-players or even current players looking for a new challenge.

"The satisfaction of refereeing is controlling a game and allowing 22 players to enjoy it and coming off with a job well done and the players accepting your decisions, if not always agreeing with them.

"Knowing you have contributed to a game is as enjoyable as when you play. If you play an advantage that leads to a goal it is a much better feeling than scoring a goal."

Hailing from Thirsk in Yorkshire, 36-year-old Peart has been an assistant referee in the English Championship and the A-League while also taking charge of NPL games in Tasmania and Victoria.

One of seven level 1 (A-panel) refs rotated through Tasmania's statewide fixtures, Peart said player behaviour towards "the third team on the pitch" has improved noticeably in the state.

"There has been a definite increase in respect towards match officials. The stereotypical hostile atmosphere has certainly not been the case for me in Tasmania.

"Nationally and internationally there's an issue with retention. The annual retention rate is 60-70 per cent so three or four out of 10 are leaving each year.

"There is a big drive to make sure refs feel supported and valued and we are aiming for an 80 per cent retention here and hopefully get to the 400 mark by the end of the season."

Despite the healthy increase, there are still not enough for three officials for every game. In Launceston alone, the Northern Tasmanian Junior Soccer Association requires 30-40 referees every Saturday with multiple games also played at Windsor Park, Prospect Park, Birch Avenue and the NTCA Ground.

With the women's World Cup heading to Australia in 2023, Peart is also keen to see more female referees.

"We had 10 per cent and have now doubled that and think we can do the same again within the next five years," he said.

Referees can earn from $15 as an assistant in junior games to $128 for taking charge in the NPL.

A level 4 referees' course is being held at Churchill Park between 9.30am and 4.30pm on September 30 and October 1. It costs $50.

Go to http://education-ffa.sportingpulse.com/Entry/?EID=22371 or email: refereemgr@footballfedtas.com.au