RUGBY LEAGUE: If you've ever considered picking up a whistle, now is the time to give it a go.

The Mackay and District Rugby League is looking for referees for the upcoming season.

Local referee Bob Dwyer said he started after his son picked up football.

"And then I found out some of these guys are doing four or five games," he said.

Brian Little, who has been involved for more than a decade, said it was a big job but you got out of it as much as you put in.

"We are a team and there's a very good bond between all the referees," he said.

"You have a lot of fun with the players."

Mr Dwyer agreed, saying "the interaction with the players" was what kept him coming back after eight years.

"And helping to create a pathway for some of the younger kids that are around the area," he said.

Mr Little said there was the inevitable sledging from the side line, but the players made it worth it.

"It's character building, I'll give you that," he joked.

"(But) the players are very respectful.

"It's a very rewarding pastime."

Currently, there are very few referees.

"When you go to a junior game at Proserpine, there's up to 10 games of football being played," Mr Little said.

"It needs a lot of referees and normally it falls on very few."

Mr Little said donning the pink was also part of ensuring the code keeps kicking along.

"For past players, it's a good way to give back to the game," he said.

For more information visit playnrl.com.au.