The city's recreation director said kids interested in playing winter league basketball have until Friday to sign up, but the department also is looking for referees.

Recreation Director Mike Sexton disputed rumors that the referee shortage would limit the number of teams that could play this winter, but the shortage is a problem nonetheless.

"We always need staff," Sexton said.

He said the challenge is that with fewer referees, sometimes they must work longer shifts, particularly on Saturdays.

Eight hours of harassment from coaches and parents with no breaks can be too much for some of the teenagers (refs) who sign up, so it's difficult to keep the refs they have, Sexton said.

More referees can reduce those burdens and Sexton said the city will welcome applications.

While Sexton said the department isn't turning away anybody yet, he did say there are some limitations to the number of teams that play during the week at local schools.

The city does not want to keep the kids out past 10 p.m., so it must limit the number of teams that play at area schools during the week.

Sexton said those leagues usually are sixth- through eighth-graders. Right now, everyone is welcome, he said.

"If they come in, they'll get signed up," Sexton said. "The deadline is Friday."