Rugby refs tackling rural rugby's drink-drive problem

In Northland, alcohol was a factor in almost a third of all fatal and serious crashes between 2002 and 2006.

To stop this, Northland rugby referees are helping to implement a unique strategy.

On another Saturday afternoon of club rugby in Northland, what happens after the game can be a real killer.

In 82% of alcohol-related crashes in Northland, the drivers at fault are male.

Five years ago, that statistic gave Linda Nash of Northland Health an idea, and she approached Martin Slbrecht, chairman of the Northland Referees Association.

Together they created the Alcohol Management Operation or AMO, which targets young males.

"Rugby being what it was, the social atmosphere after a game, and in a rural area like Northland everybody has to drive.

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