1. Mentor Program 2010 BWNYSRU

2. Introduction • This is a summary of the soccer referee mentor program operated in Western New York in 2010. • This program is funded by the WNYJSL, Western New York Junior Soccer League, to whom we owe much gratitude.

3. Program Purpose The purpose of our program is to create the best first year referees in the United States of America.

4. Program Mission The mission of the WNY soccer referee mentor program is to raise the competency level of all new referees that join our program, to provide a congenial learning atmosphere during our games and to increase the return rate of first year referees.

5. Program Tactics • First year referees (mentees) are paired with experienced referees (mentors) in U10 age level games after completing 18 hours of classroom instruction, a 100 question written test and 2 field clinics. • Mentees must complete 6 games in the mentor program before they can be assigned to do middles unsupervised..

6. Program Tactics • Mentees alternate between the middle and line duties while the mentor is assigned to the line only. • Mentors teach, advise, and protect the mentees during the match. • The mentees are contacted before the match by the mentor to confirm game location, uniform color and answer any pregame questions.

7. Program Tactics • Mentees and mentor complete the pregame checklist together. • One mentee does the middle, while the other mentee and the mentor do the lines. • At halftime, the mentor reviews what went well and what changes need to be made. • At the end of the game, the team recaps the positives and opportunities for the next game.

8. Mentor Report Form • The mentor must complete a form for each mentor game. • The mentor rates each mentee on a scale of 1 to 3 and provides comments for future development. • Mentor reports validate payment and can be used by other mentors to help develop the new referee.

9. Mentee Report Form • The mentee must complete a form for each mentor game. • The mentee rates their mentor on a scale of 1 to 3 and may provide comments. • Mentee reports help select the Mentor of the Year award, and provide input to improve the program.

10. Mentor Qualifications • Mentors must be referees in good standing with the unit. • They must have at least 4 years of experience. • They must possess a desire to teach in a positive manner with patience. • They must have a firm grasp of the rules.

11. Funding • The mentor is paid the line fee plus a mentor fee. • The mentee is paid the normal rate for the position they perform – either line or middle. • The mentor fee is paid by the BWNYJSL.

12. Statistics 2008 2009 2010 Number of U10 mentor games 444 449 468 Number of U12 mentor games 28 32 42 Number of tournament mentor games 57 66 75 Grand total 529 547 585

13. Statistics 2008 2009 2010 Number of Mentors 52 74 77 Number or Mentees 112 223 228

14. Program Benefits • Improved referee competence • Protection from coaches/fans/players • Fewer no shows • Higher retention rate • Standardization of unit policies • Improved communication • Better player management

15. 4 Person System • In 2011, the JSL agreed to fund an additional mentor position for six U10 games each week. • This trial program’s objective is to improve the quality and timeliness of mentoring by freeing the mentor from game duties.

16. 4 Person System • There will be 4 referees assigned to the designated U10 game. One mentor and 3 mentees. • The mentor will show as the middle referee on the schedule, but will not do the middle. • One of the 3 mentees will do the middle.

17. 4 Person System • The mentee with the least number of middles should be assigned to the middle. If they won’t do the middle, have the mentee with the next fewest games do the middle. Flip a coin if they are tied. • All three mentees should come prepared to do the middle.

18. 4 Person System • If we have a mentee no show, the mentor will fill the position. • The mentor will work outside the touchlines and goal lines for the entire game. • The mentor will never do the middle with the middle mentee (never run with them in the middle).

19. 4 Person System • The mentor will begin the game at the halfway line on the team side. They will help manage substitutions. • The mentor will be flexible about where they stand, how much time they spend with each mentee and what functions they perform to assist the referee team.

20. 4 Person System • The mentor will manage coaches, fans & parents and teach the mentees how to do the same. • The mentor will use common sense and be flexible. • The mentor will not sit in a chair. • The mentor fee for the 4 person system will be $30 per game.

21. 4 Person System • The mentor will complete a mentor report on line within 24 hours. • The mentor will not be paid without a mentor report. • The mentor report may be used by other mentors for mentee development. • All 4 referees will be in uniform.

22. Questions? Contact Lisa Augustine at laugustine@rich.com with questions.