Mentor Program 2015 Mentor Program 2015 BWNYSRU

Introduction This is a summary of the soccer referee mentor program operated in Western New York in 2014 and 2015 changes. This program is funded by the WNYJSL, Western New York Junior Soccer League, to whom we owe much gratitude.

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

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.

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

Program Tactics Trainees must accumulate over 20 points for middles before they can graduate from the mentor program. Mentors assign points to trainees based on their performance during U10 games either as a center or assistant referee, and provide comments on their performance.

Program Tactics Trainees alternate between the middle and line duties while the mentor is assigned to the line only, even though the mentor may be listed as the middle on the schedule. Trainees maintain the same assignment for the entire game.

Program Tactics The trainees are contacted before the match by the mentor to confirm game location, uniform color and answer any pregame questions. The mentor will inform the fans before the game begins that this is a learning experience for the referees.

Program Tactics Trainees and mentor complete the pregame checklist together. One trainee does the middle, while the other trainee(s) 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 and leaves together.

Mentor Report Form The mentor must complete a mentor form for each mentor game. The mentor rates each trainee on a scale of 1 to 5 and provides comments for future development. Mentor reports validate payment and can be used by other mentors to help develop the new referees.

Mentor Report Form The mentor report form is located in Arbiter. To find it, click on Lists, Forms, mentor report form from the home page. The mentor report should be completed within 24 hours of the game. It may be shared with future mentors or trainees.

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

Mentor Qualifications Mentors must be referees in good standing with the unit. They must have at least 5 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.

Funding The mentor is paid the line fee plus a mentor fee. The trainee is paid the trainee fee as approved by our working agreement with the JSL. The 2015 trainee fee is $21.00/game, plus $4.00 if the trainee functions as the middle referee. The mentor fee is paid by the JSL.

4 Person System In 2012, the JSL requested that 4 person referee systems are used on some lower division games (no “A” division games). The rest of the games each week will use the 3 person mentor system. The program’s objective is to improve the quality and timeliness of mentoring by freeing the mentor from game duties.

4 Person System There are 4 referees assigned to the designated U10 game. One mentor and 3 trainees will show on the Arbiter schedule. The mentor may show as the middle referee on the schedule, but will not do the middle. One of the trainees will do the middle, even though they are on the schedule as a trainee.

4 Person System One of the trainees will do the middle. The referee must be at least 13 years old by May 1 st to do a middle in the JSL league. The Arbiter schedule will show the trainee as the assistant referee position, even when the trainee does the middle.

4 Person System The recommended time to discuss who does the middle is the night before the game. The trainees should do as many middles as possible to complete their game requirements and graduate from the mentor program.

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

4 Person System If we have a trainee no show in a 4 person game, the mentor will fill the linesman position (not the middle), and the game will become a 3 person system. A no show should be noted in the game report, even though there were 3 referees for the game.

4 Person System 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).

4 Person System The mentor will begin the game at the halfway line on the team side. They will teach how to manage substitutions. The mentor will be flexible about where they stand, how much time they spend with each trainee and what functions they perform to assist the referee team. The middle ref will file the game report.

4 Person System The mentor will manage coaches, fans & parents and teach the trainees how to do the same. They wear matching uniforms. The mentor will use common sense and be flexible. The mentor will not sit in a chair or bench during the game.

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 trainee development. All 4 referees will be in uniform.

4 Person System There may be referees assigned to mentor games that are not old enough to do a middle (must be 13 years old for JSL games), so they can work lines only. The mentor may do the middle if they are the only one assigned to the game that is 13 years old or older.

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

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions –What should I do if we are missing a referee? Use a club linesman to call out of bounds. Give them some instruction before the game starts about what is considered out of bounds (ball all the way over the line). The middle should call offside and fouls, not the club linesman. The trainee should still do the middle if they are old enough. The mentor should handle the substitution side if the other AR is missing.

FAQ What is the minimum number of players for a U10 game? –The minimum number of players is 5. This is defined by our local league, the Buffalo and Western New York Junior Soccer League. If a team has at least 5 players, then the game will be played. One of the players must function as a goal keeper.

FAQ What should you do if you can’t make a game that you have already accepted? –Contact your assignor. They will provide a replacement for you. Do not arrange your own replacement for a mentor game.

FAQ What should we wear if all the referee shirt colors don’t match? –Have the ARs match colors if possible, and have the middle a different color, making sure the middle referee’s shirt color contrasts with the team colors. –If that is not possible, have the ARs wear black teeshirts.

Questions? Contact Lisa Augustine at with