Recruiting and Retaining Referees Reference the Recruiting and Retaining Manual available for download from www.aysotraining.org or order from the supply center. #521 AYSO National Referee Program

Recruiting Referees Recognize that recruiting is a never ending task Every person you come in contact with is a potential referee See page 4 of lesson plan Instructor Note to demonstrate a poor recruiting effort and a more successful recruiting effort.

Recruiting Referees Identify and train Recruiters to focus on this task. Have sales experience Be personable Be persistent Be dedicated Be gender and age specific (women and youth referees as recruiters) Be a genuine believer Refer to page 5 of the lesson plan and cover the details of each Item after the advance on the mouse click.

Recruiting Referees Training Recruiters and teaching the basic recruiting methods: Initial contact Go slowly Know your customers Refer to page 5 & 6 of the lesson plan. To prepare your recruiters, you might suggest they become familiar with some basic recruiting techniques. Cover each topic after advance on mouse click.

Recruiting Referees Common excuses we hear from people to avoid becoming a part of our wonderful national membership. Refer to page 7 of the lesson plan. Review Instructor Note on page 7 for audience participation. BE MINDFUL OF THE TIME TO INSURE COVERAGE OF ALL THE MATERIAL IN THE WORKSHOP.

Recruiting Referees I don’t know anything about the game! Refer to page 7

Recruiting Referees I don’t have any time! Refer to page 7

Recruiting Referees I don’t think I could put up with the behavior of some coaches and spectators! Refer to page 7

Recruiting Referees I’m not the right kind of person to be a referee, I’d be embarrassed! Refer to page 8

Recruiting Referees I’m a woman and women don’t referee! Refer to page 8

Recruiting Referees I can’t afford the equipment! Refer to page 8

Recruiting Referees I’m too old! Refer to page 8

Recruiting Referees I’m too young! Refer to page 9

Recruiting Referees I don’t think I can keep up with the players! Some of them are really fast! Refer to page 9

Recruiting Referees I don’t think I could handle the responsibilities of the referee! Refer to page 9

Recruiting Referees When and Where to recruit: Prior to registrations During registrations During practices During games It pays to advertise! Refer to page 9. EMPHASIZE – It takes several seasons to develop an effective referee, recruiting must be ongoing and continuous. However, there are certain times when recruiting efforts should be intensified. Detail each after advance on mouse click.

Recruiting Referees Player parents Players Boy and Girl Scouts Church Groups Schools College bound players Job hunting players Seniors Others

Recruiting Referees Designated recruiters Publicity Forced recruiting The Buddy System The Referee Mentor Program Other methods?

Recruiting Referees Use the Diagonal System in Recruiting Refer to page 12 – 13 for how to implement the DSC In recruiting. EMPHASIZE – a dual or two man referee system will not help in recruiting and is not a recognized officiating method by AYSO or FIFA.

Recruiting Referees Now let’s look at Retaining Referees. Refer to page 13

Retaining Referees Why do referees quit refereeing? Why do referees continue to referee? Refer to page 13 Record answers on flip chart or whiteboard.

Retaining Referees Nothing succeeds like success. Refereeing should be fun so… Refer to page 13

Retaining Referees First things first: MINIMIZE PROBLEMS FROM THE TOUCHLINE! Do not tolerate coaches, spectators or other referees that will not support the program. Refer to page 13

Retaining Referees For every referee you retain, that person can assist in the recruitment of new referees and help you get more referees to cover your matches! Refer to page 13

Retaining Referees Provide adequate training from the start A good start Don’t forget your veterans Use of the Diagonal System Refer to page 13 - 14

Retaining Referees Establish good communication REVIEW INSTRUCTOR NOTE ON PAGE 14 ASK – What are some effective methods to deal with misunderstandings? REFERENCE Publications

Retaining Referees Form a referee club: Meetings Guest speakers Involve everyone Don’t forget the women Youth referee programs Refer to page 15 Detail each after advance on mouse click.

Retaining Referees Offer motivational incentives: Uniforms “Thank yous” from players and coaches Awards End of season banquet or potluck Refer to page 15 – 16

Retaining Referees Deal FIRMLY with abuse Be proactive Be committed Zero tolerance The Coach Administrator is key Refer to page 16 -17 Detail each.

Retaining Referees Shaping the referee’s image Fight to change public perception Public recognition Spread the word Be proud Spotlight individuals Refer to page 17 Detail each.

Retaining Referees Referee Mentor Program Refer to page 18

Retaining Referees Develop a CORE referee group Teaching Mentor to provide personalized attention and make new friends Assessing, and most important, Encourage the next set of referees Refer to page 18 Detail each.

Conclusion Recruiting referees is a never ending task Use recruiters and train them to overcome the objections Minimize problems from the touchline Refer to page 19

Retaining Referees Keep them coming back by: Minimize problems outside the touchline Use award recognition when feasible Provide socialization opportunities Provide continuing education opportunities Establish a mentor program to encourage referees Refer to page 19

Thank you for attending! programs@ayso.org # 521