Several years ago the WSRO initiated a mentoring program to provide guidance and support for new referees as they undertook their field assignments.
The mentoring program continues today, stronger than ever. Experienced referees will meet the new referee at the field at least one half-hour prior to the start of their game. This pre-game meeting will allow time to review any unique rules associated with your assignment which could involve indoor games, tournaments or League play. You should also use this time to ask any questions you may have regarding the day’s events or what might have happened previously.
The mentor will then observe you during your game and provide immediate feedback, both positive and negative, as well as suggestions for improvement. Please use this time to discuss any specific problems you may have encountered.
Our mentors have been asked to focus on the following Priorities for New Referees:
1. Complete knowledge of the laws of the game and their appropriate interpretation.
2. Game management, which includes appearance, positioning and effort, decision making, procedure regarding substitutions and professional attitude.
3. Communications via voice, whistle and hand signals.
4. Foul recognition and response.
5. Game administration both pre and post-game.
The mentoring program is managed by Vice-President Steve Ruffino, who can be reached at 914 738-4739 or sfruffino@optonline.net
Mentor’s
Criteria List:
·
Did
I use strong hand-signals to indicate direction, goal kick, corner kick, etc.?
·
Did
I blow the whistle loud?
·
Did
I watch for the offside as a team was building its attack?
·
Was
I not afraid to call fouls?
·
Was
I close to the action?
·
Did
I control the substitutions?
· Did I get the difference between IFK and DFK right?
If previously mentored, get feedback sheet from Steve Ruffino.
Arrival 35 minutes before game time, if possible (as ref is expected 30 minutes prior)
Greet ref: Make him/her feel comfortable; explain objective of your presence; ascertain if this is the first time out.
You may offer to ref first game yourself and have ref watch (if mentor has time); explain that new ref still gets the pay for that game and will fill out sheet accordingly. If that is the case, be sure that you stay to see one full game by the new ref.
Emphasize importance of dress code and ref appearance.
Together (Ref and Mentor):
Check Field
Indicate it is “coach responsibility” to correct
Meet Coaches; get sheets
Sporting Director appointed and signed.
Player passes / inspection [mentor should do first team as demo]
Emphasis: speed of process (no need to hand out cards; last time illegal shoes
worn was in 1974)
Emphasis: no jewelry, shin guards covered
Goalie colors
Get properly inflated ball and a spare
Club linespersons—give them flags (explain how to position them [across the field and facing their own team] and address responsibilities and limitations); note: do not go to great lengths to find club linespersons; ask captain(s) at coin flip if no early volunteers.
Coin flip
“Release” the Ref: “you are on your own; you know the LOTG”
Do not intervene
Time the game, so you are able to make comments pertinent to when situation occurred and to judge ref’s timing of game.
Record comments against the Eight Major Points for New Refs
Mentor Positioning:
Start at the halfway line (should be expected to keep coach in line)
Move around to get a better perspective.
Halftime:
Greet ref; compliment and offer no more than one suggestion for the second half
End of Game:
Tell ref to collect line flags and return passes ASAP
Move fast as there will be a game following
How to fill report, especially suggest sporting ratings
Tell ref you will likely leave before he/she finishes next game, and will summarize in email;
Part with words of encouragement and just one reminder for the game; “remember to _______ “
Do observe preliminaries and start of next game
Feedback:
Send email to the ref; encourage and what to work on; “call me anytime”
Email to WSRO: assignors, president, Steve Ruffino
Format: Should be a somewhat different email than to the ref
Comment specifically on each of the Eight Points* using very few
words
Add anything else of importance
Overall readiness + recommended level / more mentoring?
Steve Ruffino collects/maintains the feedback reports
Mentor fee is arranged by Steve in conjunction with the assignors and approved by the President.
*Eight Points: Seven are listed above; add Did the ref show “Presence?”