Referee Mentor Program

The GOALS of the AYSO Referee Mentoring and Development Program

Program Overview

The Referee Mentorship and Development Program aims to create an environment where referees can develop the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure a safe, fair, and enjoyable soccer experience for our teams and fans. This program leverages Region 19’s resources to recruit, train, and retain referees, accelerating their development through enhanced training and on-field mentoring.

On-Field Mentoring and Skill Development

A core focus of the program is on-field mentoring, where experienced mentors help referees improve their skills, enforce the Laws of the Game effectively, and perform consistently at a high level. This approach ensures safer and more consistent matches for players while providing referees opportunities to advance in their badge levels.

Peer Mentoring

In addition to guidance from experienced mentors, the program emphasizes peer mentoring. Referees at similar stages of development can learn from each other’s experiences, share strategies, and offer mutual support. This collaborative approach helps referees build confidence, improve decision-making, and develop a sense of camaraderie, enhancing their overall growth.

Supporting New Referees

Referees must make quick decisions, manage multiple players, remain unbiased, and handle the emotions of spectators—an especially challenging responsibility for new officials. To support their development, the program recruits and trains Referee Mentors who guide referees in building the habits and skills needed for safe and fair matches.

Stages of Referee Development

The mentoring program begins once referees complete their initial certification. Recognizing that different match levels require different skills, the program is structured in stages to help referees progressively build the competencies needed to officiate at higher levels of competition.

How it works

The Referee Program is designed to foster growth and development by strategically pairing Mentors with specific Mentees. This pairing ensures that newer or less experienced referees receive the guidance they need to improve their skills and build confidence on the field. Mentors are seasoned referees who have demonstrated a deep understanding of the game, as well as a commitment to nurturing the next generation of officials.

Mentor-Mentee Pairing and Coordination

Each Mentor is assigned to work closely with a Mentee, offering personalized advice and support throughout the season. The Program ensures that these Mentor-Mentee pairs are thoughtfully coordinated, often matching referees with complementary skills or experiences. This allows for a more tailored mentoring experience, focusing on areas where the Mentee has the most potential for growth.

Role of Senior Referees

In addition to direct mentorship, the Program also coordinates the involvement of senior referees, who may participate in the match either as part of the referee crew or as observers. When included in the crew, senior referees model best practices in real-time, providing a live demonstration of effective officiating. As observers, they take on a more reflective role, focusing on providing support and suggestions.

Observers' Role and Feedback Process

When acting as observers, Mentors watch the entire match from the sidelines, carefully assessing the Mentee's performance. This observational role allows them to identify specific areas for improvement and to note instances where the Mentee excels. Mentors typically offer initial performance suggestions at halftime, allowing the Mentee to make adjustments during the game. These mid-match insights can be crucial for immediate improvement, helping the Mentee to refine their approach while still in the heat of the game.

Post-Match Review and Discussion

At the end of the match, the Mentor and Mentee engage in a more comprehensive conversation. During this post-match review, the Mentor shares detailed feedback, discussing both the strengths and areas for development that were observed. This conversation is an opportunity for the Mentee to ask questions, seek clarification, and reflect on their performance with the guidance of an experienced official.

Immediate Feedback

To ensure that the feedback is fresh and relevant, Mentors share their suggestions with the Mentee immediately after the match. This prompt feedback helps to reinforce learning points while the match is still fresh in the Mentee's mind, making it more impactful and easier to apply in future games.

Focus Points

Mentors will focus on the following referee elements:

Appearance: Professional and approachable.
Whistle: Clear and effective use.
Signals: Accurate and consistent.
Presence: Confident and authoritative.
Positioning: Optimal and energetic.
Law Enforcement: Consistent and fair.
Player Management: Effective control of behavior.
Foul Recognition: Prompt and accurate.

For the Referee Mentor

Mentor Qualifications & Expectations

Experience: Must be a Regional Referee who has completed the Referee Mentor course. Intermediate and Advanced referees may be Mentors, but are highly encouraged to take the AYSO Mentoring course.
Commitment: Dedicated to AYSO and its philosophies.
Communication: Clear verbal skills; active listening.
PIE Approach: Maintain a Positive, Instructional, and Encouraging attitude when supporting referees.
Role Model: Demonstrate professionalism and knowledge.
Knowledge: Strong grasp of the Laws of the Game and referee mechanics.

Resources
AYSO Mentor Handbook
National Referee Program Manual
IFAB Laws of the Game
Referee Observation Form

Contacts

Chris Miller
Co-Director of Referee Mentoring (Regional Referees)
[email protected]

Ray Wiliani
Co-Director of Referee Mentoring (Intermediate Referees and Above)
[email protected]

Kevin Knopf
Director of Instruction
[email protected]

Paul Mathews
Regional Referee Administrator
[email protected]