Soccer Nova Scotia
Referee Development Committee
Mentor Program Primer
The Mentor Program is designed
to allow experienced referees (the
mentors) to give advice and
assistance to less experienced
officials (the mentorees), in a
game setting.
Mentoring Opportunities
• Mentoring may be done on any game at any
level of play.
• The mentor may watch all three officials
from the side line.
• The mentor may be an official in the game
and provide assistance with other officials
working the game.
The Mentor’s Advice
Strong Points
• 3 – 4 points to encourage
the referee
• Items that were done well
given the stage of
development of the referee.
• Be positive, let them know
that they are doing some
things well.
Recommendations
• 2 – 3 points the referee can
use to improve.
• Be kind, give them
something that they can
work on in their next game
to help them get better.
• Be positive – we want them
to get better not give up.
Characteristics of a Mentor
•
•
•
•
•
•
Has a sound knowledge of the Laws of the
Game.
Has refereeing experience
Is a good role model
Has leadership qualities (e.g. judgement,
decision making)
Is observant
Has good analytical skills
Characteristics of a Mentor (cont’d)
•
•
•
•
Has good communication skills
Is a good listener
Displays a positive attitude
Is a responsible person
When To Mentor
Before the game
1. ensure that the mentoree is familiar with
his/her pre-game responsibilities, e.g.
a) confirm that the field and goal posts are in
safe condition
b) check on the players (uniforms, jewelry,
etc.)
c) obtain game balls and arrange for
collection of game sheets and fees
Before the Game (cont’d)
2. Ensure that the mentoree is professionally
dressed.
3. Carry out the pre-game instructions or listen
to the mentoree’s pre-game instructions
4. Encourage questions from the referee team
prior to the coin toss
At Half Time
Choose one, or at the most two, points which
you would like the referee to focus on in the
second half. For example ask the referee to
try to make eye contact with the referee crew
on every stoppage in play, or to keep the ball
between him/her and the near assistant
referee.
At Half Time (cont’d)
Similarly, ask the AR to keep in line with the
second last defender, or to look to the halfway
line at every stoppage in play to determine if a
substitution should be signalled.
Don’t forget to tell the referee/AR what he/she
has done well.
After the Game
1. Review the game with the mentoree –
there should be more strong points than
recommendations for improvement, in
order to encourage skill development
2. Encourage the mentoree to contact you if
she/he has any questions in the future
Keeping a Record - Reporting
•
The mentor writes a brief report
touching the key points – strengths and
areas for development.
•
Make recommendations for a change in
designation, if appropriate
•
The written report is sent to the SNS
Referee Development Officer within 72
hours
The Written Report
• The Referee Development Officer reads and
comments on the report, as appropriate.
• The RDO will send the report to the
mentoree and to the district mentor
coordinator, as needed.
• Upgrading recommendations made in the
report are provided to assignors and
recorded in the referee’s file.
What To Look For
Following are a series of slides which will
give the mentor some guidance in determining
the strong points and areas in which the
referee can improve his/her performance.
They show basic characteristics and skills
which a referee uses in every game.
The Uniform
A properly dressed
referee immediately
projects an image of
confidence and
professionalism upon
entering the field of play
Pre-Game Instructions
They should always be given!
The pre-game instructions not only give the
referee the opportunity to inform the
Assistant Referees how the game is to be
managed, but also allow the AR’s the chance
to ask any questions they may have
concerning procedures, communication,
positioning, etc.
Assistant Referee Signals
•
•
•
•
Mechanically correct
Show correct direction
Flag raised decisively, but not hastily
Held for 2 seconds
Throw-in
• Arm straight
• Arm held at 45 degree
angle
• Stop before signaling
Goal Kick
• Body facing square to
the field
• Flag held parallel to
field
• Flag held in right hand
• The AR should be on,
or as close to the goal
line, as possible before
signalling
Corner Kick
• Flag held in right hand
• Flag pointing at 45
degree angle towards
corner
• The AR should be on,
or as close to the goal
line, as possible before
signalling
Substitution
• Body facing square
to the field
• Flag held in upstretched arms
• The flag is lowered
when the referee
allows the
substitution
Offside
• Flag is raised straight
up in right hand
• When play is stopped
indicate area of field
for the kick with the
flag pointing at 45
degree angle down, 90
degree angle, or 45
degree angle up.
Referee Signals
•
•
•
•
Mechanically correct
Show correct direction
Arm raised decisively, but not
hastily
Held for 2 seconds
Throw-in or Foul
The mechanics for a
throw-in, or showing
direction for a foul,
are similar, with the
arm held at, or just
above horizontal
Indirect Free Kick
• Arm held straight up
• Lower the arm when
the ball is touched or
goes out of play
Goal Kick
• Arm held straight
in an angle below
the horizontal
position
• Palm down
• Point toward
goal
Corner Kick
• Arm held
straight at a 45
degree angle
• Point to corner
Penalty Kick
• Arm held straight
• Point toward
penalty spot
• Loud and long
whistle
The Whistle
• The referee’s voice
• Develop a repertoire of sounds to mirror the
reason for blowing it, e.g. a) normal blast for
stoppages in play, b) a louder and longer blast for
cautions, and c) still louder and longer for
ejections, penalty kicks, and the initial kick-off
• Keep it attached to the hand or fingers – do not
hold it in your mouth
Eye Contact
• Eye contact between
CR and AR’s is
essential
• During stoppages in
play
• During active play
• Mirror opposite AR’s
signals when
appropriate
Positioning
General Principles
• Be in the right position to make the right
decision
• The referee keeps the ball between him/her
and the near AR, i.e. use the diagonal system
of control
• Keep within 10 – 20 yards of the ball
• On set plays be close to where the ball is
expected to land
Corner Kick Position
• Opposite the far post
from the AR and near
the top of the penalty
area
• Move to proper location
as necessary following
the kick
• Vary position
throughout the game
depending upon
players’ actions and
levels of ability
Foul Recognition
• Study Law 12 (Fouls and
Misconduct) in detail
• It is the duty of the referee to
penalize only deliberate
breaches of the Law.
Constant whistling for trifling
and doubtful breaches
produces bad feeling and loss
of temper on the part of the
players and spoils the
pleasure of the spectators
Game Control
•
•
•
•
•
•
Know the laws of the game
Understand the game
Be physically fit
Recognize and penalize fouls properly
Protect players from injury
Respect the players, team officials and
spectators
Game Control (cont’d)
• Communicate expectations to players and
team officials
• Deal with players who consistently foul
(persistent infringement)
• Refrain from argumentative/vindictive
behaviour
• Deal with gamesmanship
Fitness
• Warm-up, physically
and mentally, before
each game
• Maintain pace from
beginning to end of the
game
• Sprint when necessary to
be where the play needs
you
• Train by yourself or with
fellow referees
Mentor Checklists
Following are examples of checklists to assist mentors
in recording information on the referee during, or
immediately after the game. They have been designed
to be completed quickly, by using checkmarks or
crosses to indicate a positive or negative comment,
respectively. More detailed information can be noted
at the bottom or on the back of the sheet.
Mentor Checklist for Referee
Name:
Game:
Date:
Mentor:
Pre-Game
1. Arrived on time_____ 2. Professionally dressed _____ 3. Checked field & players for safety _____
Application of Law
4. Applied the laws of the game correctly _____ and consistently _____ 5. Penalized correctly _____ 6. Restarted game properly _____
7. Dealt with dissent appropriately _____ 8. Dealt with misconduct appropriately _____
Positioning/Fitness/Work Rate
9. Used DSC (i.e. Generally kept ball between referee and near AR) _____ 10. Sprinted when necessary to be in correct position to
make right decision _____ 11. Maintained correct positioning by anticipating the play _____ 12. Assumed the correct position on set
plays. GK ___ CK ___ Free Kick ___ Throw-in ___ Kick-off ___
Alertness and Awareness 13. Maintained concentration throughout the game _____ 14. Managed injuries properly _____ 15. Kept
time accurately _____ 16. Demonstrated awareness of the play throughout the game _____
Communication 17. Executed signals properly (mechanics, direction, decisiveness, time held) for GK _____ CK _____ Foul _____
Throw-in _____ Offside _____ Goal _____ 18. Used whistle appropriately _____ and with correct length _____ and volume _____
Teamwork 19. Used AR's appropriately to call GK _____ CK _____ Foul _____ Throw-in _____ Offside _____ Subs _____ i.e.
continuously makes eye contact to ensure that signals are seen immediately 20. Gave adequate pre-game instructions _____
Advantage 21. Recognized when advantage was to be played _____ 22. Used correct audible ___ and visual ___ signals 23. Stopped
game and awarded a free kick when advantage did not accrue _____
Overall Match Control 24. Applied the laws of the game consistently _____ 25. Dealt with players and game officials with
confidence _____ and respect _____ 26. Recognized when control was slipping and took steps to maintain it _____
Notes: Record below any situations or events which occurred during the game, the description of which will be helpful in assisting the
referee to further develop his/her officiating skills
Mentor Checklist for Assistant Referees
Name:
Game:
Date:
Mentor:
Alertness/Mental Awareness
1. Arrived on time_____ 2. Professionally dressed _____ 3. Attentive to the referee's pre-game instructions _____ 4. Maintained
concentration throughout game _____
Support and Assistance to the Referee
5. Maintained good eye contact _____ 6. Responded properly to referee's signals _____ 7. Assisted the referee before _____, during
_____, and after _____ the game
Signals
8. Signals were mechanically correct - Offside ____ Throw-in ____ GK ____ CK ____ Foul ____ Sub ____ 9. Signals were decisive
Offside ____ Throw-in ____ GK ____ CK ____ Foul ____ Sub ____ 10. Signals were held long enough - Offside ____ Throw-in ____ GK
____ CK ____ Foul ____ Sub ____
Offside
11. Kept in line with 2nd last defender (or the ball when appropriate) _____ 12. Offside signals were made properly _____, and in the
correct sequence _____
Fitness/Positioning
13. Sprinted when necessary _____ 14. Maintained pace throughout the game _____
Procedure
15. Used proper procedure when signalling Throw-in ____ GK ____ CK ____ Free kick ____ 16. Used correct procedure to confirm goal
_____ 17. Mirrored opposite AR appropriately _____
Notes:: Record below any situations or events which occurred during the game, the description of which will be helpful in assisting
the AR to further develop his/her officiating skills
Keeping a Record - Reporting
• The mentor writes a brief report touching
the key points – strengths and areas for
development.
• Make recommendations for a change in
designation, if appropriate
• The written report is sent to the SNS
Referee Development Officer within 72
hours
The Written Report
• The Referee Development Officer reads and
comments on the report, as appropriate.
• The RDO will send the report to the
mentoree and to the district mentor
coordinator, as needed.
• Upgrading recommendations made in the
report are provided to assignors and
recorded in the referee’s file.
Recording the Results of Mentoring
The strengths and areas for development can be e-mailed to the mentoree
using the form below.
Mentor Evaluation Form
Name of Referee:
CR: __ AR: __
Game Date:
Game(s) (include age, tier and gender):
Name of Mentor:
_____________________________________________________________________
Strengths:
1.
2.
3.
Areas for Development:
1.
2.
Following is an example of a completed Mentor Evaluation Form for a Referee
Mentor Evaluation
Name of Referee: A B
CR: x AR:__
Game Date: August 2, 2009
Game(s) (include age, tier and gender): U12B Boys
Name of Mentor: X Y
________________________________________________________________________
Strengths:
Your arm signals were mechanically correct, pointed in the right direction and held long enough (~ 2 sec) for
everyone to see. All but your signals for fouls were made decisively. Keep working on the foul signals by
signalling first, then, if necessary, indicate from where the kick is to be taken
Your whistle volume was very good
You demonstrated a good knowledge and application of the laws of the game by recognizing most fouls,
penalizing correctly, and restarting properly
Your eye contact, both at stoppages in play and during active play was quite good; but keep working on this
skill until you automatically look at your AR’s at every stoppage in play, and frequently during active play.
Remember to check for substitution signals before you record a goal
Your positioning was correct on kick-offs and corner kicks.
You kept up well with play throughout the match
(Cont’d on next slide)
Mentor Evaluation (cont’d)
Areas for development:
Keep working on the substitution procedure so that you always sub through your lead AR. You certainly
improved on this procedure in the second half, and the second game
Study pages 70, 72 & 73 of the Laws of the Game for details on positioning for goal and free kicks. The
general principle is that you want to be near where the ball lands while at the same time keeping the ball
between you and your near AR.
On throw-ins being taken in the middle section of the field move forward so that you are closer to where
you expect the ball to land.
X Y, you refereed these games with confidence and obvious officiating ability. Based on your
performance I am recommending that you be upgraded to a Level 1 District Referee. Well done.
Following is an example of a completed Mentor Evaluation Form for an
Assistant Referee
Mentor Evaluation
Name of Referee: A B
CR:__ AR:_X_
Game Date: June 16, 2009
Game(s) (include age, tier and gender): U14 Boys A
Name of Mentor: X Y
________________________________________________
Strengths:
You arrived 15 minutes before the game.
You were dressed professionally; however, be sure to remember a watch before your next game.
You remained in good positioning with the second last defender which allowed you to make a couple of
good offside calls
All of your signals were correct.
You showed confidence on the line with the calls you made
Your improvement between halves was great to see.
(Cont’d on next slide)
Mentor Evaluation (cont’d)
Areas for development:
When making signals remember to do so stationary and to hold them for approx. 2 seconds. Some
times you were making your signals while still running with the play and therefore would only hold
them briefly.
Remember to run all the way to the corner flag when signalling a goal kick or a corner kick.
Sometimes on grass fields it can be difficult to side step to keep up with the play, but when it is
possible it becomes a great tool for you when following play
When the ball goes out of bounds and comes back in bounds quickly in the referee’s half it makes for
a more decisive call to raise your flag in the air first so he/she knows the ball is out before signalling.
A B, I was impressed with the improvement you showed in the course of only a couple of games.
Keep up the good work!
In Summary
• Mentoring is a vital development tool for
the referee.
• We should mentor fellow referees on any
suitable occasion
• Mentoring does not always have to be
formalized with a written report
In Summary
• Mentoring helps your region by ensuring
proper officiating in all games.
• Mentoring helps the provincial assessment
program by providing information on the
development of referees
• Mentoring helps the provincial instructional
program by identifying areas for future
educational programs.
Mentoring
It is greatly needed!
Thank you
for what you give to the referees
and to the game!