The DASOA Mentoring Program starts before the first “real” game is done by the new referee and continues with the referee that has decided to grow and develop in this avocation. Each new referee in the spring is offered an opportunity to participate in a “friendly scrimmage” of youth teams where they will be assigned to experienced referees in a format that will permit them to try out their class and field clinic training in a friendly game situation. New referees, in both spring and fall, are also assigned to willing experienced referees for their first few matches of league play so that they are protected and nurtured in this new experience of soccer, “the referee”. Additional efforts are made with local tournaments to further this effort for the new and nearly new referee.
The next phase of the mentoring effort is a choice made by the referee. You have a few games done now and maybe you are in your second season or you have a lot of games done and you have a few years in this avocation but you want more. You’re hooked and want to grow to a “higher level”. Going to the next higher level can mean many different things to each of us and outside responsibilities factor into each of our decisions as to how we take this next step.
Here's how it will work. After submitting the form below, the DASOA mentor committee will assign a mentor (maybe two) to work with you on your goals. Keep in mind that we cannot assign a National Referee to be everyone's mentor. The assignments will be based on grade, experience, and knowledge needed to get you to the next level. Once you're matched up with a mentor, they will work with you on different matches (they do a line for you, you do a line for them, etc). This may involve staying a bit after the conclusion of the match to discuss it, conversing over the phone about game situations, attending other matches as spectators, etc. There are many ways to gain knowledge and experience aside from "doing the game".
However, this commitment from DASOA does not absolve those individuals wishing to advance of taking responsibility for their own development and advancement. No one is going to "make you" a State Referee. You've got to set that goal for yourself, be willing to do what it takes to achieve it, and take the initiative to do it.
To assist you in determining where you are and more importantly, where you want to go as a referee, we're providing the questionnaire below. Use it for your own personal use if you'd like, or complete the comments as best you can and submit it to DASOA if you're interested in participating in the mentoring program to further your referee career.
The information submitted will be held in confidence and will only be used by the DASOA board and your mentor to customize your training.
Personal Information:
Name:
Age:
Referee Grade:
Email Address:
Phone Number:
Years of Experience:
Where are you now?
What are the highest level assignments you've received? Do you have a reputation among your peer referees and what is it? Are you well known throughout your referee association? What is your current fitness level?
What is your goal?
Do you want to become a State referee or maybe a National? Maybe you just want to upgrade to grade 7 or just learn and improve your game.
What are your constraints?
Family obligations. Does your family support your referee career? How much time can you be away from your family to pursue referee goals?
Career responsibilities. How flexible are your job/school responsibilities? How much time can you take from your job/school at this time and in the future? Can your schedule be re-arranged to accommodate referee obligations?
Financial constraints. Can you afford to travel to pursue your referee ambitions?
Physical limitations. Do you have any physical limitations that may affect your referee goals? (examples include eyesight, speed and chronic health conditions that might affect performance at higher levels of play)
DASOA Mentor Program
