AFL UMPIRE MENTOR PROGRAM MANUAL - AFL Community

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Pathways to MentoringEvery mentoring scenario will take a different shape, as every umpire you will work withwill have different skills and attributes and display differing levels of competency. Theenvironment in which the mentoring takes place will also be a significant factor.Mentoring will take place at all different levels of the game and thus a mentoring approachneeds to be adapted to the level at which you are working.The following pages will outline some pathways to umpiring that a junior umpire mighttake and the role of the mentor in this process.Colour recognitionIt is worth discussing the issue of wearing a different colour with the new umpire you arementoring. Identifying him or her as a learner can have a range of different responses –much in the same way as placing ‘L’ or ‘P’ plates in a car. The umpires from the BendigoACES program have given almost unanimous support for wearing a different colour andemphasise that supporters, coaches and players all know they are learning the role of centralumpiring and therefore go a little easier on them.An older or adult umpire might find this especially the case, as most supporters wouldexpect an adult to be an experienced umpire, not a learner, and feel they are fair game forabuse. Again, evidence out of the Bendigo ACES program suggests adult learners wouldprefer to wear an identifying coloured shirt.22UMPIRE MENTOR PROGRAM MANUAL
Qualities of a MentorMentors come in all shapes and sizes, but to be effective they need to have appropriateknowledge, skills and attitudes. Knowledge may include their understanding of technicalumpiring matters such as the rules and how they are interpreted, understanding people andwhat makes them tick (especially in pressure situations during a game), their understandingof the umpiring process, their political awareness, etc. Skills might include honesty,empathy, planning, goal setting, time/people/process management, and the ability tocommunicate one-on-one with individuals from a range of backgrounds. Attitudes mightrelate to the process of mentoring, philosophy towards umpiring, attitudes about the leagueor group they work within, as well as their general outlook on life.Some of the qualities mentors should possess are:• An ability to focus on the umpiring process, rather than on the umpire’s performance.• A willingness to assist another umpire’s development and growth and create a positiveenvironment for learning.• Exemplary communication and feedback skills (especially with constructive criticism ofthe beginning or learning umpire’s performance).• Up-to-date technical skills and experience as an umpire – preferably they are umpiringthemselves or were recently an umpire with substantial experience.• Trustworthiness and an ability to maintain confidences. The beginning or learningumpire must feel confident he or she can talk openly to the mentor.• An openness to new ideas. Mentors should learn more about themselves and aboutumpiring through the process of umpiring. A mentor should never feel awkward abouthaving to clarify his or her understanding of the technical side of umpiring so as toadvise the beginning or learning umpire.• A strong network of umpiring and football contacts.• Sufficient time and inclination to commit to the mentoring relationship and be easilyaccessible. A beginning or learning umpire must feel free to phone or email with aquestion and get a friendly and timely response from their mentor. The beginning orlearning umpire should never feel he or she is taking the time of an unwilling mentor.• Ability to handle conflict situations.UMPIRE MENTOR PROGRAM MANUAL 23
Page 4 and 5: ContentsOverview of the program....
Page 7 and 8: AcknowledgementsThe AFL and the aut
Page 9 and 10: Benefits of mentoring to umpiringCa
Page 11 and 12: FLOW CHARTOUTLININGMENTOR TRAININGP
Page 13 and 14: “I know when I umpired my first f
Page 15 and 16: Identify the challenges faced by th
Page 17 and 18: We all start somewhere...Read the f
Page 19 and 20: UMPIRE MENTOR PROGRAM MANUAL 19
Page 21: Mentoring is a highly effective way
Page 25 and 26: When can mentoring occur?Mentoring
Page 27 and 28: SPIRThe S.P.I.R. MethodWhen teachin
Page 29 and 30: A ‘staged’ approach to mentorin
Page 31 and 32: Characteristics of beginning umpire
Page 33 and 34: Providing match feedbackSome import
Page 35 and 36: Mehrabian’s model has become one
Page 37 and 38: Feedback during and after the gameP
Page 39 and 40: Strengths for the game:123Detailed
Page 41 and 42: Match reportUmpire’s name:Billy R
Page 43 and 44: What aspects of the written feedbac
Page 45 and 46: Bendigo ACES programMuch guidance a
Page 47 and 48: Testimonials from mentorsFollowing
Page 49 and 50: Questions for the Learning UmpireTh
Page 51 and 52: Appendix B - Umpire match-day feedb
Page 53 and 54: Appendix c - Umpire mentor program
Page 55 and 56: Appendix E - Umpiring on the webThe

AFL UMPIRE MENTOR PROGRAM MANUAL - AFL Community

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