AFL UMPIRE MENTOR PROGRAM MANUAL - AFL Community

Benefits of mentoring to umpiringCan ease the difficulty and cost of providing structured in-house umpiretraining programs.Mentors are experienced umpires who can use their experience to helpthe development of new umpires.Mentoring a beginning or learning umpire can rejuvenate experiencedumpires and give them a new focus and role within the group.Umpires who were mentored as beginning or learning umpires are morelikely to do the same when they have substantial experience.Mentoring beginning or learning umpires can give them the courage toprogress to the next level, thus strengthening the stocks of umpiresin Australian Football.Acts as a pathway to umpire coach accreditation.Benefits to the mentorA renewed enthusiasm and commitment to his or her own umpiring.An opportunity to share his or her knowledge and skills.Well-deserved recognition of his or her own skills and expertise.A chance to learn something new.Promotion of lifelong learning through meaningful relationships.Benefits to the beginning or learning umpire.Increased confidence and motivation.Constructive feedback on performance.Assistance in translating theory into practice.Novice provided with the chance to ‘network’ and enhancecareer prospects.Can minimise the difficulties of attending a structured training course, interms of cost, time, travel, etc.What does a mentor do?Mentors can play a wide variety of roles. Some of these include:Developing the umpires’ knowledge and skills.Being a role model for a beginning or learning umpire.Helping to build the confidence of the umpire they are working with.Being a resource to the umpire they are mentoring – either sharing theirown knowledge or directing the umpire to other sources of information.Challenging and questioning the beginning or learning umpire to reflecton his or her current practice.Being involved in assessing the umpire for a qualification.Providing instructions to other people who can help.Developing greater self-awareness as an umpire (empowerment).UMPIRE MENTOR PROGRAM MANUAL 9