REFEREE ACADEMY PROGRAM The atmosphere was very exciting and The Referee Academy Program consists of three the games that we worked we very different and distinct referee academy level, i.e. entertaining Youth, State, and National. Each level is specifically designed to help referees to improve their officiating skills and assist in progressing STATE REFEREE ACADEMY up the referee ladder. The State Referee Academy program is specifically targeted at new State Referees and YOUTH REFEREE ACADEMY Grade 7 officials seeking to upgrade within 12 The Youth Referee Academy program is open to months. The State Referee Academy is held all officials regardless of grade level and annually at an Adult tournament (e.g., Founders experience but is primarily targeted at Grade 8 Ohio South State Cup) and involves high intensity feedback over and 7 officials looking to improve. These the tournament weekend. This academy is by Referee Committee academies generally take place at pre-specified invitation only and is used to identify National youth tournaments where the participating (OSSRC) Referee Academy candidates. It is strongly referees are given constructive feedback in a recommended for referees seeking to upgrade concentrated atmosphere over course of an from Grade 7 to Grade 6 entire weekend. REFEREE NATIONAL REFEREE ACADEMY Youth academies are held annually at five The National Referee Academy is managed by DEVELOPMENT different youth tournaments located in the three active Ohio South National Referees and is by major districts of Ohio South. Attendees will be invitation only. It is targeted at candidates to selected based upon formal application and work Pro or National Developmental Academy PROGRAMS available space matches. This academy is an on-going program which includes monthly classroom training, Blue Chip Hammer Cup – Cincinnati weekly fitness training, and tournament events. MASC – Cincinnati It is highly recommended for any referee who From the Warrior Classic – Dayton attend the Regional Pro Clinic Creek Classic - Dayton Nike Challenge - Columbus This experience was very well put beginner to the together and very useful in my This academy program is used to identify State development of a referee. I thank all Referee Academy candidates and to identify the mentors who helped me become Pro! potential Youth Referee of the Year candidates. a better referee and the other entire fellow referee who gave me advice It is highly recommended that any referee www.ossrc.com seeking to upgrade from Grade 8 to 8969 Cedargate Place, Dayton, Ohio 45424 Grade 7 attend a Youth Referee Academy. Referee of the Year and for the OSSRC Youth PROGRAM OVERVIEW Referee Academy Program. The OSSRC (Ohio South State Referee REFEREE MENTORING PROGRAM Committee) is committed to providing each and every referee in Ohio South with the opportunity The Referee Mentoring Program is open to all to become the best officials they can be. This officials, but is primarily targeted to assist overall Referee Development Program consists experienced officials who do not fit into any of of three (3) separate but integrated efforts: the academy programs but still want to improve.

Referee Coaching Program The program utilizes the experienced State Referee Mentoring Program Emeritus Referees (Grade 15) available in Ohio Referee Academy Program South to work with referees that are open to learning the skills of officiating in an intense REFEREE DEVELOPMENT one-on-one officiating relationship. This This brochure is intended to introduce you, the PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS referee, to each of these programs and to provide program is intended to build a rapport you with the appropriate contact information. between the mentor and the mentee that is not a one-time connection or a one-weekend SPONSOR (STATE REFEREE ADMINISTRATOR) REFEREE COACHING PROGRAM affiliation but an on-going, multi-game, Ken Baldeosingh [email protected] The Referee Coaching Program is open to all season-long or long term association. PRIMARY ADMINISTRATOR officials regardless of grade or experience. It is, Brian Goodlander [email protected] however, primarily targeted and designed to The target is a relationship that encourages help the new and inexperienced officials at all the mentee to share officiating problems, REFEREE COACHING PROGRAM age levels. issues, and concerns with the mentor. This Joe Colvin [email protected] should involve regular formal and informal REFEREE MENTORING PROGRAM Just as players have coaches that help them learn meeting between the two individuals. These Mike Salyers [email protected] the game, develop specific skills, and raise their meetings would be limited to working a few game to the next level, referee coaches work games together during the season or during a with referees much in the same way to make YOUTH REFEREE ACADEMY PROGRAM them better officials. tournament but it could also involve the Ted Patterson [email protected] mentor observing the mentee and then This program operates during league games and providing pointers and advice following the STATE REFEREE ACADEMY PROGRAM youth tournaments. A referee coach will watch match. Ed Shoemaker [email protected] all or part of a match that you are officiating. Very clear feedback that could be During the halftime break or between matches, applied immediately this coach will provide you with some helpful NATIONAL REFEREE ACADEMY PROGRAM feedback on your performance. The feedback Mike Salyers [email protected] should be a quick set of strengths and pointers for improvement. Anytime I needed something clarified, it was done quickly and This coaching program will also serve to help easily. identify candidates for Ohio South Youth