As statistics show, the number of Level 1 officials that "quit" after the first or second year is very high. The Mentoring Program can be an effective stop gap measure in reducing the fall out. The purpose of this program is to utilize the valuable experience of senior officials at the local level in order to provide support and promote a positive outlook in reference to the officials and the officiating program. The senior official can provide POSITIVE training, support, and acts as an example for the young official(s) to follow. If any negative incidents occur during the season, the senior official can be called upon to advise the young official and in certain cases mediate situations to positive resolution, thus "shielding" the young official from unnecessary conflicts.

To this end, commitment to the program may be embraced as an alternative to the mandatory supervision program at the ODHA Senior body level.

Sample Outline for a Mentoring Program in a local hockey association:

1. In collaboration with the local RIC, identify an individual or group of junior officials whom you could be assigned to.
   
   
2. Compile a formal training/event plan for your assignee(s) and submit to Mentoring Coordinator. The Training/Event plan should include, at minimum, the following over the course of the season:
1. If local hockey association will provide ice time – two (2) 1-hour on-ice training sessions with local Level 1/2 officials and assigned prodigy(s).
2. If ice time is not available, coordinate with local house league (novice) to coach on ice during two games or practices.
3. One Procedure session.
4. One Rules session.
5. Two informal on-ice supervisions, preferably one early in the year and one near to the end of the season.
6. A commitment to see the official(s) at least once a month for the officiating season.
   
   
3. A formal written report from the Mentor to be submitted along with a supervisions prior to February 28/02. If possible, a response from the junior official or the RIC as to successes and improvements for the next season would be highly beneficial.
   
   
4. Submit a list of prodigy name(s), phone number(s) and chop number(s) with training plan along with RIC name and phone number.
   
   
5. All documents to be submitted to Mentoring Coordinator via E-mail or fax.

Benefits – You are able to monitor and see the improvements as the season develops.

Paul Boese, Mentoring Program Coordinator