1. Recruiting and Retaining Referees
Reference the Recruiting and Retaining Manual available for download from or order from the supply center.
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AYSO National Referee Program

2. Recruiting Referees Recognize that recruiting is a never ending task
Every person you come in contact with is a potential referee
See page 4 of lesson plan Instructor Note to
demonstrate a poor recruiting effort and a more successful recruiting effort.

3. Recruiting Referees
Identify and train Recruiters to focus on this task.
Have sales experience
Be personable
Be persistent
Be dedicated
Be gender and age specific (women and youth referees as recruiters)
Be a genuine believer
Refer to page 5 of the lesson plan and cover the details of each
Item after the advance on the mouse click.

4. Recruiting Referees
Training Recruiters and teaching the basic recruiting methods:
Initial contact
Go slowly
Know your customers
Refer to page 5 & 6 of the lesson plan.
To prepare your recruiters, you might suggest they become familiar with some basic recruiting techniques.
Cover each topic after advance on mouse click.

5. Recruiting Referees
Common excuses we hear from people to avoid becoming a part of our wonderful national membership.
Refer to page 7 of the lesson plan. Review Instructor Note on page 7 for audience participation.
BE MINDFUL OF THE TIME TO INSURE COVERAGE OF ALL THE MATERIAL IN THE WORKSHOP.

6. Recruiting Referees I don’t know anything about the game!
Refer to page 7

7. Recruiting Referees
I don’t have any time!
Refer to page 7

8. Recruiting Referees
I don’t think I could put up with the behavior of some coaches and spectators!
Refer to page 7

9. Recruiting Referees
I’m not the right kind of person to be a referee, I’d be embarrassed!
Refer to page 8

10. Recruiting Referees I’m a woman and women don’t referee!
Refer to page 8

11. Recruiting Referees
I can’t afford the equipment!
Refer to page 8

12. Recruiting Referees
I’m too old!
Refer to page 8

13. Recruiting Referees
I’m too young!
Refer to page 9

14. Recruiting Referees
I don’t think I can keep up with the players! Some of them are really fast!
Refer to page 9

15. Recruiting Referees
I don’t think I could handle the responsibilities of the referee!
Refer to page 9

16. Recruiting Referees When and Where to recruit: Prior to registrations
During registrations
During practices
During games
It pays to advertise!
Refer to page 9.
EMPHASIZE – It takes several seasons to develop an effective referee,
recruiting must be ongoing and continuous.
However, there are certain times when recruiting efforts should be intensified.
Detail each after advance on mouse click.

17. Recruiting Referees Player parents Players Boy and Girl Scouts
Church Groups
Schools
College bound players
Job hunting players
Seniors
Others

18. Recruiting Referees Designated recruiters Publicity Forced recruiting
The Buddy System
The Referee Mentor Program
Other methods?

19. Recruiting Referees Use the Diagonal System in Recruiting
Refer to page 12 – 13 for how to implement the DSC
In recruiting.
EMPHASIZE – a dual or two man referee system will not help in recruiting
and is not a recognized officiating method by AYSO or FIFA.

20. Recruiting Referees Now let’s look at Retaining Referees.
Refer to page 13

21. Retaining Referees
Why do referees quit refereeing? Why do referees continue to referee?
Refer to page 13
Record answers on flip chart or whiteboard.

22. Retaining Referees
Nothing succeeds like success. Refereeing should be fun so…
Refer to page 13

23. Retaining Referees First things first:
MINIMIZE PROBLEMS FROM THE TOUCHLINE!
Do not tolerate coaches, spectators or other referees that will not support the program.
Refer to page 13

24. Retaining Referees
For every referee you retain, that person can assist in the recruitment of new referees and help you get more referees to cover your matches!
Refer to page 13

25. Retaining Referees Provide adequate training from the start
A good start
Don’t forget your veterans
Use of the Diagonal System
Refer to page

26. Retaining Referees Establish good communication
REVIEW INSTRUCTOR NOTE ON PAGE 14
ASK – What are some effective methods to deal with misunderstandings?
REFERENCE Publications

27. Retaining Referees Form a referee club: Meetings Guest speakers
Involve everyone
Don’t forget the women
Youth referee programs
Refer to page 15
Detail each after advance on mouse click.

28. Retaining Referees Offer motivational incentives: Uniforms
“Thank yous” from players and coaches
Awards
End of season banquet or potluck
Refer to page 15 – 16

29. Retaining Referees Deal FIRMLY with abuse Be proactive Be committed
Zero tolerance
The Coach Administrator is key
Refer to page
Detail each.

30. Retaining Referees Shaping the referee’s image
Fight to change public perception
Public recognition
Spread the word
Be proud
Spotlight individuals
Refer to page 17
Detail each.

31. Retaining Referees
Referee Mentor Program
Refer to page 18

32. Retaining Referees Develop a CORE referee group Teaching
Mentor to provide personalized attention and make new friends
Assessing, and most important,
Encourage the next set of referees
Refer to page 18
Detail each.

33. Conclusion Recruiting referees is a never ending task
Use recruiters and train them to overcome the objections
Minimize problems from the touchline
Refer to page 19

34. Retaining Referees Keep them coming back by:
Minimize problems outside the touchline
Use award recognition when feasible
Provide socialization opportunities
Provide continuing education opportunities
Establish a mentor program to encourage referees
Refer to page 19

35. Thank you for attending!
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