Referee Mentoring: Veteran and Rookie Officiating Pairs
4v4 futsal games officiated by a rookie referee with a mentor at their side holding an observation checklist. At a mid-game time-out the rookie gets one praise and one tip and applies it in the second half. It builds peer feedback and officiating improvement.
How to play
- Introduce the observation checklist with four points: positioning relative to the ball, a firm whistle, clear signals and communication with players (3 min).
- Two cross-court fields with small goals; each has two teams of 4, a rookie referee, a mentor and a call recorder. Subs come in after each goal (2 min).
- First half, 4 minutes: the mentor watches from the sideline without stepping in and fills out the checklist (4 min).
- Time-out: the mentor gives the rookie one specific praise and one single tip, such as 'stay diagonal to the ball' (1 min).
- Second half, 4 minutes: the rookie applies the tip and the mentor checks for improvement (4 min).
- Rotate jobs: the rookie becomes mentor, the recorder becomes rookie and three players become officials. Repeat the cycle twice more (10 min).
- Wrap-up: each rookie says which tip helped most (1 min).
Rules
- The mentor never whistles or corrects out loud during play.
- Only one tip, and it must be usable right away.
- Players don't argue: only the captain may ask the referee.
- Safety: shots stay below the waist and no tackles from behind.
Variations
Easier
Two-point checklist only, with the teacher helping the mentor choose the tip.
Standard
Four-point checklist, time-out and full rotation.
Harder
The mentor backs up the tip with one specific play noted on the checklist.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: mentor or recorder; in play, a pressure-free zone.
- Shy students: the mentor may give the tip in writing.
- Advanced players: as rookie, referees the first 2 minutes without a whistle, using voice and signals only.
Learning goals
- Give a specific, respectful piece of feedback to a classmate.
- Improve officiating positioning and communication.
- Accept advice and apply it immediately.
Equipment for a class of 25
- futsal balls: 2
- small goals: 4
- pinnies: 16
- whistles: 2
- observation checklists: 6
- pens: 6
Teacher tip
Model a time-out yourself so students hear the difference between a useful tip and criticism. The checklists double as assessment evidence.
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