Recruiting and Retaining Referees AYSO National Referee Program

Recruiting and Retaining Referees AYSO National Referee Program

Recruiting Referees Recognize that recruiting is a never ending task Every person you come in contact with is a potential referee

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

Recruiting Referees Training Recruiters and teaching the basic recruiting methods: Initial contact Go slowly Know your customers

Recruiting Referees Common excuses we hear from people to avoid becoming a part of our wonderful national membership.

Recruiting Referees I don’t know anything about the game!

Recruiting Referees I don’t have any time!

Recruiting Referees I don’t think I could put up with the behavior of some coaches and spectators!

Recruiting Referees I’m not the right kind of person to be a referee, I’d be embarrassed!

Recruiting Referees I’m a woman and women don’t referee!

Recruiting Referees I can’t afford the equipment!

Recruiting Referees I’m too old!

Recruiting Referees I’m too young!

Recruiting Referees I don’t think I can keep up with the players! Some of them are really fast!

Recruiting Referees I don’t think I could handle the responsibilities of the referee!

Recruiting Referees When and Where to recruit: Prior to registrations During registrations During practices During games It pays to advertise!

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

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

Recruiting Referees Use the Diagonal System in Recruiting

Recruiting Referees

Retaining Referees Why do referees quit refereeing? Why do referees continue to referee?

Retaining Referees Nothing succeeds like success. Refereeing should be fun so

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

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!

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

Retaining Referees Establish good communication

Retaining Referees Form a referee club: Meetings Guest speakers Involve everyone Don’t forget the women Youth referee programs

Retaining Referees Offer motivational incentives: Uniforms “Thank You” from players and coaches Awards End of season banquet or potluck

Retaining Referees Deal FIRMLY with abuse Be proactive Be committed Zero tolerance The Coach Administrator is key

Retaining Referees Shaping the referee’s image Fight to change public perception Public recognition Spread the word Be proud Spotlight individuals

Retaining Referees Referee Mentor Program

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

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

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

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