WFTDA Officiating Education is pleased to announce the re-opening of the Tournament Head Official Mentor Program. This program provides support to all levels of THOs, whether new to the position, transitioning to a different level of THOing, or THOs wanting to hone specific skills.
The program is designed to offer a customized approach to each person based on their requested needs, covering topics from pre-tournament duties, selections, communication, working with host leagues/leadership, in-tournament duties, handling issues, post-tournament duties, etc. Mentors are members of the WFTDA Officiating Education committee with years of experience as Tournament Head Officials at all levels.
Applicants must already be selected in the THO role as the tournament specifics will be used in the mentorship and training. Learn more about the THO Mentor Program on the WFTDA website.
I think this is a great idea. I can’t wait to see it in action and see good practices spread! I hope it’s ok to ask a question about it.
Since overarching tournament procedures for officials went away (though we still have special playoff procedures for GTOs, CRG Managers, Photographers, and others that are different from non-playoff events) the understanding I had was that the reason for this was to not have “secret info;” and to allow each event to adapt to local/crew preferences as appropriate; and that everyone should operate from the same understanding and no one should have access to organization procedures that others don’t. Do I understand the general will of the officiating community correctly?
If so, my question is: Is there a plan in place to document the procedures and policies and best practices imparted to the program mentees, so everyone can benefit from the information? It sounds like the curriculum is highly individualized, but it also sounds like best practices and preferred tournament procedures will be shared.
Specifically I’m curious about the guidance and policies related to the following bullets in the program description and asking how that information will be captured (other than what’s already captured in the various existing documentation).
Creates consistency in approaches and philosophies to THOing
Ensures a level of understanding of organization specific requirements of the position.
Will the philosophies and organization-specific requirements of the position be documented somewhere, for instance, that others in the organization can access? Or will that information remain available only to mentees?
(If I’ve grossly misunderstood the community’s understanding of tournament procedures for officials, I realize that might not be as relevant of question.)
I’m super excited to learn more about the program!