date: January 16, 2003

to: GOPHER STATE Officials

from: Mike madden

subject: Basketball MENTOR PROGRAM

Gopher State on the web www.citilink.com/~jmon/gopher.htm

This year our "Gopher State" organization is starting a "Mentor" program for basketball officials. This program is not only for the new or younger officials, it is also for our veterans who are starting to get lax with their mechanics and positioning.  It by no means is set up to criticize anyone but if used properly, it will be a valuable tool for our assignor and each referee.

We are asking each of our fifteen mentors to either work a game with his/her mentee or watch a game that they work at least once this season.  We are getting a late start with this program but I know a few of our mentors have looked at some of their people already.  Mentors, if it is possible, call Bozo to see if he can switch some of your people to work in front of you.  This could be done where you work a two game set in the Northwest Suburban Conference or any others that are set up that way.

When the mentee works in front of the mentor for a game, the mentor will give that person $30. The mentor will be there for the entire game and then fill out an evaluation sheet.  One copy of the sheet should be given to the official and a duplicate copy should be sent to Bozo for file. If a ref wants to be observed a second time, he will do it on a voluntary basis.  The mentor will get a small check from "Gopher" at the end of the season if they have looked at their people and sent a copy of the evaluation to Bozo. Because this program is new, some changes might have to be made to enhance it for following years.

It is starting to get to the busy part of our schedules.  Some people are starting to go down with injuries so lets make sure we stretch out before each assignment. Lets try to help Bozo as much as possible by asking for replacements only if it is absolutely necessary.  Also call your partner and call the school.  If you don't know who your partner is, call Bozo.

Keep up the GOOD WORK.

Mike Madden

President