Mission:  Metropolitan Swimming shall promote, develop and improve competitive swimming through education, support, and opportunities for participation, to a diverse swimming community.
 
Vision:  To inspire and provide quality opportunities for our members to achieve excellence in the sport of competitive swimming.

The First-Year Experience (FYE) Mentorship Program – Guidance for the Mentor

The role of a mentor in the success of new officials is paramount. A mentor acts as a guide and confidante, offering support and sharing their expertise. Mentorship supplements training by providing practical advice, and guidance to new officials as they navigate their officiating journey. Here are the key points highlighting the importance, benefits, and impact of mentorship:

Importance of Mentorship

  1. Guidance and Support: Mentors offer practical advice and support, helping new officials navigate their roles.
  2. Skill Development: Mentors help mentees improve their skills and knowledge of officiating.
  3. Goal Setting: Mentors assist mentees in setting goals and developing strategies for advancement.

Benefits of Mentorship

  1. Increased Confidence: Mentees gain confidence in making calls and performing their duties.
  2. Networking Opportunities: Mentors introduce mentees to other professionals. Allowing them the opportunity to meet and work with many different people of different backgrounds and other officials throughout the LSC and nationally, including the opportunity to work with and learn from officials who have officiated at national and international meets including the Olympics.
  3. Retention of Officials: Effective mentorship leads to higher satisfaction and retention of qualified officials.

Impact of Mentorship

  1. Accelerated Learning: Mentors share their expertise and insights, speeding up the learning curve for mentees.
  2. Professional Growth: Mentees develop essential skills and a deeper understanding of officiating.
  3. Fulfillment and Satisfaction: Mentees feel supported, valued, and fulfilled in their contributions to the sport.
  4. Advancement:  Mentors encourage and support newer officials with their efforts to advance within the LSC and, if interested, to achieve national certification.

In summary, mentorship is a critical component of any successful training program. It provides mentees with the guidance, support, and skills they need to succeed in their role as swim officials, leading to improved performance, greater confidence, and retention of qualified officials within the LSC (Local Swimming Committee).

 

To get started as a Mentor in this program, follow these steps:

  1. Express Interest: Reach out directly to your LSC Official Chair, expressing your interest in becoming a Mentor, by way of completing the Google application form that can be found on the Metro Swimming site.
  2. Eligibility Audit: Your LSC Chair will conduct an audit of your USA SWIMS profile to assess your eligibility from an official certification standpoint.

Minimum Requirements:

  • LSC Certified in good standing
  • At least 2 years as an LSC official and/or N2 certified Stroke and Turn (S&T) judge

Qualification Criteria:

  • If you are LSC Certified, in good standing, and have been an official for at least 24 months and/or also hold a N2 S&T judge National certification, you qualify to be a mentor.
  • Soft Skills Needed:
  • Technically capable
  • Compassionate
  • Good Listener
  • Empathetic, supportive and encouraging
  • Desire to see people improve and advance
  • Willingness to share knowledge

Program Duration:

  • Each mentee will be part of the program for the first 12 months of becoming LSC certified.
  • If a mentee needs more time to develop and wishes to remain in the program pass 12 months but no more than 18 months, this is acceptable based on feedback from their assigned mentor.

Mentoring Multiple Officials:

  • You can mentor more than one official at a time.

Assigning Mentees:

  • Mentees will be randomly assigned by LSC Chair with input from Regional Chairs.
  • Consideration will be given to location and proximity when assigning mentees randomly.
  • It is encouraged to seek mentees from other teams to facilitate more exposure.

Assessment of Mentors:

  • Casual check-ins with mentors and mentees will be conducted throughout the year to evaluate the progress of the program.

Benefits to Mentor:

·       Mentors will receive a 'Mentorship Pin' that will be attached to their name tags, signifying their role as mentors within the LSC.

  • Recognition or highlight on the Metro website for their contribution to the upskilling of new officials within the LSC Opportunity to build your official resume.

 

 

 

 

Ready to sign up as a Metro mentor? Click on this link or use the QR Code below to start your journey.