[JRutledge]

Are you talking about an organized program with your associations, or are you talking about mentoring on your own?

Because the latter, I have brought a couple of guys into officiating. And all I do is talk to them periodically about what to expect and what not to expect. I usually let them call me and ask questions when they feel free. One of these guys does two sports, so I see him at meetings until the basketball season. I even had a fellow official take me under his wing and teach me the right way. I partnered up with him often and did my first varsity games with him during my first season. He is one of my best friends in the world to this day, even with the fact he moved away. I would talk to him every day and hang out (we both were in college when we met) all the time when he lived in Illinois. But that was what happen with me. I think the more friends you are, the better of a mentor you can be or have. I have a few guys that I talk to about all kinds of things dealing with officiating. When I tell them something, it stays with them. And I think that is the best way to go. So if the person being mentored complains about an assignor or another official, the person being givin the information should not run with that info in any way. They just might be complaining about something they have yet to realize and will learn in time.

Just be a friend. That is the best advice I can give.

Peace