Ref Base – Mentor Evaluations

As discussed, I suggested that Bienvenu adjust his positioning to be closer to play especially when the ball was in the left corner and the attacking third. This will help selling calls in that area of the field, as well as properly identifying GK/CK decisions for b.o.p. on the left side of the field relative to the attack.

Bienvenu properly identified a SPA event and correctly cautioned the AYSO United defender.

Bienvenu did well to look back at the officials area for waiting substitution for ball-out-of-play situations along the AR2 touchline.

As discussed, I let Bienvenu know that on the opening kick off it wasn't necessary to call out to each goalkeeper: "Keeper, are you ready?" when it was clear they were. I suggested that when the keeper was facing the field in their respective goal area, it was a good enough indication they were ready.

I suggested that Bienvenu not immediately waive on substitutes upon whistling for the sub. I advised instead that he do something such as asking the substitute which player is coming off, and/or simply signal for a sub by point up in the air at a location above the officials area in conjunction with whistle. I also suggested he limit his initial whistle to just a double tap, as opposed to 3 or more tweets.

Bienvenu wore the proper uniform.

In addition to the above suggestions and guidance, I would encourage you to be actively aware of where the coach is residing during the game. This means knowledge of where the Coach/Teams Technical Area is, and what defines the Officials Area along the AR1 touchline -- which is a least a yard back from the touchline, and no closer the radius of the center circle projected along the touchline. Even though these areas are not marked, they still should be enforced and explained to coaches. As we discussed, allowing a coach to stand at the intersection of the halfway line and the touchline can lead to problems. If you observe this, it should result in you making a polite request of that the coach move back to their technical area.

Bienvenu positioning and movement were a concern. I would have liked for him to be 5-15 yards closer to play on multiple occasions. On a U12 field his positioning didn't have any major ramifications, but I can imagine it would on a full-sized field, especially in a U13+ boys match. I'm not clear if he doesn't have the capacity (fitness) to move closer, or if this is just indifference and/or unawareness of the situations. Either way it was noticeable in this game.