Mentorship Policy - June 2024
Contents
1. Mentoring and its benefits
2. Find a Mentor
3. Become a Mentor
4. Mentorship Agreement
5. Expectations of a Mentor
6. Expectations of a Mentee
7. Mentor Questionnaire
1. Mentoring and it’s Benefits
Mentoring can foster a positive environment within the league. It can provide focussed encouragement and development to the mentee, as well as increasing the understanding and leadership skills of the mentor.
Mentors are not coaches. Mentors can facilitate peer-to-peer learning and confidence, as well as acting as a sounding board and offering advice and guidance.
No skater is obliged to take part in this mentoring programme, as a mentee, or a mentor. Skaters of any level or experience (from GRR to league) can seek a mentor.
2. Find a Mentor
Before looking for a mentor, first think about what you would like to gain from the mentoring partnership. Is there a particular position that you would like to find out more about? Would you like to understand the strategy of the game better? Would you like to become an official, and are seeking advice from an experienced Non Skating Official (NSO) or referee? Or are you looking for an experienced skater to help you navigate the world or roller derby and your journey through it, maybe to help you progress to the next level?
Once you have an idea of the expertise you are seeking, have a look at the mentors database - this details the mentors available, and the expertise/guidance/advice that they can offer you.
It is the responsibility of the mentee to initiate contact. It can be as simple as “I’m looking for a mentor, and you have a lot of the skills I’d like to find out more about, could we have a chat please?”.
If you do not feel confident enough to approach a potential mentor, Head of Training, or GRR Liaisons can assist and support.
3. Become a Mentor
All skaters are encouraged to become mentors. This fosters better relationships, and creates a wider network of support for the league.
If you would like to volunteer as a mentor, please send the criteria detailed at Section 7 “Mentors Questionnaire” to the coaching mailbox Glasgowrdtraining@gmail.com
Once received, you will be added to the mentors database.
You are under no obligation to accept all requests for mentorship. Please do not overcommit yourself.
Skaters not on the mentors database, who are approached by a potential mentee, are also under no obligation to accept.
Mentorships do not have a timescale or contact frequency attached to them.
4. Mentorship Agreement
All mentorship agreements operate with mutual consent of mentor/mentee, and both parties will demonstrate the values of Glasgow Roller Derby throughout the duration of the partnership.
The mentoring partnership may be terminated at any time by either party with no animosity. If it’s not working, it’s not working. If you would like further guidance or support on how to end a mentoring partnership, you can seek support from the Head of Training or our GRR Liaisons.
5. Expectations of a Mentor
Is available, within set expectations
Listens actively
Shares relevant knowledge
Helps set and monitor goals
Gives guidance, not directives
Provides constructive feedback
Models respect and is non-judgemental
Maintains confidentiality of conversations
Learns from the mentee
Advocates for the mentee
6. Expectations of a Mentee
Is available, within set expectations
Listens actively
Has a positive attitude and drive to succeed
Is open to learning and feedback
Demonstrates initiative
Models respect and is non-judgemental
Maintains confidentiality of conversations
7. Mentorship questionnaire
If you would like to become a mentor, please send the following information to the coaching mailbox Glasgowrdtraining@gmail.com
Name
Highlight your areas of expertise
Jamming
Blocking
Pivoting
Offence
General Game Play
Skater Progression
Strategy
Refereeing
NSOing
Coaching
Off Skates Training
General Support
Include a short bio (about a paragraph)