WFTDA Tournament Head Officials Mentoring Program

Presented by WFTDA Officiating Education

Updated 2026

Led by members of the WFTDA Officiating Education committee, the Tournament Head Officials (THO) mentoring program is designed to support Officials as they navigate Tournament Head Officiating. It can be utilized by a first-time THO, a THO moving to a different level of gameplay, or a more complicated event structure (higher-level, lower-level, 30 minute games, multi track v single track, single day v multi-day, etc), or someone seeking guidance and additional support in a specific area of tournament leadership. The THO Mentor Program is open to Tournament Head Officials of any tournament/multi-day event hosting WFTDA game play, regardless of affiliation or certification.

The goal of this program is to provide a support system to THOs to develop and hone their skills in this role. Applicants must already be selected in the THO role as the tournament specifics will be used in the mentorship and training.

How the program works:

  • Applicants request a mentor through an online application. The application includes specific questions about the event and the applicant’s experience, as well as what areas they are seeking mentorship in, so they can be paired with the best available mentor to meet their needs.
  • The THO and Mentor work to create a specific plan (topics to discuss, frequency of check-ins, areas of direct support, etc).
  • The level of support is dependent on the THO and what they need. It is customized for each applicant.
  • The Mentor is not required to attend the tournament or event (although they may apply through the normal process). Additionally, if the Mentor does apply, they are not guaranteed an acceptance. The program is more about the administration, preparation, staffing, how to work with a host and tournament leadership, as well as being available during the event (via messenger, text, etc.) to answer questions as they may arise onsite. A Post Mortem debrief of the event may occur as well.

Highlights of the program:

  • Offers support to newer Tournament Head Officials.
  • Offers support to THOs as they take on new challenges.
  • Reduces possible costs to host leagues to staff Assistants to the THOs and other support positions.
  • Creates consistency in approaches and philosophies to THOing while adapting to the many differences between event styles and challenges.
  • Potentially creates a “retirement” position/place for Officials with THO experience who wish to continue contributing to the success of the future THO/tournament experiences.
  • Allows another avenue for the Tournament Officials Selection Panel (TOSP) to receive feedback.
  • Grows the number of qualified applicants for host leagues and TOSP to choose from.
    • Additionally if there is an applicant who a host league or TOSP is on the fence about, it could be a condition of their acceptance that they utilize the program for that specific event they are being selected, allowing host leagues and TOSP to select more up and coming people, or more people who have never done it before at that level.
  • Provides a way for people to take on different opportunities with more confidence (bigger events, higher level events, etc).
  • Ensures a level of understanding of organization specific requirements of the position.

Rollout:

  • In 2026 any THO of a tournament with WFTDA gameplay may utilize this program. NOTE: This program is specific to WFTDA gameplay and WFTDA organizational requirements of the position. Other types of gameplay in tournaments, such as JRDA and MRDA, may not be fully supported as those organizations have differing policies, rules, and procedures.
  • This program is not a requirement to THO, but could be a requirement of a host league, organization, or NGB in their THO selections.
  • After the 2026 tournament season an evaluation of the program and needed resources will be done to determine how the program may be utilized going forward.

Questions:

  • Who will be the Mentors?
    • To start, Mentors will be OffEd members who have prior THO experience and skills that best match the needs of the THO mentee applicant.
    • As the program grows OffEd may hire directly for this position/program.
  • Will the mentees training all be one on one?
    • It is possible a Mentor may have a group of mentees and if their needs are similar have group discussions on topics.
    • While some topics and support may be done in a group setting, Mentors will also be available one on one when needed.
  • When should I submit my application?
    • In order to gain the most value from the program apply as early as possible, or when you’ve been selected to THO.
    • Applications received close to the date of the tournament may reduce the topics and support the Mentor will be able to provide.
  • Can I use my Mentor as a reference when applying for future events?
    • Yes, however, please ask the Mentor’s permission before listing them as a reference.
  • Can my Mentor provide me an Evaluation or an OOS (peer review) for Certification?
    • Yes, however it is at the Mentor’s discretion.
    • Asking them at the beginning of the mentorship will allow them to take better notes and provide more detailed feedback.
    • If provided, mentors will only be able to provide feedback based on areas of THOing they observed unless known to them outside of the program.

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