The purpose of the mentor program is to introduce players to a game above the level they normally play.  For players in 299er and 499er games, that means playing in open games.  For players in the 0-50 game, that means playing in the 499er game.  The newer player (Mentee) will have an opportunity to pair with a more experienced player (Mentor) for four (4) club games.  The mentor can share their love of the game and the mentee can gain bridge knowledge and confidence.  The program is part of our Unit’s education mission and will be supported with Unit funds.

Who is Eligible?

• All Mentors and Mentees must be active members of ACBL and of Unit 360.
• For mentor/mentee pairs playing in the open games, the mentor must have 500 or more Masterpoints and the mentee must have fewer than 300 Masterpoints.
• For mentor/mentee pairs playing in the 499er game, the mentor must have fewer than 500 Masterpoints and the mentee must have fewer than 50 Masterpoints.

The program specifically excludes:

• Professional pairings (i.e. teachers being paid by students for lessons).
• Regular or established partnerships.

How does it work?

• Mentee/mentor partnerships typically require a commitment of four bridge sessions.  Partnerships may agree to play on whatever schedule works for them.
• Both Mentors and Mentees will receive any Masterpoints which are earned.
• Regular entry fees apply for the Mentee.  Unit 360 will pay the Mentor’s entry fee for each of the four games.
• When a partnership is formed, the Mentor and Mentee should discuss the Mentee’s convention card, goals and expectations.
• The Mentorship Program is not designed to be bridge lessons.  Successful Mentors will guide their Mentees in identifying areas in which they need more help and direct them to appropriate resources such as private, group or online lessons, bridge books, ACBL materials, online information, etc.
• Mentoring should be provided after each session, when the pair takes the time to discuss the bidding, the play of the hands and defense.
• After four sessions, the Mentor and Mentee can make their own arrangements to continue the partnership if they wish.  However, there will be no further Unit subsidy.
• Mentees may have a maximum total of two Mentors a year.
• Mentors may have an unlimited number of Mentees.

How do you become a Mentee or Mentor?

• Contact the Mentor Program Coordinator:  Paul Gefreh, pgefreh1@earthlink.net  (719) 659-0248, or
• Write your name and contact information on the Mentor Program bulletin board, or,
• Ask a Director for suggested Mentor or Mentee names.

How does your Mentor/Mentee partnership get started?

Contact the Mentorship Program Coordinator to register the partnership.  Include the names of the Mentor and Mentee and your contact information.  Registering in the Program confirms that both players agree with the program guidelines.

The Mentor will receive a booklet of four tickets to be delivered to the Game Director in lieu of payment of the game fee, so that the Unit can correctly reimburse Club Owners for the Mentor's game fee.  Failure to provide a ticket to the Game Director will require the Mentor to pay the game fee.

Unit 360 wants the Mentorship Program to be a great experience for everyone.  We all know that in life, not all relationships work out.  Although this program is based on a four-game commitment, if compatibility is an issue, either the Mentor or the Mentee can dissolve the partnership.  Please notify the Program Coordinator, and we will cancel the registration and try to find a better fit.

Paul Gefreh, Mentorship Program Coordinator

pgefreh1@earthlink.net  (719) 659-0248