THE OSE ADVENTURE HANDBOOKS Handbook 1  •  The Art of Making the Right Choices
SHEET 2

CHOOSING THE RIGHT OSE MENTOR

“

An ambassador is never alone. They move forward thanks to someone they can trust.

”

Introduction

Throughout their OSE adventure, the ambassador will meet many people: officials, coaches, teachers, the host family, fellow club members...

Only one of them, however, will be tasked with overseeing their entire journey: the OSE Mentor.

The OSE Mentor is neither a controller, nor a supervisor, nor a substitute parent. They are a trusted individual.

  • They listen.
  • They advise.
  • They reassure.
  • They accompany.
  • They step in when necessary.
  • They help everyone find their place without ever taking it themselves.

Their selection is therefore decisive.

The Five OSE Keys

1
AVAILABILITY Question to ask

Does this person genuinely have the time needed to support an ambassador throughout an entire sporting season?

2
INTERPERSONAL QUALITY Question to ask
  • Do they naturally inspire trust?
  • Do they know how to listen before speaking?
  • Do they respect confidentiality?
  • Do they create a calm atmosphere?
3
COMMITMENT TO THE OSE SPIRIT Question to ask
  • Do they share OSE's vision of the person, of sport and of education?
  • Do they understand that human growth matters as much as sporting achievement?
4
CAPACITY TO SUPPORT Question to ask
  • Can they support without directing?
  • Advise without imposing?
  • Encourage without taking over?
  • Help someone grow without taking their place?
5
RELIABILITY Question to ask
  • Can this person genuinely be relied upon?
  • Will they be there when the ambassador goes through a difficult time?
  • Does their word inspire confidence?

MISTAKES TO AVOID

  • Choosing the most available person rather than the most suitable one.
  • Confusing authority with support.
  • Choosing someone solely for their status within the club.
  • Wanting to control everything.
  • Taking the place of the family, the club or the ambassador.

GOOD PRACTICES

Before appointing an OSE Mentor:
  • take the time to talk with them;
  • check that they fully embrace the OSE philosophy;
  • clearly define their role;
  • make sure they accept this responsibility freely;
  • maintain regular dialogue with them throughout the season.
The best OSE Mentor is often the one whose presence reassures without ever becoming intrusive.

The OSE Checklist

Before appointing an OSE Mentor, can we answer YES to the following statements?
They fully embrace the OSE philosophy.
They have a good understanding of how the club works.
They naturally inspire trust.
They are able to communicate with the family, the club and the school.
They know how to listen before advising.
They know how to support without taking others' place.
They are available throughout the season.
We would trust them with our own doubts about supporting our own child.

If the answer to an essential question is « NO », it is best to continue the search.
Choosing the OSE Mentor is one of the most decisive choices of the whole adventure.

THE FOUNDER'S PERSPECTIVE

« The OSE Mentor is present in absence and absent in presence.

When all is well, they let everyone find their own place. When difficulties arise, everyone knows they are there.

Supporting someone does not mean doing things in their place; it means allowing them to succeed on their own. »

Luis Fernandez Founder of OSE

✦A sheet is not meant to be read. It is meant to be lived. Take the time to talk it through before deciding.✦