VIP Buddy Training

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Introductions

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Why am I here?

To make a difference

To learn about AYSO

To learn about the VIP Program

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Why am I here?

To learn about VIP players

To learn how to work with VIP players

To earn service hours

And, yes, to have fun!!

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What is a Buddy?A buddy helps a VIP player on the field

• To be safe

• To have fun

• To play the ball

• And, so much more!

A buddy also helps a VIP player off the field

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Words you should knowAYSO

• American Youth Soccer Organization

VIP• Very Important Player

Buddy• Non-disabled person who assists VIP players

The “spirit” of the game• Fun, fair & safe

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AYSO’s Six PhilosophiesOur philosophies set us apart from other

soccer organizations

Everyone Plays®

Balanced Teams

Open Registration

Positive Coaching

Good Sportsmanship

Player Development 8

VIP Vision

The vision of the AYSO VIP Program is to

create VIP teams in every AYSO Region

wherever possible and to maximize

opportunities for VIP player participation

where VIP teams are not available.

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VIP MissionThe Mission of the AYSO VIP Program is to

provide a quality soccer experience for

individuals whose physical or mental disabilities

make it difficult for them to successfully

participate on mainstream soccer teams. What

is successful participation? It should be defined

by the player’s enjoyment and the safety of all

team members. 10

The VIP ProgramProvides an opportunity for children and adults

with disabilities to play soccer

Is run like other age divisions (players placed on teams and receive uniforms, trophies, individual and team photos, end of season party)

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The VIP ProgramAccommodations (wheelchairs, walkers, buddies)

are made to ensure that all players participate as fully as they are able

Focus is on participation and fun

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The VIP Program

VIP coaches and referees are flexible and positive

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Who plays? Any individual with a mental or physical

disability who wants to play soccer

• Visually impaired

• Conditions that impair mobility Use of walker or wheelchair

• Mentally or emotionally disabled

• Autistic

• Down Syndrome

• Cerebral Palsy14

What to ExpectInterests of players with disabilities are similar to

those of all players

No one is alike and that includes children and adults with disabilities – we are all individuals!

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What to ExpectSome disabilities are more noticeable than others

Some players may need more repetition in practice with directions and activities

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Movement

Be patient. The player may need more time to complete certain tasks

Repeat, repeat, repeat. Many players with disabilities learn best through repetition

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Movement

Break down skills into simple parts, progressing from one step to the next in a sequential order

• For example, kick a stationary ball before kicking a moving ball

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Physical Ability -If the player has a low fitness level

• Encourage activity/movement at the player’s own rate (might be slower paced)

• Reduce the size of the playing area

• Provide frequent rest breaks or allow a player to have a timeout

• Have the player play a position that does not require as much running

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Physical Ability –

If the player has Hyperactivity and excess energy

• Have the player slow down and perform skills under control

• Have the player take a timeout to think about what they are doing

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Thinking/understanding If the player is having difficulty following directions

You and the coach should determine the best way to communicate – physical guidance, hand signals, repeating

In general,• Keep directions simple • Make directions clear, concise and complete • Allow the player time to watch others doing the

activity (coach, assistant coach, buddy) before beginning the activity

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Thinking/understanding Continued….

• One instruction or piece of information at a time works best

• Have the player focus on only the most important teaching cues or piece of information (one step at a time)

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Thinking/understanding Continued….

• Give “concrete” instruction

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Social AbilitySome players

• May not like change

Like to follow the same routine

• Do not follow or understand standard behaviors

For example, might hug everyone

• Get easily frustrated and are afraid of failing

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AYSO and VIPAYSO and VIP have the same guidelines• No cuts – everyone plays!• Teams are balanced

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AYSO and VIPPlay every game (at least ½ of every game)Good sportsmanship

• Support the player with positive encouragement

• Learn appropriate skills

• Fun, fair and safe experience

• Player development

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Player GoalsHave fun playing soccer

Understand the fundamentals of the game

Learn teamwork and fair play

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Player GoalsIncrease positive self-esteem

Become more physically fit

Meet and be comfortable with new people

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Buddy Responsibilities

Register as a volunteer every year

Treat all VIP players with respect

Be on-time to every practice and game

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Buddy Responsibilities

You will be supervised by the team coach who will determine your specific role

• Pair up with a VIP player as a practice partner• Teach basic soccer skills as directed by the

coach• Guide the VIP player physically if necessary,

on the field during games• Encourage the VIP player verbally

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Buddy Responsibilities

You will be supervised by the team coach who will determine your specific role

• Be aware of your player’s moods

• As your player understands soccer more and is able to focus and be safe, help the player be independent by not assisting as much on the field; be supportive from the touchlines

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Buddy GoalsHave the VIP player have fun and be safe

Promote teamwork and fair play

Increase positive self-esteem

Encourage player to play to the best of their ability

Teach the fundamentals of the game

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Skills Players Will LearnDribbling is using both feet to advance the ball on

the ground, keeping the ball close by kicking it softly

Throw-in is used to restart the game after the ball has completely crossed the touch line, whether on the ground or in the air

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More Skills Players Will LearnInstep kick is used for power shots on goal and

passing

Inside of foot push pass is used for a wide variety of purposes: from a short intermediate or long pass to a shot on goal

Ball control refers to controlling (trapping) a moving ball in order to prepare for the next move, usually a kick

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When Teaching a New Skill

Make sure you have the player’s attention

Make instructions clear and simple

Use different ways to teach

• Words, show, physically assist

Reinforce attempts

Provide opportunities for practice

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Plan to Avoid Problems• “Catch” the player doing something ”right”

and give praise• Change the environment for success

Move cones in, make a bigger goal• Plan ahead

Prepare movement from one drill to another ahead of time

• Make commands simple and positive Repeat as needed

• Give limited choices A or B

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Plan to Avoid Problems• Reinforce frequently

Know if verbal or high 5’s are best for your player• Dangle a carrot

Sometimes make things easy

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Plan to Avoid Problems• “Always let the player save face

Very important• Intervene before a problem escalates

Know your player’s triggers• Be playful

Have FUN!!

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Responding to BehaviorsDistract

Change your proximity

Substitute

Modify environment

Use a “secret” sign or word

Approach with non-judgment

Depersonalize 39

Responding to BehaviorsHelp the player find words

Help players interpret non-verbal cues

Provide opportunities to make things right

Offer guided choices

Be consistent

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AYSO’s Safe Haven class can be taken in

person, on-line or by webinar. Please complete

the class before the start of the season. Ask

your VIP Administrator or VIP Coach for details.

AYSO’s Safe Haven

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Information & Contacts

• Region’s Web Site:• VIP Administrator:

– Email:– Phone:

• VIP Coach: – Email:– Phone:

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Thank you and have fun!

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