VIP Buddy Training 1 Introductions 2 3 Why

VIP Buddy Training 1

Introductions 2

3

Why am I here? To make a difference To learn about AYSO To learn about the VIP Program 4

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!! 5

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 6

Words you should know AYSO • American Youth Soccer Organization VIP • Very Important Player Buddy • Non-disabled person who assists VIP players The “spirit” of the game • Fun, fair & safe 7

AYSO’s Six Philosophies Our 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. 9

VIP Mission The 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 Program Provides 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) 11

The VIP Program Accommodations (wheelchairs, walkers, buddies) are made to ensure that all players participate as fully as they are able Focus is on participation and fun 12

The VIP Program VIP coaches and referees are flexible and positive 13

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 Palsy 14

What to Expect Interests 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! 15

What to Expect Some disabilities are more noticeable than others Some players may need more repetition in practice with directions and activities 16

Movement Be patient. The player may need more time to complete certain tasks Repeat, repeat. Many players with disabilities learn best through repetition 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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 21 activity

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) 22

Thinking/understanding Continued…. • Give “concrete” instruction 23

Social Ability Some players • May not like change § Like to follow the same routine • Do not follow or understandard behaviors § For example, might hug everyone • Get easily frustrated and are afraid of failing 24

AYSO and VIP have the same guidelines • No cuts – everyone plays! • Teams are balanced 25

AYSO and VIP Play 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 26

Player Goals Have fun playing soccer Understand the fundamentals of the game Learn teamwork and fair play 27

Player Goals Increase positive self-esteem Become more physically fit Meet and be comfortable with new people 28

Buddy Responsibilities Register as a volunteer every year Treat all VIP players with respect Be on-time to every practice and game 29

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 30

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 31

Buddy Goals Have 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 32

Skills Players Will Learn Dribbling 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 33

More Skills Players Will Learn Instep 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 34

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 35

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 36

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 37

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!! 38

Responding to Behaviors Distract Change your proximity Substitute Modify environment Use a “secret” sign or word Approach with non-judgment Depersonalize 39

Responding to Behaviors Help the player find words Help players interpret non-verbal cues Provide opportunities to make things right Offer guided choices Be consistent 40

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. 41

Information & Contacts • Region’s Web Site: • VIP Administrator: – Email: – Phone: • VIP Coach: – Email: – Phone: 42

Thank you and have fun! 43