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 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
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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
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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 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.
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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)
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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
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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 Palsy
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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!
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What to Expect
Some 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 the21 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)
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Thinking/understanding
Continued….
• Give “concrete” instruction
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Social Ability
Some 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 VIP
AYSO and VIP have the same guidelines
• No cuts – everyone plays!
• Teams are balanced
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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
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Player Goals
Increase 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
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Be aware of your player’s moods
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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 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
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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
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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
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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 Behaviors
Distract
Change your proximity
Substitute
Modify environment
Use a “secret” sign or word
Approach with non-judgment
Depersonalize
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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
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AYSO’s Safe Haven
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.
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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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