AYSO believes that all people need opportunities to enjoy the benefits of sport, of playing on a team, of learning skills, of making friends. The Very Important Player program fills this need, providing opportunities for fitness, fun and friendship. We hope your experience as a player, or a buddy, or a sibling or parent is an enjoyable and rewarding one. Please if you have a need for this program, or have a need to help with this program AYSO needs you.
VIP Buddy Job description
1. Guide the VIP player physically, if necessary, on the field;
2. Encourage the VIP player verbally, and play the ball to them if necessary;
3. Treat the VIP player respectfully;
4. Work with the coach to determine the use of the buddy on the field;
5. Understand involvement of the buddy could start with fill-time on the field;
6. Decrease his/her role throughout the season as dictated by the player’s progress; and
7. Work toward the goal of player independence.
Qualifications and desired skills
To be considered for the position of a VIP Buddy, the applicant should:
1. Be open-minded and flexible
2. Demonstrate willingness to assist players with disabilities as needed; and
3. Have a basic knowledge of the game of soccer.
TO BUDDY OR NOT OT BUDDY?
There are reasons that AYSO recommends that parents not fill the role of the buddy on the field:
Ø Parents have full-time duty at all other times.
They deserve a chance to relax.
Ø Parents need to learn to let go and let their child rely on other people at times.
Ø Players are apt to act their worst with mom or dad on the field with them
Parents on the sidelines have more opportunities to meet and form friendships with other parents. This is extremely important! AYSO has found that the camaraderie encourages consistent attendance and participation which benefit the players – and the parents!
We hope you will join our us and be a happy part of a family organization that has always put it’s players first!