Volunteers

Buddy/Volunteers—Their Role

We have a buddy system for this program in which a high school/middle school student buddy (volunteer) is partnered with a special needs player (as much as possible, for the entire season). The buddy will support the player by working with him/her and encouraging/cheering them on as they learn skills (passing, shooting, dribbling, etc…) and guide him/her through the practices/games.

By volunteering, the buddies get an amazingly rewarding experience and earn credit towards their community service requirement for school.

The main role of the buddies is to help the players have fun and learn the fundamentals of basketball. They will be acting as helpers and “coaches” for the practice part of our hour and as the opposing team for the second half.

We tell the buddies this will not look exactly like a regular basketball game. When the buddies are the opposing team, their job is still to help. We do this by playing “soft” on defense and offense. We ask the buddies to let the players score, even help them if need be. The goal will be to have every player score at least one basket per game. Another thing is if there is a missed shot or errant pass, we ask that the buddies do their best to block the balls to protect their player.

Our buddies have been consistently exceptional in their patience and desire to help these special players. We are very fortunate to have such an outstanding and committed family of volunteers …many being with us for multiple seasons.

Coaches—Their Role

The coaches oversee the activities on the court during the practice and game. They are also available to any of the buddies or players to assist with issues or situations that may arise. We have coaches from a wide background, including coaches from typical basketball teams, students, Special Olympics, special education teachers and parents and families of special needs children. Our coaches do an amazing job of making the games and practices fun and instructional!

How Do We Find Buddies and Coaches

We find coaches and buddies by relying on the students who have helped before bringing in their friends as well as families we know and contacting local schools. Coaches also come from Special Olympics, special needs instructors/aides, from the community at large and from parents of the players who wish to become involved.