CONNECT

Get to know your player: Talk with your player and family members.  Ask questions of the coaching staff.  Connect with your Buddy Ball Coordinator.

BE PREPARED

Bring a glove if you have one: You will sometimes need to protect your player by deflecting balls that are hit toward the two of you.  Your safety is important too!

BE ENCOURAGING

Encourage involvement and independence: Remember…it is THEIR game!  Do everything possible to encourage your athlete to be involved in his or her ability. Focus on what your player is able to do and recognize all positive efforts.

SHARE

Share your concerns: Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.  Talk with Coaches if you have concerns or problems.

BE A MODEL

Model an attitude of respect and acceptance for each Player: Encourage and support the development of friendships among players. Some will know each other, but for others, everyone and everything will be new.  Keep in mind that each player is a person, not their disability.

BE OPEN

Be open to suggestions: Sometimes the Coaches or other adults will make suggestions on how you can be more helpful to your player.  Don’t take this as criticism.  We are all learning together.

BE CONFIDENT

Be confident: Some of the athletes express themselves easily, but for many this is very difficult.  It may be hard sometimes to know how your athlete is feeling or if he or she appreciates the help you are trying to provide.  All of us, including your player, appreciate your patience and your best effort to be helpful, even if this cannot be expressed!

HAVE FUN!

Most important, just have Fun!