TOOL 3 - Setting up a buddy system. Project developed in collaboration. Collaboration leader: What is a buddy system? Tr
TOOL 3 - Setting up a buddy system Champions of change are active
welcome
What is a buddy system? Traditionally, a buddy system is a procedure in which two people (the buddies) operate together as a unit to monitor and help each other, usually in unfamiliar situations. Each buddy has responsibility for one other person and vice versa.
How would a buddy system be useful to a club? Think of a buddy system as a support network or as a way for members to help each other. A buddy system could be used to: • Help new members to feel part of the club. For example, introducing them to other members including key people, showing them around the facilities, and making sure they know where the venues are. • Ensure the safety of players during trips away. Pairing up when travelling is a great idea, not only to ensure no-one gets left behind but also to look out for each other’s safety in unfamiliar places, or to make sure everyone is behaving in a way that reflects the values of the club. • Give young members someone to turn to when they need of help. Very young members can be assigned teenage buddies to help ensure their safety and give them someone to talk to if things aren’t going right. This can also be a great way to build confidence, self-esteem and responsibility in older members. • Encourage positive relationships between club members. Fostering relationships between peers and age groups that would not usually connect is a great way to encourage club spirit. • Assist, welcome and train new volunteers. Pair up new volunteers with more experienced volunteers so they can quickly learn the ropes and get to work!
How does a buddy system differ from a mentoring program? In many ways being someone’s buddy is very similar to being a mentor. Either way, one of the primary goals of a mentoring or a buddy system is to support someone else. However, a buddy system is a less formal arrangement and generally applies to two people of equal standing in the club who help each other out. In a mentoring relationship, a more experienced or knowledgeable person is assigned to guide and support the other person to achieve a particular goal (for example, to become a qualified coach).
Project developed in collaboration Collaboration leader:
TOOL 3 - Setting up a buddy system Champions of change are active
welcome
Unlike a mentoring relationship, a buddy relationship does not necessarily require a ‘contract’ but in certain situations it could be useful. It should include the following: • A timeframe for the start and finish of the buddy relationship. • Descriptions of what it means to be a buddy and responsibilities of each person. • What to do if the buddy relationship isn’t working.
Set up a buddy system in four steps 1. Define the system goals. Do you want to welcome new members? Help ensure the safety of members on tour? Help orient new volunteers? Start with one clear and specific goal. 2. Pair up the buddies. There are all sorts of ways to pair up buddies. You could choose them randomly or ask for volunteers. A good buddy relationship relies to some extent on the personality of each person, so you may want to get to know them before you match them up. Enlist the help of those who know the people concerned – a parent or perhaps a coach. Develop a ‘contract’ if you think one is needed and make sure each person clearly understands what it means to be a buddy. 3. Measure the success of your buddy system. Although you should allow the buddies to work out their own relationship, it’s important to monitor progress and success. Is the system achieving results in line with your goal in setting up the program? Are the buddies doing what they are meant to do? This is particularly important when it comes to young children. Are the younger children coming to watch their older buddies play? Have retention rates for volunteers improved? You could conduct a survey of buddies to get valuable feedback. 4. Implement a buddy system in other areas of the club. If it works, replicate it. Think about some of the issues your club faces. Perhaps a buddy system can play a role in addressing other challenges.
Project developed in collaboration Collaboration leader:
