FOD Big Buddy Program

• Buddies are volunteers from local High School teams and are invited to participate by a Designated League Official (DLO).
• All Buddies must be at the field 30 minutes prior to game time, attend a brief orientation session hosted by the umpire or DLO and must be in their designated team uniform.
• The main objective of the Buddy is to be a friend to their assigned league player; engage them in conversation; talk; laugh and help the player have a rewarding and fun experience.
• During a game and depending on the ability of the player, the Buddy is responsible for the following:
  • Don’t be afraid to ask your player what type of assistance they may or may not need.
  • Assist the player in running the bases, hitting, catching or throwing a ball.
  • If your player uses a wheelchair, you can help push the wheelchair around the bases.
  • Do not catch a ball that is hit by a player and do not throw a ball; simply assist your player in making plays.  
  • Help keep the players attention on the game.
  • Help make sure that no one gets hit by a ball and that player actions are safe.
  • If a ball is coming hard to your player and you feel that it may hit him or her, simply try to knock it down – remember, safety first.
  • If you have any concerns about your player or if your player is not responding to your help, ask for time and talk to the umpire or DLO assigned to the game.
• Players in this league will remember the game but their experiences and interactions with their Buddies will last a lifetime – help make this a rewarding experience for them and for yourself.
• Have fun!

Questions

Answers to many Frequently Asked Questions may be found in our FAQs (click here). You may also contact our Board Members with any additional questions or concerns.

Please contact FOD's President, Gene Kolisnyk at uke123@aol.com,

for any questions or concerns about the FOD Web site.