Model 2: Semi-Formal
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT: Adolescents are most likely to mirror the behaviors of peers they admire and identify
Accountability Partners — “Team Buddy System” • Pair teammates into “support partners”. • Each pair commits to looking out for one another, academically, emotionally, and socially. • Encourage quick daily or weekly check-ins (“How are you doing this week? Anything you need?”).
with (Steinberg & Monahan, 2007). When positive, substance-free norms are reinforced by peers, especially team captains and influential players, those behaviors quickly become “how we do things here.”
How To: Launch a Team Buddy System
Take 10 minutes in a preseason meeting and:
Build a Peer-to-Peer Support Model
Pair Up Have athletes pair with someone they don’t know well.
Coaches can intentionally create ways for their athletes to check in, encourage, and look out for one another. These structures can be simple or formal depending on team size and culture. Explore the following peer support structures. Model 1: Formal
Ask & Share Each pair answers two questions: What’s something that helps you handle pressure? What’s one way a teammate
Agree Each pair commits to one simple check-in per week. Whether text, DM, phone call, or in-person; the format doesn’t matter, consistency does.
could help when you’re stressed or tempted to make a risky choice?
Peer Captains or Culture Leaders • Designate a small leadership group (potentially 2-4 athletes) trained to model healthy habits and act as point people for teammate support. • Provide a brief training on active listening, confidentiality, and safe responses (“If you’re worried about a teammate, talk with me or another adult you trust.”) • Assign each leader a small group of athletes to check in with regularly.
Coach Follow-Up Once a month, remind the team of the buddy system and spotlight positive examples. Ex. “I heard that when a few people were invited to a party with alcohol, your group decided to hang out somewhere else instead. That shows real leadership and commitment to our values.” Or “One of you noticed a teammate seemed off and encouraged them to talk with a coach instead of keeping it inside. That kind of courage and compassion defines this team.”
MADD Sports | Coaches’ Guide 12
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