Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands
School Based-Match Ground Rules

1. THE MEETING BETWEEN THE BIG BROTHER/SISTER (BIG) AND THE LITTLE BROTHER/SISTER (LITTLE) WILL TAKE PLACE ONLY ON THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GROUNDS. The only exception to this rule is attending activities supervised by Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Staff. If the match would like to participate in one of these supervised BBBS activities the transportation of the Little is the responsibility of the Little’s parent. THE BIG, OR THE BIGS PARENT SHOULD NEVER TRANSPORT THE LITTLE FOR ANY REASON.

2. No Cell Phone use is allowed during the hour meeting time.

3. The Big and Little are responsible for retuning any phone calls or paperwork from BBBS in order to ensure the progress and safety of the match. It is also very important to let BBBS know of any changes in PHONE OR ADDRESS. If a Big or Little does not return their case manager’s call after three attempts, they will receive notification that the match will be closed within 14 days unless they contact BBBS staff. 

4. Both the Big and the Little shall observe and respect the elementary school rules.

5. If the Big needs to cancel an activity the day they are to meet, they should contact their BBBS coordinator (if there is no answer, leave a message). Then try and contact the parent and the elementary school.

6. If a Little needs to cancel an activity on the day they are to meet, they should first contact their BBBS coordinator or call the high school and leave a message for them at the front desk. If given permission, they may also try to reach the Big’s cell phone.

7. If a match meeting needs to be cancelled prior to the day of the scheduled match meeting, please contact your Big or Little’s parent directly.

8. If schools close due to inclement weather, all activities will automatically be cancelled.

9. The Big and Little agree to meet for one full year (12 months). The match will meet once per week for approximately 60 minutes during the school year and maintain consistent contact throughout the summer.

10. If either the Big or Little has any concerns, problems or questions regarding the match, they should contact their School Based Mentoring Coordinator immediately.

11. Sometime in the middle of the hour long match meeting, 20 minutes must be spent working on the Little’s homework. If the Little does not have homework, another academic activity such as reading, flash cards or spelling games is fine.

12. If a Big has three or more unexcused missed meetings with his/her Little, he/she will be dismissed from the program and the match will be closed.