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Special Olympics®

Sports Programs Offered

Special Olympics® offers a broad spectrum of sports programs for athletes of all ability levels. These programs enable every athlete to develop skills and they encourage participation and competition in an appropriate and meaningful manner. (Check with your Area SOTX Office to see which sports are offered)  This continuum of programs includes:

¨       Unified Sports

¨       Official Team & Individual Skills

¨       Modified Team

¨       Individual Skills Contest

¨       Motor Activities Training Program (MATP)

¨       Young Athletes Program (YAP)

Unified SportsÒ

Unified SportsÒ programs are designed to integrate athletes with and without intellectual disabilities in training and competition program as well as social activities. They give Special Olympics® athletes the opportunity to participate in sports side by side with their non-disabled peers. These programs can be implemented in the schools, intramural leagues, or other community events. For more information ask for the Guide to Inclusive Sports Programming available through your Are/Program Director. 

How does it work?

¨       Each team consists of about half athletes with intellectual disabilities and half without. (depending on the sport)

¨       The athletes are all of similar abilities and ages.

¨       The Unified Teams will compete against other Unified Teams.

¨       You can participate in Unified Sports through: team competitions, relays, mixed doubles and doubles. (depending on the sport)

Why?

¨       Unified SportsÒ give athletes with higher skill levels new challenges.

¨       The program enhances self-esteem in the athletes.

¨       It increases inclusion in the community by enabling family members and friends to participate as a team member and coaches.

¨       Unified Sports build lifetime friendships between athletes with and without intellectual disabilities.

¨       It insures meaningful inclusion for everyone.

Official Team & Individual Sports

The official team and individual sports are any sport that is officially approved by Special Olympics International (SOI)®. SOI is the sanctioning body for all Special Olympics® programs worldwide. Texas offers 19 official Special Olympics ®Sports. Special Olympics® athletes train and compete in these individual sports or team sports with other Special Olympics® athletes with similar age and performance capabilities.

Modified Team

The modified team events are designed to provide meaningful competition for the athletes with lower ability levels or for those individuals with physical limitations. The events and sports are modified so that these athletes’ special needs can be accommodated. An example of a modified event in track is the 10 meter assisted walk. During this event athletes provide their own walking aids and are given two lanes to occupy in order to accommodate for their assistive devices. In addition, for those athletes who are visually impaired, guidelines or bells may be used.

Individual Skills Contest

The Special Olympics’® Individual Skills Contest is a program designed for lower ability athletes who have not yet developed the skills necessary to participate meaningfully in a particular team sport. This program’s ultimate goal is to have the athlete work toward and prepare for team participation. The purpose of each event is to develop and measure an athlete’s skill in the particular task that is required to progress to the team sport.

Motor Activities Training Program (MATP)

The Special Olympics Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) ®is designed for people with severe disabilities whose physical and/or behavioral limitations preclude participation in team or individual sports in traditional Special Olympics® competitions. Emphasis is on training and participation rather than competition. The program is set up so that people with severe disabilities can participate in appropriate recreational activities geared to their ability level.

This training and participation is typically done on site (i.e. schools and large residential facilities). In school settings, this program can help physical education teachers, occupational/physical therapists, or teaching assistants to integrate students with severe disabilities into regular physical education classes.

MATP will introduce athletes with severe disabilities to age-appropriate and functionally appropriate motor and sport activities. These activities include:

Mobility- leading to gymnastics

Dexterity – leading to athletics

Striking – leading to softball

Kicking – leading to soccer

Manual wheelchair – leading to athletics

Young Athletes program (YA)

The Special Olympics Young Athletes program (YA)® is for athletes ages 2 to 7.  In most cases our Young Athletes Programs in our school systems (ISDs) are ages 2 to 5 and are part of their PPCD program.  YA focuses on developing fundamental motor tracking and eye-hand coordination through physical play.  This participation-based program also introduces the child to the world of sports and begins to prepare them for competition, which can start at age 8.  Families are invited to attend a Future Stars Sports Day where the athletes demonstrate the skills they have learned.

Physical activities the athletes participate in will be in one or all of the following categories:

v  Foundational skills

v  Walking and running

v  Balance and jumping

v  Trapping and catching

v  Throwing

v  Striking

v  Kicking

v  Advanced skills

Step 3: Recruit Participants

There are many people who will want to be involved in your Special Olympics® program. You will have some that would like to coach, some that may want to volunteer in another capacity, and others that will want to participate as either a Special Olympics athlete or a Unified Partner. Getting a contact list of these people will help you organize and communicate with everyone.

I. Special Olympics ®Athletes- Special Olympics® athletes must meet certain eligibility criteria to be able to participate as an athlete.

Ø  Age Requirements - Special Olympics® athletes must be at least age 6 to practice, at least age 8 to compete at an area level, and at least age 12 to participate in chapter level competitions. There is no upward age limit for athletes to participate.

Ø  Disability Determination - To be eligible a Special Olympics® athlete must be identified as having intellectual disabilities or a related developmental disability. Below are the definitions used to determine eligibility:

a)       Definition of Intellectual Disabilities - Intellectual Disabilities is defined as a fundamental difficulty in learning and performing certain daily life skills. It is characterized by:

·         IQ of 70 or below.

·         Accompanied by deficits in at least two adaptive skills areas including; communication, self-care, home living, social skills, community use, self-direction, health and safety, functional academics, leisure, or work.

·         Disability manifests itself before the age of 18.

·         Limitations are exhibited at home and in the school or community and are not related to cultural or linguistic differences or sensory limitations.

b)       Definition of Developmental Disability - There are nearly four million Americans with developmental disabilities. Developmental disabilities are severe, chronic disabilities attributable to mental and/or physical impairment, which manifest before age 22 and are likely to continue indefinitely. They result in substantial limitations in three or more areas: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, self-direction, capacity for independent living, and economic self-sufficiency, as well as the continuous need for individually planned and coordinated services.

c)       Medical Release - All Special Olympics® athletes must have an athlete enrollment/medical release form submitted by a qualified medical doctor and signed by a parent or guardian (if the athlete is under age 18). You need to keep a copy, and submit one copy to your area office.  You must have a copy of the medical form with you when the athlete is participating at any Special Olympics® Event.

II. Unified Partners – Unified Partners are people without intellectual disabilities but who would like to practice and compete with a Special Olympics® athlete or team with similar age and ability levels. This is a great way for all parties to train together and have a quality experience. Unified Teams can compete against other Unified Teams at Special Olympics® competitions and also can participate in community leagues.

All Unified Partners must have a Unified Partner signed consent on file. You should keep a copy of this form, and send a copy to the area office. These forms must also be submitted with entry forms for a competition.

III. Volunteers and Coaches

Volunteers increase integration and socialization opportunities for the Special Olympics® athletes.  The dedication of Special Olympics® volunteers provides mainstreaming experiences for athletes with intellectual disabilities.  Not to mention, when you leave a Special Olympics® event you will have touched the heart of another person and will be moved in a meaningful way that lifts the spirit and touches the heart.

“The athletes of Special Olympics® are amazing.  The friendships I’ve formed through volunteering are truly rewarding.”

- Steve Griffith, volunteer and board member.

“Special Olympics® offers so much to the participants and volunteers.  As a volunteer, you can be part of an energetic, motivated, goal-setting team of individuals.”

-          Becky Craft, volunteer

Special Olympics Texas ®offers many types of volunteer positions to suit any individual’s needs.  Depending upon the time you have available and what you would like to accomplish as a volunteer, we will find the right place for you!  Volunteer positions and approximate time commitments required for each include:

§  Coach, 5-10 hrs. per week (in season): become a certified coach.

§  Assistant coach, 2-5 hrs. per week (in season): assist a certified coach

§  Unified Sports® Partner, 2-5 hrs. per week (in season, varies by sport): compete with athletes on a Unified Sports® Team

§  Trainer, 1-3 hrs. per week: become a certified sports trainer

§  Committee member, 1-3 hrs. per week: serve on an area or state committee

§  Official, 10-15 hrs. per month (in season, varies by sport): must be certified in the sport which you are officiating

§  Day of event, varies by event, anywhere from 4-20 hrs: assist athletes at competitions and events

§  Fundraising, flexible hours: assist with raising funds for Special Olympics

§  Administrative, flexible hours: assist with office administration

§  Outreach, flexible hours: spread the word about the SOTX program

Special Olympics Texas® distinguishes between two types of volunteers.  They are “regular” volunteers (Class A) and “day of event” volunteers (Class B).  Class A volunteers are those who have any prolonged direct contact with or without supervision of athletes.  Class A volunteers include coaches, assistant coaches, chaperones, drivers and overnight hosts.  Class B volunteers include individuals who handle administrative responsibilities, fiscal authority, committee members and officials. 

Class A volunteers are required to register with the area office and sign a release form for a criminal background check and must complete the General Orientation and Protective Behaviors courses either on-line or face-to-face.  This is to ensure the safety of our athletes and volunteers. Class B Volunteers will need to register on site of the event to receive an assignment and registration packet.  Class B Volunteers will need to bring and show a picture I.D. card when they register at the event. 

 Special Olympics®

Volunteer Oath

I promise to give of the time in my life so that Special Olympics® athletes can have the time of their lives. I promise to support Special Olympics not just as an expression of charity, but as a form of respect for my fellow human beings. I promise to spread the word of volunteerism because, in giving, I receive so much more in return.

Step 4:  Request for “New Delegation

New Delegation (Team)

Once you have recruited and have gotten commitments from athletes, coaches and future coaches, you will need to complete and submit a “Request for New Delegation.”  (Refer to the SOTX Information Guide; SIG, “Section D”)  Submit the completed Request for New Delegation form to your Area Special Olympics Texas (SOTX)® Office.  Your Area SOTX office will assign your delegation a “Delegation Code.”  (Example:  ABC-09)  You will need to use this delegation code when completing future forms.

Step 5: Train Coaches

Coaches Certification Information

Being a Special Olympics coach is a lot of fun and has many rewards. As a coach you will have the opportunity to be a motivator, role model and mentor to inspire greatness in all athletes in your program. Anyone who is interested can become a coach, regardless of your sports experience. Quality training is provided for you at no cost.

Who needs to become certified?

Special Olympics Texas® has made a commitment to coaching excellence and requires all Special Olympics® coaches to become certified.  In support of that commitment, the Coach Education System has been developed.  Through coaching education and certification, coaches are able to enhance their skills while helping athletes reach their sport potentials. 

Why become certified?

·         Promote the mission of Special Olympics Texas®

·         Provide your athletes with the safest and most effective training sessions possible.

·         Enhance your coaching skills

·         Keep up to date regarding current rules and training techniques

·         Insure coaching consistency worldwide

·         Demonstrate program credibility

·         Protect yourself against liability

·         Receive the SMT Newsletter

How do you become certified?

Depending on your background and experience, different options are available to become certified.  Experienced and knowledgeable instructors will provide the resources you need. 

·         Submit Class A Volunteer Form and pass criminal background check.

·         Attend a General Orientation training session (on-line).

·         Attend a Protective Behaviors training sessions (on-line).

·         Attend a sports specific training clinic conducted by a certified area-training manager. Courses are offered for coaches with no experience and also for coaches with sports experience.

·         Complete 10 hours of practicum with a Special Olympics athlete or team.

·         Submit 10 hours of practicum form to the area office for approval.

·         Attend annual re-certification conference.

Note:  Please check your Area SOTX calendar on-line for scheduled trainings in your area or near your area.

Expectations of Coaches

Coaches are responsible for conveying the ideals of Special Olympics® and should exhibit respect for athletes, coaches, volunteers, families, and officials. They have positive interpersonal relationships with the people they work with and are honest, trustworthy, and courteous to all personnel at all levels of the

organization. Their behavior reflects a positive and constructive attitude towards all that they work with in order to provide a fair and positive competitive experience for all Special Olympics® athletes and volunteers.

Coaches are responsible for adhering to the policies and procedures of Special Olympics, Inc.® and Special Olympics Texas®.

Coaches accept responsibility for the behavior of his or her athletes, parents and spectators in and out of the competitive arena while attending Special Olympics® events. They should be recognized by all parties as the representative in dealing with the Games Committee and sports officials and should be present with the team during all competitions.

Step 6: Plan for Training and Competition

Training Requirements:  Once you have identified your athletes and coaches have been trained, you can go ahead and plan your practice or training schedule. Your Special Olympics® team must train for a minimum of eight weeks before competing in the sport at the area level. After taking into consideration the availability of your coaches and athletes, plan a weekly practice schedule and distribute it to the athletes and family members on your team.  You will need to secure a practice facilities and equipment.  (See step 7 for scholarship information.)

Area Level Competitions:  If your team has trained for eight weeks, they are able to compete at the area level. Each event has a deadline for entry. You must have submitted a copy of the athlete enrollment/medical release forms (or Unified Partner form) to the area office prior to competition.  In addition, the proper entry forms must be submitted by the deadline designated by the area office.  Deadlines are posted on the online calendar.  Entry forms can be found online or in the SOTX Information Guide.

Chapter (state) Level Competitions:  If your team is interested in participating at chapter (state) level games, there are a few requirements that you must fulfill.

• Team or individual must have competed in the sport at the area level competition to be eligible to compete at chapter level competition.

• All teams interested in attending chapter competitions must submit entry forms to the Area/Program Director before the deadline set by the area office.
• Athletes must by 12 years old on the first day of competition of chapter level games to be eligible to compete. Also, there may be quotas or special criteria to be able to compete at the chapter level.
• Athletes must be chaperoned at chapter games. You must have one coach or chaperone for every four athletes matched by gender.
• There must be at least one certified coach per team present at competition, and at least one other certified coach that could fill in for that coach in the event of an emergency.

National and International Level Competitions: Special Olympics® has international competitions for both Summer Games and Winter Games. To be eligible to compete in National or World Games, an athlete has to compete in a chapter level competition in the sport that he/she would like to compete in at National or World Games. Special Olympics, Inc.® provides SOTX a quota of athletes that can compete in each sport at the National and World Games and the athletes are selected. If interested in competing at this level, please contact your Area/Program Director for more information.

Step 7: Creating a Budget and Funding Your Program

There are several things that you will need to do to ensure a quality experience for your athletes.  One of the first things that you will need to do is to determine your team’s needs and the money or items that are required to meet those needs.  You will want to think about these needs and create a yearly budget for each sport that you are going to participate in.  Some of the items you may already have and some you may need to obtain.  Here are some things that you may need to consider when creating a budget:

• Uniforms - (may use school uniforms, if using Special Olympics® logo you must get approval from SOTX)
• Sporting Equipment
• Use of facilities for training, competition, or meetings.
• Transportation costs to local or chapter events
• Meals or snacks needed for team
• Housing costs if attending competitions out of town
• Entry fees for chapter games or league play
• Cost of any additional chaperones needed for travel (a 4 to 1 ratio of the same gender required)
• Cost of printing, copying, postage and any office supplies needed
• Other costs or needs that you may have

Once you have determined your material and financial needs, you need to decide how the funds will be managed. There are a few options that you can choose between.

Special Olympics Texas® is a non-profit tax-exempt organization with a 501(c) (3) status.  The IRS has provided Special Olympics Texas® a TIN (Tax Identification Number) for IRS tracking purposes.  Because of this there are several things required of the organization to maintain.

Team/Committee Financial Accounts

• Centralized Team/Committee Financial Accounts
  1. SOTX requires that all team or committee financial transactions occur through SOTX.
  2. Once the team has contacted the SOTX finance department and setup a centralized account, the teams will be issued a team specific deposit book to allow flexibility in making deposits.
  3. The team or committee will not have a checkbook for the funds deposited.  The area office can submit all team or committee original invoices or receipts for payment to the chapter accounts payable department.  Teams may also contact the Chapter Office directly of specific payment needs.  No team or committee disbursement will be processed if the team or committee has insufficient balance to cover the disbursement.
  4. Monthly “bank statements” will be issued by SOTX to the Head of Delegation for review.

Fundraisers

A well-run fund-raiser can definitely help you reach your team’s goals. Fundraising can take many forms. Some successful ideas that teams have had:

·         Auctions, live or silent

·         Bake sales, cake sales, or a cake walk

·         Bar B-Q, fish fries, spaghetti dinners, pancake dinners, etc….

·         Car washes

·         Dances, Movie Nights, Roller-skating parties

·         Holiday Oriented Events

·         Talent Shows

·         Walk-a-thons

·         Ice Cream Social

·         Bowl-a-thons

·         Other ideas…

Things that you must do for a fund-raising event:

1.       Submit a fundraising application form, found in the SIG, to your Area/Program Director at least 60 days prior to your event or activity.  Once approved, you may proceed with your event. This is a necessary step as Special Olympics Texas® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and it is prohibited to use the Special Olympics name or logo with out written consent from the organization.

 2.       If you wish to use the SOTX logo in promoting the event or on materials, a use of logo application must be submitted to the VP        of  Communication.  The application can be found in the SIG.

3.       Recruit volunteers to help plan and prepare for the event.

4.       Solicit potential donations for your event.  It is essential that you coordinate with your area Special Olympics® staff to ensure that the business is approached appropriately and that the relationship is maintained. You wouldn’t want to approach a business for example that had just donated for another event, unless the area Special Olympics® staff felt that it was appropriate. This protects all parties involved.  Also, you can not solicit any businesses listed in “Section S” of the SOTX Information Guide; SIG.

5.       Prepare and turn in a fund-raising report within 30 days of completing the fundraising activity.  Plan a wrap up meeting to thank all the volunteers involved and to give them a report of earnings. You can also ask for ideas for future fundraising events and get feedback on ways to improve the event.

Soliciting Support from Sponsors

A team may solicit donations from businesses or community organizations. It is important to coordinate with your area office before approaching a business or organization. This ensures that we are not overlapping requests or if there is any assistance that the area can provide for you in requesting donations.

Apply for grant opportunities.

There are many grant opportunities that teams may be able to take advantage of to support their team. Grants usually require a proposal that requests specific types of information and outcomes. Please contact your area office to find out how you may be able to pursue grant opportunities in your community.

Special Olympics Texas® Scholarships/Grants

Torch Run Scholarships - Law Enforcement officers raise money for Special Olympics® and some of it is given out directly to teams for needs relating to participation in local, area, or chapter competitions (i.e. equipment, uniforms, transportation, meals, etc.).  (Refer to “Section S” of the SOTX Information Guide; SIG)

Outreach Grants - Recipients receive funds to support team growth or new sport participation (especially low participation sports).

Requirements:

1.       Team or Delegation must be creating a new team, significantly expanding athlete numbers, or planning to begin a new sport.

2.       This scholarship is for required equipment; uniforms or other needs necessary to area level participation. It is not intended to provide funds for housing, transportation or other costs related to Chapter Games.

3.       Team must submit a complete application with signature from the Area/Program Director by the dates established in the SOTX Information Guide.  (Refer to “Section J” of the SOTX Information Guide; SIG).