1.Special Olympics Unified Sports is a program that combines Special Olympics athletes and athletes without intellectual disability (Partners) on sports teams for training and competition.
Age and ability level matching of athletes and partners and the athlete/partner ratio are defined on a sport-by-sport basis. Special Olympics Unified Sports Partners are individuals that do not have intellectual disability
2.Health and Safety. A.Coaches should place the health and safety of all athletes above all else; this is particularly important in the selection of appropriate Athletes and Partners to participate on any Special Olympics Unified Sports team.
B.Individuals with significantly greater skill than other team members may be prohibited from participation on Special Olympics Unified Sports team since their participation may cause a risk to others
3.Philosophical Considerations. A.When Athletes and Partners are of similar ability and age, their Special Olympics Unified Sports experience is enhanced. Every attempt should be made to keep all teammates as closely matched as possible. This will decrease the risk of injury to themselves and others and provide a more meaningful sports experience.
B.Members of a Special Olympics Unified Sports team should be able to demonstrate fundamental skills and strategies of the sport.
C.While there are specific rules governing the number of Unified Sports Athletes and Partners required during competition, it is also recommended to maintain a proportionate number of Athletes and Partners on the overall roster (as close to 50/50 as possible) so that the possibility of forfeiting a game due to not meeting the required line up ratio is decreased and the Unified Sports experience is enhanced in both training and competition.
4.Conduct of Competition. A.All Special Olympics rules and regulations apply equally to Athletes and Partners with the following exception: Partners are required to complete a Unified Sports Partner Application, which includes an applicant’s medical history, release from liability, volunteer screening and background information
B.Competition shall be governed by the Sports Rules. Specific rules for Unified Sports (e.g., the number of Athletes and Partners required during competition) are provided in the Rules for each sport.
C.If an official determines that a player is dominating play to gain an unfair advantage, the official may sanction the offending player. Sanctions may include: warning to the player and/or coach, citing the player with unsportsmanlike conduct or expulsion from the game.
D.Special Olympics Unified Sports teams shall be placed in competitive divisions with other Special Olympics Unified Sports teams based on ability and age, according to established procedures for Special Olympics divisioning.
E.Official Special Olympics Unified Sports Awards or Special Olympics Awards, shall be presented to both Athletes and Partners according to established procedures for the use of Special Olympics Awards.
F.Modifications have been added in selected sports to ensure the meaningful involvement of all athletes.
Please refer to Special Olympics Sport-specific Rules for additional information and details for conducting Unified Sports competition.
5.Individual Sports for which Unified Sports events will not be included:
A.Gymnastics
B.Judo
C.Powerlifting
D.Alpine Skiing
E.Snowboarding