S1.1 Local operations, structures & outreach
Program Quality Standards Menu
Program Quality Standards
The Program Quality Standards (PQS) are a tool to help Programs develop and increase quality of programmatic areas and overall operations. They help Programs identify what to focus on in order to provide athletes with the highest quality programming. Frequently Asked Questions
Program Quality Standards: Frequently Asked Questions
The Program Quality Standards (PQS) are a tool to help Programs develop and increase quality of programmatic areas and overall operations. They help Programs identify what to focus on in order to keep moving forward.
Local Infrastructure
Stage 1
Special Olympics at local level (e.g. village, administrative district, chapter) is organized by a team of volunteers (3+) with defined roles (e.g. communications, logistics, outreach).
Stage 2
Local level brunch of Special Olympics is set up as a "Club" (sometimes referred to as Sub-Program or Chapter) that is run by a committee with defined roles.
Stage 3
Local “Clubs” offer sports, health, young athletes, athlete leadership engagement, and school engagement activities. “Clubs” raise funds locally and secure coverage in local media.
Athlete and Partner Recruitment & Retention
Stage 1
Program recruits new athletes and Unified partners from diverse backgrounds and locations and measures their retention annually.
Stage 2
Program actively recruits athletes and Unified partners in low presence areas (e.g. remote areas). Basic athlete retention plan is in place and 75% of athletes retained annually.
Stage 3
Program successfully retains 90% of athletes and Unified partners.
Coach Recruitment and Retention
Stage 1
Program actively recruits new coaches and tracks their retention annually.
Stage 2
Program targets certified coaches through sports partners and sports community (clubs, federations, PE teachers) and retains 75% of coaches each year.
Stage 3
Program retains 90% of certified coaches each year.
Athlete & Unified Leadership
Stage 1
Athlete leaders have meaningful roles at a local level (e.g. team captain, responsible for equipment set-up at training).
Stage 2
Local Special Olympics "Club" Committee includes an athlete leader and adjusts its practices to ensure equal participation and contribution to decision-making and activities.
Stage 3
Committee roles and local "Club" operations are led by athlete leader(s) (e.g. training schedules, communications, fundraising, etc.).