S1.3 Frequency & quality of sports
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.
Coach to Athlete Ratio
Stage 1
Average Certified coach to athlete ratio is less than 1:20.
Stage 2
Average certified coach to athlete ratio less than 1:16.
Stage 3
Average certified coach to athlete ratio is less than 1:12.
Unified Sports
Stage 1
Program offers 1 Unified Sports model (recreational, player development, or competitive) in at least 1 sport in a community, school, or university setting. 5% of all athletes participate in Unified Sports.
Stage 2
Program offers 2 Unified Sports models in at least 2 sports and 2 settings (community, school, university). 10% of athletes participate in Unified Sports.
Stage 3
Program offers all 3 Unified Sports models in at least 3 sports in all 3 settings. 15% of athletes participate in Unified Sports.
Athlete Development Model (ADM)
Stage 1
Program engages athletes in 1 of the stages of Athlete Development Model (ADM) (Fundamental, Learning to Train, Training to Compete, Recreation).
Stage 2
Program engages athletes and Unified partners in min. 2 stages of ADM progression.
Stage 3
Program has implemented 3-4 levels of ADM progression into a comprehensive athlete development model.
Frequency of Participation
Stage 1
All athletes/Unified partners have at least one weekly Special Olympics sports training session with a coach during sport season (*session = 60 minutes at moderate to vigorous intensity).
Stage 2
50% of athletes/Unified partners have min.1 weekly sports training session with a coach + another training or fitness session led or prescribed by a certified coach/fitness instructor during sport season (120 minutes per week).
Stage 3
75% of athletes/Unified partners have min.1 weekly sports training session with a coach + another training or fitness session led or prescribed by a certified coach/fitness instructor during sport season (120 minutes per week).
Equipment and Facilities
Stage 1
Sport is conducted using basic sports facilities, equipment and clothing, following safety rules.
Stage 2
Sport is conducted using approved sports facilities, equipment and clothing similar to mainstream sports.
Stage 3
Sport is conducted using national/ international standard sports facilities, equipment and clothing.
Competition Frequency
Stage 1
Athletes/Unified partners have at least 1 competition opportunities per year in each sport offered by the Program. At least 1 competition offered is virtual.
Stage 2
Athletes/Unified partners have at least 3 competition opportunities per year in each sport offered by the Program. At least 2 competitions offered are virtual.
Stage 3
Athletes/Unified partners have the opportunity to participate in league-style competition opportunities throughout the year. Program conducts at least 3 virtual competitions.
Competition Quality
Stage 1
Competition manager ensures each competition is conducted in accordance with Special Olympics Sports Rules. Competition schedules provided in advance.
Stage 2
All head technical officials meet minimum Sport Governing Body certification requirements for the level of competition.
Stage 3
Technical delegates and sport-specific juries are in place for all events, including local level.
Young Athletes
Stage 1
Program offers multiple opportunities to participate in Young Athletes (ages 2-7) throughout the year.
Stage 2
Program offers two of three Young Athletes Models (school, community or home) and registers all Young Athletes in GMS, Connect or local database.
Stage 3
Program offers sustained, expanding Young Athletes activities that last a minimum of 8 weeks and transition children to other Special Olympics sports opportunities after Young Athletes.