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Sports Essentials

Athlete Code of Conduct

Special Olympics is committed to the highest ideals of sport and expects all athletes to honor sports and Special Olympics.

All Special Olympics athletes and Unified Sports partners agree to the following code:

Sportsmanship

I will practice good sportsmanship.
I will act in ways that bring respect to me, my coaches, my team and Special Olympics.
I will not use bad language.
I will not swear or insult other persons.
I will not fight with other athletes, coaches, volunteers or staff.

Training and Competition

I will train regularly.
I will learn and follow the rules of my sport.
I will listen to my coaches and the officials and ask questions when I do not understand.
I will always try my best during training, divisioning and competitions.
I will not "hold back" in preliminaries just to get into an easier final heat.

Responsibility for My Actions

I will not make inappropriate or unwanted physical, verbal or sexual advances on others.
I will not drink alcohol, smoke or take illegal drugs while representing Special Olympics at training sessions, competition or during Games.
I will not take drugs for the purpose of improving my performance.
I will obey all laws and Special Olympics rules.

I understand that if I do not obey this Code of Conduct my Program or a Games Organizing Committee may not allow me to participate.