and Protective Behaviors General Orientation May 2010

Goals of the Training Describe global Special Olympics mission, philosophy, and vision Describe intellectual disability / developmental disabilities (ID/DD) as a concept Cite importance of sports & physical activity Identify Special Olympics challenges/opportunities Advocate for persons with ID/DD Become a dedicated, impassioned volunteer

Mission Components Year-round Sports training & competition Olympic-type sports Individual with intellectual disability Outcomes âPhysical fitness âCourage & joy âSharing of gifts & skills âFriendship sFamilies sAthletes sCommunity

Philosophy Individuals with intellectual disability / developmental disability: Receive appropriate instruction & encouragement Receive consistent training Compete among those of equal abilities Result = Personal Growth

Vision To help bring persons with intellectual disability / developmental disabilities into the larger society under conditions whereby they are: Accepted Respected Given a chance to become useful & productive citizens

Organizational Structure Local Athletes & Coaches 51 United States Programs North America Special Olympics, Inc. Headquarters, Washington, DC Canada Caribbean Mexico AfricaAsia- Pacific Europe- Eurasia Latin America Middle East- North Africa Special Olympics, Inc. Board of Directors Global Regional National Local

Volunteer Opportunities Trainer/Instructor Public Relations Support Fundraiser Official Local Mgmt Team Member Board Member Office Support Event Volunteer Young Athletes Coordinator Games Mgmt Team Member Coach Unified Sports® Partner Chaperone Recruiter of Athletes, Families & Volunteers Medical Support School/Agency Coordinator Healthy Athletes Clinician

Statement of Eligibility Special Olympics training & competition provided to: Persons with ID/DD Aged 8 years or older Registered with Special Olympics to participate (Application for Special Olympics Participation)

Persons with ID/DD Identified by agency or professional Have a cognitive delay Have a closely-related developmental disability

Incidence & Prevalence Incidence 300 million worldwide 7.5 million in US Prevalence 7 times more than deafness 9 times more than cerebral palsy 15 times more than total blindness 35 times more than muscular dystrophy

Environmental Expression Mild limitations Learn more slowly than peers Walk & talk later; generally slightly shorter More susceptible to illnesses More difficulties in appropriate social behavior Severe limitations Usually incapable of traditional schooling Need to master life skills & communication skills

Unique from Other Sports Organizations 1.Sports opportunities for all ability levels 2.Divisioning for fair competition 3.Awards for all participants 4.Random draw of division winners for advancement to higher levels of competition 5.No fees charged to athletes or family members

Training Considerations Frequent repetition & reinforcement Consistent use of a few action-oriented key words Appropriate levels of instruction Continuous assessment

Training Resources Sport-specific Coaches Guides & Quick Start Guides Family Home Training SOI Official Sports Rules International/ National Governing Body Rules

Sports Rules Based on International and National Governing Body Rules Contain few modifications noted in Special Olympics Official Sports Rules Provide sports & events for all ability levels Govern all Special Olympics competitions

Divisioning Provide all competitors a chance to excel ~ No more than 3-8 athletes or teams per division Grouped by age & gender Further separated by ABILITY: –For individual competition % guideline and preliminaries –For team competition - âSkills Assessment Tests and âClassification rounds of competition

Competition Opportunities Leagues Local scrimmages & competition Tournaments School sports Community or club programs Invitationals Program-level games & competition

Progression of Games Local National Multi-National Regional World

Criteria for Athlete Advancement Process Training requirement: 10 hours within 2 months before culminating competition Previous competition: Same sport –Quota driven –Random draw by event: All 1 st place finishers If quota not filled, 2 nd place finishers Other considerations: Athlete not barred, due to prior competition experience at higher level of competition Additional criteria from Program, approved by appropriate governing body

Proven Benefits Improved strength, stamina & motor skills Improved self-esteem & self-confidence Healthy, skill-dependable employees Greater independent participation in community

Enhancing Involvement in School & Community Volunteer Interaction Lifetime Sports / Skills Development Community-basedFacilities Athlete Leadership Programs Unified Sports® Young Athletes Program Public Education Media Healthy Athletes Program

Increasing Sports Opportunities Sports Skills & Fitness Training SpecialOlympicsCompetition Unified Sports® Unified Sports®Opportunities Recreation Recreation Programs Programs Community CommunityCompetition Family Leisure Activities Young Athletes ProgramSkillsTraining

Special Olympics Challenges/Opportunities More athletes More volunteers, esp. coaches & youth More coaches enabling Health Screening Improved quality training & competition More athlete leadership opportunities Increase in Healthy Athletes screenings Inclusive sports opportunities More family involvement Expanded public education

Headlines 3 Palma H.S. Coaches Suspended after Order to Hit Batters (San Jose Mercury News: May, 2000) What Do You Do When Parents Are Poor Sports: Arrest Them! (San Francisco Chronicle) Out of Control: The Rising Tide of Violence & Verbal Abuse by Adults at Youth Sports Events Reached Its Terrible Peak This Month When a Hockey Father Killed Another (Sports Illustrated: July 24, 2000)

Protecting Special Olympics Athletes Preventing physical abuse No corporal punishment Check temperature of water (showers/bath) Do not withhold water or food when needed Dispense only prescribed medications as assigned Preventing emotional abuse Treat athletes with courtesy & respect; no profanity Provide constructive & positive discipline

Protecting Special Olympics Athletes Preventing sexual abuse Provide at least 2 adults to supervise in locker room Provide appropriate physical contact in public Respect boundaries Provide appropriate sleeping arrangements Educate athletes, partners, volunteers, & family members about appropriate contact

Responsibilities to Signs / Allegations of Abuse Legal Reporting to appropriate authority (SO Executive Director] State immunity provision for reporting SO Program Policies Complete a Special Olympics Incident Report Suspend alleged abuser through investigation Contact appropriate protective services agency SO representative only media spokesperson

Volunteer Code of Conduct Provide health & safety (athletes, volunteers, & spectators) Dress & act appropriately Follow all rules & guidelines Report emergencies to appropriate authorities Abstain from alcohol, tobacco & illegal substances Abstain from inappropriate contact or relationships with athletes, volunteers or others

Improved Performance & Well-Being TRAINING is the key COMPETITION is the means Skill, confidence, courage & joy are the OUTCOMES Better preparation for life is the GOAL Lifelong skills & increased independence are the RESULTS

Goals of Training Goals of Training Revisited Describe global Special Olympics mission & philosophy and vision Describe intellectual disability / developmental disabilities (ID/DD) as a concept Cite importance of sports & physical activity Identify Special Olympics challenges/opportunities Advocate for persons with ID/DD Become a dedicated, impassioned volunteer