Coach Conduct

Special Olympics is committed to the highest ideals of sport and expects all coaches to honor sport and Special Olympics. All Special Olympics Coaches
agree to observe the following

CODE of COONDUCT  

1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of athletes, coaches, volunteers, friends and spectators in Special Olympics.
2. Treat everyone equally regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion or ability.
3. Be a positive role model for the athletes I coach.
4. Ensure that for each athlete I coach, the time spent with Special Olympics is positive.
5. Respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each athlete.
6. Ensure each athlete competes in events that challenge that athlete’s potential and are appropriate to that athlete’s ability.
7. Be fair, considerate and honest with athletes and communicate with athletes using simple, clear language.
8. Ensure that accurate scores are provided for entry of an athlete into any event.
9.  Instruct each athlete to perform to the best of the athlete’s ability at all preliminaries/heats and finals in accordance with Special Olympics Sports Rules.
10. Demonstrate high standards in language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation.
11. Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved in the sport (athletes, coaches, opponents, officials, administrators, parents, spectators, media, etc.).
12. Encourage athletes to demonstrate the same qualities.
13. Refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking or taking illegal drugs while representing Special Olympics at training sessions or during competition.
14. Refrain from any form of personal abuse (verbal, physical, emotional, etc.) toward coaches, athletes, unified partners, volunteers, spectators, family members, etc. Such behavior will not be tolerated by Special Olympics Illinois.
15. Be alert to any form of abuse from other sources directed toward athletes in my care.
16. Refrain from dating or having a sexual relationship with any Special Olympics athlete. Please refer to the Volunteer/Athlete Dating Policy for complete details regarding this policy.
17. Seek continual improvement through performance evaluation and ongoing coach education.
18. Be knowledgeable about the Sports Rules and skills of the sport(s) I coach.
19. Provide a planned training program.
20. Keep copies of the medical, training, and competition records for each athlete I coach.
21. Follow the Special Olympics and the National Governing Body rules for my sport(s).
22. Ensure that the equipment and facilities are safe to use.
23. Ensure that the equipment, rules, training and the environment are appropriate for the age and ability of the athletes.
24. Review each athlete’s Application for Participation (Med App) and be aware of any limitations noted on that form.
25. Encourage athletes to seek medical advice when required.
26. Maintain the same interest and support towards sick and injured athletes.
27. Allow further participation in training and competition only when appropriate.

Should the behaviors, attitudes or actions of any coach or other faction of the member organization be contrary to these principles or to the goals and philosophies of Special Olympics, one or more of the following steps may be taken by the Games Committee, Sports Officials, and/or Special Olympics Illinois in an effort to alleviate the situation without further affecting Special Olympics athletes.

1. The coach will be notified of the undesirable behavior or action and requested to remedy the situation for continued participation.
2. The coach will be requested to withdraw personally or as an organization from the remainder of the event or tournament.
3. If a team is found using an ineligible or illegal player, the team will forfeit all games in which the athlete played, forfeit any awards that were received, and will not advance to the next level of competition.

In the event of extreme or repeated behavior or actions, Special Olympics Illinois may:

1. Prevent the coach or organization from participating in any or all Special Olympics events for a specified period of time.
2. Prevent the coach or organization from participating in Special Olympics Illinois indefinitely.
3. If a coach is suspended or their coaching status has been revoked, all sports certifications will be revoked and the individual must re-certify those sports records. The coach must submit a letter to the Senior Region Director explaining why they should be reinstated as a coach. If approval is granted for reinstatement, then the individual will be required to complete the Class A Volunteer Registration process. Sports recertification cannot occur until after they have been reinstated as a coach.

Special Olympics Illinois will document coach conduct issues at all levels and communicate infractions to appropriate staff. Progressive disciplinary measures will be used unless infractions are extreme in nature.

Title: Coach’s Conduct S1-22
Date: 08/01/12 -- Replaces: 08/01/09