2019 CENTRAL BOWLING SECTIONAL. Location: Harrisburg/Mechanicsburg, PA Date: Sunday, January 20, 2019 COACH S HANDBOOK

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1 2019 CENTRAL BOWLING SECTIONAL Location: Harrisburg/Mechanicsburg, PA Date: Sunday, January 20, 2019 COACH S HANDBOOK

2 CENTRAL BOWLING SECTIONAL Sunday, January 20th ABC East ABC West ABC North Dear Coaches, Welcome to the 2019 Central Bowling Sectional! This handbook is provided as a supplement to the material that your delegation has already received by . Review this document carefully. If you have any questions before or during the event, please contact Teresa Amaturo, Central Competition Director at (800) , ext 238. NEW items for this year: With the staggered start and credentials being at the three houses we are asking that you identify a point person who is permitted to pick up credentials for your delegation at each of the bowling houses. In order to respect the bowling houses, we will NOT be allowing athletes/families to enter early. PLEASE DO NOT arrive before delegations can register at your assigned bowling house. Sheetz meals will be provided at the conclusion of the event. We will be holding the Indoor Winter Games drawing on Tuesday, January 22 nd. Please Note: We will not be serving lunch. Athletes and delegations should go directly to their assigned bowling house. Opening Ceremonies and bowling will have staggered starts. No busing will be provided. Competition Reminders: All counties are required to have at least 1 certified coach attending the event. Counties must have one head coach per bowling house. As a reminder only certified coaches have the ability to protest. We sincerely hope that the efforts of the volunteers will bring you and your competitors many great memories. Good luck to your athletes! 2

3 FACT SHEET EVENT: 2019 Central Bowling Sectional DATE: January 20, 2019 SITE: ABC West, ABC North, & ABC East Lanes Harrisburg & Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania SOPA LIAISON: Teresa Amaturo, Central Competition Director Special Olympics Pennsylvania 2570 Boulevard of the Generals Suite 124 Norristown, PA (800) ext. 238 / tamaturo@specialolympicspa.org FORMAT: One day bowling competition in singles, doubles, and traditional team and Unified Sports team & doubles competition ATHLETES: 327 COACHES: 110 FAMILIES: 75 VOLUNTEERS: 200 AREAS: All county/area programs in Central Pennsylvania currently offering training and competition in bowling 3

4 2019 CENTRAL BOWLING SECTIONAL Tentative SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ABC North (32 lanes) Sunday, January 20, 2019 Time Event Location 11:00 a.m. Volunteer Registration ABC North 11:30-11:45 Delegation Registration ABC North 12:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies ABC North 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Competition ABC North 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Awards ABC North 4:00 p.m. To Go Sheetz/Tentative Departure Tentative SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ABC East (32 lanes) Sunday, January 20, 2019 Time Event Location 11:00 a.m. Volunteer Registration ABC East 12:00 12:15 Delegation Registration ABC East 12:45 p.m. Opening Ceremonies ABC East 1:15 p.m. 3:45 p.m. Competition ABC East 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. Awards ABC East 4:45 p.m. To Go Sheetz/Tentative Departure Tentative SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ABC West (46 lanes) Sunday, January 20, 2019 Time Event Location 11:30 a.m. Volunteer Registration ABC West 12:30 12:45 Delegation Registration ABC West 1:15 p.m. Opening Ceremonies ABC West 1:45 p.m. 4:15 p.m. Competition ABC West 4:15 p.m. 5:15 p.m. Awards ABC West 5:15 p.m. To Go Sheetz/Tentative Departure 4

5 2019 CENTRAL BOWLING SECTIONAL INFORMATION: Alternates: Alternates will only attend the competition in place of scratched athletes or coaches. Athletes may be registered in only one sport for each competition unless registration forms indicate that registration for or competition in multiple sports is allowed. In addition, an individual may be listed as an athlete or an alternate on only one team. For Individual Sports, alternates must be activated by 5:00 p.m. the Monday prior to competition in order to be eligible to compete. Individual sports include Bowling Singles and Ramp Assisted and Ramp Unassisted. For Team Sports, we encourage activation by the 3 rd day prior, but will continue to accept scratches and activations of alternates up through the end of registration at the event. Team sports include Bowling Doubles and Four Person Team. Forms will be sent to the Sports and Competition Coordinator after the registration deadline for use in submitting all scratches and activations. To activate alternates, Teresa Amaturo tamaturo@specialolympicspa.org IMPORTANT: For team qualifying events, only athletes on sectional rosters will be eligible to attend Indoor Winter Games. No athlete/partner/alternate can be added after the sectional entry information deadline for Indoor Winter Games. Attire: Athletes participating in this competition must wear appropriate sports attire (i.e., no jeans, cleats, or spikes.) for competition. No commercial advertising may be worn by the athlete during ceremonies, competition, or awards. If an athlete is not appropriately attired, they will not be able to participate. Jeans are not appropriate for any competition. Athletes traveling long distances who may not have time to change should arrive in appropriate attire. T-Shirt Color - Please refrain from wearing solid red or orange T-shirts during special events. Special events include opening and closing ceremonies, dances, and Olympic Village. Red denotes our medical team and orange, our security team. We have chosen these colors so that our essential volunteers can be easily identified and quickly located during a time of need at our special events. Awards: Awards will be presented immediately following each division. We will have designated lanes for awards. Athletes placing first, second or third in their division will receive a gold, silver or bronze Special Olympics sectional medal, respectively. Athletes placing fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth in their division will receive the pertinent ribbon. Athletes who are disqualified or do not finish will receive a participant ribbon. Athletes who do not compete or are disqualified for misconduct will not receive an award. If a tie occurs, the two teams/individuals will receive the same placement and the next team/individual will receive the placement for the order they finished. Example: If two teams tie for first place the two teams receive gold medals and the next placed team receives bronze medals. 5

6 Coaches: All delegations are required to bring a 1:4 coach/athlete ratio for all competitions. This means that there must be one volunteer coach for every four athletes. It is the responsibility of each coach to be neat in appearance and well groomed. A coach should dress in an appropriate manner for competition and wear clothing that is moderately fitting and in good taste. We encourage coaches to set a good sport example for their athletes which include not wearing jeans during competition. Head coaches must be a minimum of 18 years of age for one day and overnight events. Assistant Coaches for one day events must be 16 years of age or older. All coaches must have one role during trainings or, in particular, during competitions. This means that sports directors, heads of delegations, officials or games management team members should not be registered as coaches at competitions within the 1 coach to 4 athlete ratio. Coaches, athletes or Unified Sports partners may not chaperone family members during competition. All coaches attending this event must have a SOPA database record, volunteer form on file with the local program, a current criminal records check, Protective behavior and General Orientation and concussion on-line trainings. Coaches Sport Certification: One coach from each sport must be certified. If the program cannot provide at least one certified coach, that delegation will be scratched. If you have not taken a continuing education clinic in the last three years your certification may have expired. Please check with your training coordinator or jtresp@specialolympicspa.org Competition: Coaches will not be permitted past the steps leading to the bowling competition area. If coaches, parents, or spectators enter this area, it could result in the disqualification of the athlete. The rules committee has the final decision in this matter. Bowling Handicap: Per Special Olympics Bowling rules we use a 100% handicap. To determine the handicap use the following formulas: o Singles 200 minus the 15-game average o Doubles 400 minus the 2 athletes combined 15-games average o Team 800 minus the 4 athletes combined 15-games average The handicap is added to the athlete s bowled score for each game. The total of the athletes three bowled game scores plus their three handicap scores (1 for each game) are added together to determine the athletes final score for placement and awards. Example: Athlete has a 15 game average of 120. Athlete s handicap is 80 ( =80) Athlete bowls three games with scores of 100, 120, and 125. The athlete s final score for placement and awards would be =585 6

7 Concussions: Concussion Training Certification: All SOPA coaches (volunteer with or without a coach certification who trains athletes) must complete a Concussion Training course. There are two options available online, both are free. Once completed, place your name & county in the certificate (ex. Michael Daley, Centre) in the certificate and forward the certificate to sportstraining@specialolympicspa.org. You may use concussion training for continuing education once every nine years. Just include a Sports Training Application listing the sports you would like to update with your certification. o National Federation of State High School Associations Concussion in Sports training course which is available at o The Center for Disease Control s Heads-Up Concussion in Youth Sports training course, which is available at Suspected or Confirmed Concussion: A participant who is suspected of sustaining a concussion in a practice, game or competition shall be removed from practice, play or competition at that time. If a qualified medical professional is available on-site to render an evaluation, that person shall have final authority as to the removal or return to play of the participant. Departure: Before departing, each head coach should return all athletes and coaches empty credential holders and evaluation forms to the information/registration table. Please dispose of the ID card inside the credential holder before returning it. Divisioning: Divisions are determined based upon bowling averages, gender and age. Athletes in the same division will compete on the same set of lanes. Any athlete that does not have a 15-game scratch average submitted will be placed in a division of his/her own and will receive a participant ribbon. Emergency Situations and Medical Assistance: In case of a seriously injured participant, please see the medical staff in red shirts (near First Aid signs) immediately and notify Teresa Amaturo or another SOPA staff member in a staff shirt. A First Report of Accident (Incident Report) Form should be completed by the medical staff and head coach and returned to Teresa Amaturo at the end of the day. You will be instructed of any emergency plans that the facility utilizes for fires, tornadoes, and other emergency situations at the head of delegation and coaches meetings. Medical assistance will be available at all three houses. Coaches should keep a copy of each athlete's medical with them or put it in each athlete's credential holder. We also suggest each coach have a copy of his new volunteer form listing medical concerns and insurance information. The HOD should keep a copy of all volunteer forms listing medical information of their coaches. In case of an EMERGENCY Follow the steps below 1. Survey the situation 2. Contact the proper authorities or emergency personnel (Ex. 911) 3. Assure the safety of those around 4. Notify program manager or SOPA contact based on the level of emergency 5. Institute Internal Rumor Controls 6. Complete an Incident Report Form 7

8 *If the situation has the potential to damage SOPA s reputation, you must contact the state office s Crisis Communications Coordinator at , who will serve as the single designated spokesperson for media inquiries. WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY? Level 1 Emergency: is a localized emergency, minor incident (Ex. Delayed Event, Injured Participant not requiring hospitalization.) Level 2 Emergency: is a moderate to serious emergency, incident, accident or situation (Ex. Missing Coach/Athlete Cancelled Event, Behavioral Crisis.) Level 3 Emergency: is a critical incident affecting beyond the immediate area, where extensive aid assistance is required (Ex. Fire, Bomb Threat, Fatal Accident, Contagious Health Threat, Criminal Activity.) NOTE: Some Level 2 and ALL Level 3 Emergencies Require Notifying The State Office! If in doubt, contact the Crisis Communications Coordinator. Equipment: Athletes and delegations should bring their own regulation personal equipment (bowling balls, shoes, ramps, etc.). Please clearly label all personal equipment with full name and delegation. Contact the State Office at , ext. 238 for lost items. Facilities: Bowling Houses: o ABC North: 5303 Locust Lane, Harrisburg, PA (32 lanes) o ABC East: 1001 Eisenhower Blvd, Harrisburg, PA (32 lanes) o ABC West: 6454 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA (46 lanes) Plenty of parking spaces are available in front of each facility. All venues are smoke-free during the sectional. All venues have snack bars open to the public. Family Information: A listing of local food establishments will be available at each venue and was sent separately to the delegation prior to competition. Special Olympics encourage spectators to come to our events and experience the inspiring achievements of our athletes. We're counting on our families to help us maintain a supportive and positive environment so that everyone involved - athletes, coaches, officials, spectators and volunteers enjoy the experience and want to keep coming back for more. Forfeits: Any individual/team who elects to forfeit a game must seek the approval of the sports rules committee. If approved, the individual/team will take a loss for that game. If denied, the bowler must bowl or be disqualified from the tournament. 8

9 Headquarters: There will be an information table and each bowling house will each have a headquarters. Check in with headquarters for any lost and found items prior to leaving the bowling house. There will be a volunteer there to answer any questions or to direct athletes and coaches. Please contact the State Office at , ext 238 after the event for the lost articles. Housing: Delegations are responsible for their own overnight accommodations. Suggested hotels are: Inclement Weather: There is no snow date. In case of inclement weather forecast, Teresa Amaturo will the heads of delegation by 5:00 p.m. Saturday to cancel or change the affected competition. If this event is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, it will not be rescheduled. The names of all athletes interested in attending the 2019 Indoor Winter Games names will be placed in a hat and the allocations will be drawn from those names. Managers will receive a list of drawn athletes by end of day Tuesday following the event. Lost Athletes: If an athlete should become lost, the following steps should be taken: Contact a SOPA staff member or committee member (Hunter Green shirt with white COMMITTEE on back) Contact your head coach/hod. Meals: Lunch will NOT be provided for all athletes, coaches and volunteers. Sheetz meal will be provided at the end of awards. It will consist of sub, chips and drink. Delegations are responsible for all other meals. Each athlete and coach must have a credential to receive meal. A list of local eating establishments will be available at family registration and was sent to delegations prior to competition and is included with this mailing All of the bowling houses will have snack bars available for purchasing food or snacks. Protests: Protests may be filed by the certified head coach only. Any other person attempting to file a protest will be immediately rejected. The head coach must file the protest within thirty (30) minutes after the completion of the protested competition or event. All forms must be obtained and submitted to the scorer/announcer or awards table at the venue or to the venue coordinator. The rules committee will then rule on the protest. The members of the sports and games rules committees will be announced at the head coaches meeting. The head coach filing the protest will be notified of the decision. Head coaches may then appeal to the games rules committee (submit to the scorer's table) and have the games committee paged. Protests may be filed based on a misinterpretation of a playing rule or on the failure of a judge or official to apply the correct rule or penalty. No protests will be accepted on matters involving a judgment call by officials. 9

10 Refund Procedures: If Special Olympics Pennsylvania cancels the event due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances and no competition occurs, then a full refund will be issued to each program and the event will not be rescheduled. If a county scratches all or part of their delegation after the letter of intent deadline, then no refund will be provided to the program. You will be responsible for any requested athletes granted whether they attend the event or not. Registration: ABC North: 11:30am ABC East: 12:00pm ABC West: 12:30pm Please make sure your families know they will not be permitted to enter PRIOR to your registration time. Only the head of delegation or otherwise appointed representative can register the team and pick up credentials. Please declare all scratches at this time. A welcome packet will be provided, and will contain the following: Athlete & Volunteer Credentials Any Updated Information or Schedules Missing Credential Form Lane Assignments Credentials: (Policy taken from Management Team Reference Library Bylaws and Policies section found of the SOPA Database Resource tab.) All Special Olympics Pennsylvania programs will register athletes with SOPA (on a local or state level) competition according to the procedures governing any particular event. If anyone is not pre-registered at any given event and it is brought to the attention of a volunteer or staff member, the following will take place: The coach will be directed to stop the activity until arrangements for home transportation are finalized. This transportation will be the responsibility of the program in violation. After a complete review and verification of the circumstances by the manager of the home program, the event liaison and the president of SOPA, and it is determined that the coach/volunteer did in fact cause the deception intentionally, she will be removed from our volunteer listing for no less than one year. Spectator Seating: During competition, spectators may view the competition from behind the bowling circle; no spectators may enter the bowling circle. This may cause disqualification of an athlete. Acceptable Table behind bowling area Not Acceptable Bowling Circle Steps leading to lanes Sportsmanship: Athletes, who do not participate honestly and with maximum effort in all events, or in a sportsmanlike manner, may be disqualified from future events. It is the head of delegation s responsibility to ensure that the scratch or league average be submitted to the committee and updated if necessary prior to the event. 10

11 Transportation: No transportation will be provided. Volunteers: One volunteer escort will be assigned to each lane rather than to an athlete. In addition, one volunteer scorekeeper will be assigned to each set of two lanes. Any family members or friends wishing to volunteer should register at the time noted in the schedule after all volunteer groups have registered. We ask that any family members or friends not keep score on the lane where their athlete is assigned to prevent any problems (please notify the Bowling House coordinator if this were to happen). 11

12 SPECTATOR GUIDELINES (These guidelines are for all SOPA events training, competitions, fund raising, social, etc.) As fans (family, friends, and supporters) of Special Olympics Athletes, you can play a positive role at SOPA events by following these suggested guidelines: 1. Please refrain from using abusive or offensive language towards anyone - especially toward officials, coaches, and opponents. Lead by positive example. Keep your emotions under control. Don t let your emotions interfere with our mission or oath. Remember, these individuals are volunteers and amateur athletes. It may help if you understand the rules of the event. If you need further information or clarification, ask your home program for a copy of the rules pre-event or during the season so you re a wellinformed fan/spectator. 2. Special Olympics venues are positive encouraging arenas. Please conduct yourself appropriately. Lead by positive example. De-emphasize winning and losing. Let the coaches coach the players - refrain from shouting instructions. Provide general cheers or positive comments after the fact/play. (Remember to abide by sportspecific rules (i.e., silence at the start of races, during a tee-off in golf.) 3. Spectators are provided designated area. (You are prohibited in the competition and/or training areas. Only coaches and athletes who are participating may be in these areas.) Lead by positive example. Failure to comply with the above guidelines may result in penalties being assessed toward your program/team/delegation or you being escorted from the venue. DON T LET THIS HAPPEN! ENJOY BEING A GREAT FAN! 12

13 2019 CENTRAL BOWLING SECTIONAL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Safety and Security & Overall Points of Interest Please be sure to read over the following safety and security points. As always, the safety of all Special Olympics participants is our utmost priority. As a coach, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of the athletes in your care. A. Be sure all athletes and coaches are wearing their credentials at all times. B. Be generally aware of your surroundings. Seek out a SOPA security volunteer or staff member if anything seems suspicious to you. C. Carry a copy of all athlete medicals and coach volunteer forms (updated ones listing medical concerns and insurance information) with you at all times. D. Carry emergency phone numbers (in the coaches handbook) with you at all times. E. Meet and get to know any day of volunteers who are assigned to your group. F. Be sure athletes know not to go off alone with unknown persons or to carry anything for anyone. G. Carry a cell phone if you have one and write down/carry cell phone numbers of other coaches in your delegation. If you are an HOD, make sure that the games committee has your number. H. Remember that there is a zero tolerance policy in effect for any pranks concerning safety issues by athletes, coaches, and volunteers. Anyone violating that policy will be asked to leave the event with potential for further action. I. Set up (if not already in place) a phone chain with parents and families back home so that they can be notified of an early arrival or a change/cancellation in the schedule, which may happen before, during, or at the end of the event. J. Carry a flashlight in your backpack. Don t let all your great training go to waste!!! Practice good hygiene habits all the time! Please remind everyone to; Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until they are healed Avoid contact with other people s wounds or bandages Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or clothing Routinely clean commonly used items like athletic equipment. Don t forget to clean if athletes share equipment (helmet, pads, etc.) Do not share cups, glasses, dishes, or cutlery Avoid touching your face eyes, nose, and mouth with your fingers Cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue. Meeting Points in Event of Emergency ABC North - Front Parking Lot ABC East - Front Parking Lot ABC West Front Parking Lot 13

14 If there is a fire at a venue and you need to leave the facility, be sure coaches have accounted for all their athletes and fellow coaches. When leaving the building, follow instructions of SOPA staff/facility personnel and use nearest exit door. Stay where instructed until notified by SOPA staff. Procedures For Total Evacuation From Area: If SOPA has to ask delegations to evacuate from the Games completely, the following procedures will be followed: SOPA will notify each HOD by phone or through a meeting (if time permits) of need to evacuate. We have a master list to ensure we contact everyone. If we are only leaving the vicinity and not the Games entirely, we will provide a meeting point and directions. If the games have been cancelled and we are sending delegations home, we will give you any time constraints and any evacuation routes to follow if appropriate. Heads of delegation will account for all coaches and athletes and their belongings. HOD will secure transportation for trip out of area. Once everyone is accounted for, HOD will call (484) and either talk to Teresa Amaturo, SOPA Liaison, or leave a message on voice mail with the following information: o Your name o Delegation o Time of departure o Final destination o If possible, phone number where delegation can be reached (cell phone of HOD, coach, or bus company if available) If an athlete is missing and the delegation is ready to depart, contact a staff person at the venue you may be leaving from. If time is crucial and you need to leave the area, one staff person and one coach/volunteer from your delegation will stay behind to look for the missing athlete and the rest of delegation will depart. Once the athlete is found, the coach and staff person will make plans to either meet up with the delegation if nearby or the staff person will arrange to take all parties back to home program. 14

15 2019 CENTRAL BOWLING SECTIONAL BOWLING RULES: All rules and any modifications thereof will be strictly adhered to the National Governing Body (NGB), United States Bowling Congress (USBC), and the Official Special Olympics Summer Sports Rules found on the Special Olympics Website (specialolympics.org). It is advised that these rules be followed for proper training of all athletes. Below is a brief synopsis of the general rules and modifications to be followed in preparation for this year s event. Please refer to the Special Olympics Rules Book and National Governing Body Rules for a more complete listing of rules to be adhered to during this competition. GOVERNING RULES The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Bowling shall govern all Special Olympics competitions. OFFICIAL EVENTS: The range of events is intended to offer competition opportunities for athletes of all abilities. Programs may determine the events offered and, if required, guidelines for the management of those events. Coaches are responsible for providing training and event selection appropriate to each athlete s skill and interest. The following is a list of official events available in Special Olympics. Individual Events o Singles (one bowler) o Ramp Unassisted Bowl (one bowler) Athlete aims ramp into position unassisted Athlete positions ball on the ramp with assistance and pushes ball down ramp toward target. An assistant must have his/her back to the pins at all times. A bowler may be allowed to bowl up to three frames consecutively. o Ramp Assisted Bowl (one bowler) An assistant may aim the ramp toward the pins, but must at all times have his/her back to the pins and aim based on direction (either verbally or by physical cues) from the athlete. A bowler may be allowed to bowl up to three frames consecutively. Doubles Events: o Male (two Male bowlers) o Female (two Female bowlers) o Mixed Doubles (one Male bowler and one Female bowler) o Unified Sports Male (one Male athlete and one Male partner) o Unified Sports Female (one Female athlete and one Female partner) o Unified Sports Mixed Doubles (one Male/Female athlete and one Male/Female partner) Team Bowling: o Male (four Male bowlers) o Female (four Female bowlers) o Mixed (two Male bowlers and two Female bowlers) o Unified Sports Male (two Male athletes and two Male partners) o Unified Sports Female (two Female athletes and two Female partners) o Unified Sports Mixed (two Male/Female athletes and two Male/Female partners) 15

16 EQUIPMENT: Bowling Balls: Must be approved and identifiable as a ball listed in the Approved Bowling Balls list. FIQ (WTBA) chapter 11 page 65 advises to check list on the web site for approved bowling balls. If the serial number can no longer be identified, it must be replaced by engraving another serial number, provided the ball s original product name and manufacturer s name are still visible for the ball to be used in competition. House balls may be used if on the approved bowling ball list. Special Equipment to Grip the Ball: A player may use special equipment to aid in grasping and delivering the ball if it is in place of a hand, or major portion thereof, lost by amputation or otherwise. A player may, if granted permission by Special Olympics and each league or tournament in which the player participates, use one or either hand and/ or use special equipment to aid in grasping and delivering the ball. The aid cannot incorporate a mechanical device with moving parts that would impart force or impetus to the ball unless permission is granted by Special Olympics and tournament officials. Bowling Shoes: Must be worn during bowling for the safety of the athletes. Bowling shoes are made with special soles so the bowler can slide right before the release of the ball. The bottom of the bowling shoes needs to stay clean and dry so the bowler does not stick on the approach. Bowling shoes provided by the bowling center may also be worn. Bowling Ball Ramps: Are used when an athlete does not have the physical ability to roll a ball with their hand or hands. Ramps are a two-piece metal unit, one stand and one sloped piece. The stand is a minimum height of 24 inches and maximum height of 28 inches. The stand width is 24 to 25 inches across. Sloped piece: from connecting point to stand to first bend is 16 inches and from first bend to bottom of sloped piece is 54 inches. Bowling ramps and other assistance devices may be used with the approval of the Competition Committee. Athletes using ramps may be placed in separate divisions from other bowlers only for singles competition. All other tournament rules shall apply to athletes in the ramp divisions. Athlete Uniform Attire: should consist of neat and clean outfits. The tops are to be short-sleeved and collared (Collars will not be enforced at this time, if you are purchasing new uniforms we ask that you purchase with collars). The rest of the attire may consist of long pants or dress or walking shorts. Women may also wear knee-length skirts. No athletic-type shorts are to be worn for competition. All competitors must wear bowling shoes. Socks are required. RULES OF COMPETITION: NGB: United States Bowling Congress (USBC) A. Official Event Update: a. Ramp Unassisted Bowl i. Athlete aims ramp into position unassisted ii. Athlete positions ball on the ramp with assistance and pushes ball down ramp toward target. iii. An assistant must have his/her back to the pins at all times. iv. A bowler may be allowed to bowl up to three frames consecutively. v. Delegations are responsible to provide the athlete with a ramp. b. Ramp Assisted Bowl i. An assistant may aim the ramp toward the pins, but must at all times have his/her back to the pins and aim based on direction (either verbally or by physical cures) from the athletes. ii. A bowler may be allowed to bowl up to three frames consecutively. 16

17 iii. Delegations are responsible to provide the athlete with a ramp. B. Handicap Tournament Handicapping is a means of placing bowlers and teams with varying degrees of skill levels on as equitable basis as possible for their competition against each other. In Special Olympics the handicap is normally based on 100% difference of the bowlers average and 200. a. Singles 200 minus the 15-game average b. Doubles 400 minus the 2 athletes combined 15-games average c. Team 800 minus the 4 athletes combined 15-games average C. Foul Definitions: a. A foul occurs when a part of the player s person encroaches on or goes beyond the foul line and touches any part of the lane, equipment or building during or after the delivery. b. When a player deliberately fouls to benefit by the calling of a foul, the player shall be credited with zero pin fall for that delivery and not allowed further deliveries in that frame. c. When a foul is recorded the delivery counts but the player is not credited with any pins knocked down by that delivery. Pins knocked down by the ball when the foul occurred must be respotted if the player who fouled is entitled to additional deliveries in the frame. d. A foul shall be declared and recorded if the automatic foul detecting decide or foul judge fails to call a foul that is apparent to: i. Both captains or one or more of the opposing players ii. The official score keepers iii. A tournament Official e. A foul judge shall be appointed by the tournament director when needed. f. Foul lights will be in use throughout all levels of this competition. D. Dead Ball a. A ball shall be declared dead if any of the following occur: 1. After a delivery (and before the next delivery on the same lane), attention is immediately called to the fact that one or more pins were missing from setup of the pins. 2. A player bowls on the wrong lane or out of turn. Or one player from each team on the pair of lanes bowls on the wrong lane. 3. Any pin is moved or knocked down as a player delivers the ball but before the ball reaches the pins. 4. A delivered ball comes in contact with a foreign obstacle. E. Bowling on the Wrong Lane a. A dead ball shall be called and the players or players required shall re-bowl on the correct lane when one player bowls on the wrong lane. b. A dead ball shall be called and the player or players required shall re-bowl on the correct lane when one player from each team on the pair of lanes bowls on the wrong lane. c. If more than one player on the same team bowls on the wrong lane in turn, that game will be completed without adjustment. Any succeeding game must be started on the correct scheduled lane. F. Illegal Pinfall a. When any of the following occurs the delivery counts but the resulting pin fall does not: 1. A ball leaves the lane before reaching the pins 2. A ball rebounds from the rear cushion 3. A pin rebounds after coming in contact with the body, arms or legs of a human pinsetter 4. A pin is touched by mechanical pin setting equipment 5. Any pin knocked down when dead wood is being removed 17

18 6. Any pin knocked down by a human pinsetter 7. The player commits a foul 8. A delivery is made with dead wood on the lane or in the gutter and the ball contacts such dead wood before leaving the lane surface G. Scoring and Terms a. All games bowled in a tournament shall be recorded, either manually or by means of an approved automatic scoring device. The score sheets shall indicate the pin fall on each ball so that if necessary a frame-by- frame audit can be made. i. Scoring except when a strike is scored, the number of pins knocked down by the player s first delivery is to be marked in the small square in the upper left-hand corner of that frame, and the number of pins knocked down by the player s second delivery is to be marked in the upper right-hand corner. If none of the standing pins are knocked down by the second delivery in the frame, the score sheet shall be marked with a (-). The count for the two deliveries in the frame shall be recorded immediately. ii. Strike a strike is made when a full up of ten pins is knocked down with the first delivery in a frame. It is marked by an (X) in the small square in the upper left-hand corner of the frame where the strike was made. The count for one strike is ten plus the number of pins knocked down on the player s next two deliveries. iii. Double two consecutive strikes is a double. The count for the first strike is 20 plus the number of pins knocked down with the first delivery following the second strike. iv. Triple or Turkey Three successive strikes is a triple/turkey. The count for the first strike is 30. To bowl the maximum score of 300, the player must bowl 12 strikes in succession. v. Spare a spare is scored when pins left standing after the first delivery are knocked down with the second delivery in that frame. It is marked by a (/) in the small square in the upper right-hand corner of that frame. The count for a spare is 10 plus the number of pins knocked down by the player s next delivery. vi. Open when a player fails to bowl down all 10 pins after two deliveries in a frame, unless the pins left standing after the first delivery constitute a split, it is called an open frame. vii. Split normally marked with an 0 around the number of pins is a setup of pins left, standing after the first delivery, provided the head pin is down and: a. at least one pin is down between two or more standing pins: i.e. 7-9 or 3-10 b. at least one pin is down immediately ahead of two or more standing pins: 5-6 viii. Errors in Scoring or errors in calculation must be corrected by a responsible tournament official immediately upon discovery of such error. Questionable errors shall be decided upon by the designated official. ix. The time limit for filing protests on scoring errors shall be one hour from the end of the event or block of games for each day of the tournament, but must be before the prize presentation or the commencement of the next round (or event) whichever is sooner. x. Each protest under this rule must be specific in itself and this rule shall not be construed to cover a previous or similar violation. H. Divisioning: Divisions will be determined based upon ability, age and gender. I. COACHING a. Coaching will be allowed as long as the coach remains in the designated coaches area. b. Only one coach allowed per team (in singles event 2 athletes per coach). c. Athletes may go to their coach but, athletes cannot leave the bowlers area and no delay of game may occur. J. ABSENT OR WITHDRAWL OF BOWLERS 18

19 a. Doubles Play (2 persons) for a doubles competition a legal line-up is considered to be two players. If a player is unable to attend on the day of competition, the doubles pairing becomes void. b. Team Play (4 persons) for a team competition a legal line-up is considered to be four players. If any player is unable to attend on the day of competition, the team becomes void. * Note national programs may allow a team of 3 to compete but must re-division the team on the sum of the three averages. c. Bowlers who complete at least three frames and cannot continue will receive one-tenth of their average per remaining frames toward their event score. d. Bowlers who do not start or bowlers who do not complete three frames receive a zero score toward their event score and are not eligible for an award. K. Finish: a. Each athlete will bowl one three-game series. b. The order of finish will be the total of three games plus the athlete s 3-game handicap. c. Doubles or team scores will be the total of all team members final 3 game scores plus the doubles or team s 3-game handicap. L. Unified Sports Competition: a. Unified Sports doubles or teams shall consist of an equal number of athletes and partners (1 &1, 2 & 2). b. The final score for the Unified Sports team shall be the sum of each competitor s total score (including team 3-game handicap). c. Bowlers on a Unified Sports team may be assigned to bowl in any order. M. Summer Games Selection: a. In order to qualify for Summer Games, the following criteria must be met: i. The Special Olympics athlete or team must place first in his/her division in the respective event. ii. The coach must designate the athlete or team for selection by marking the box next to the name on the entry form (Summer Games Selection). iii. For singles, the athlete s name must be chosen as one of the top thirty (30) to proceed to state competition. iv. The team s name must be chosen as one of the top three (3) in either Traditional or Unified Sports Team Play v. For Doubles, the team name must be chosen as one of the top three in either Traditional Doubles or Unified Sports Doubles. b. If there are an insufficient number of gold medalists to meet the above quota, then silver medalists will qualify for the selection, and so on. 19

20 WHY SPECIAL OLYMPICS OFFICIALS ENFORCE RULES Taken from the 1991 Special Olympics International Games Volunteer Handbook If you watch a coach working with Special Olympics athletes, you will notice a great deal of emphasis on learning the rules. Also, if you watch a Special Olympics competition, you will see officials strictly enforcing those rules. Because Special Olympics is a sports program for people with Intellectual Disabilities, people sometimes question the "fairness" of such strict rule enforcement. As veteran coaches will tell you, knowing and playing by the rules is one of the biggest benefits Special Olympics offers its athletes. Why? 1. Special Olympics athletes are capable of learning and competing within sports rules. Challenging them in this manner adds to the pride and sense of accomplishment they experience. 2. It is unfair to athletes who are properly trained and who are following the rules to compete against others who are not. 3. Many Special Olympics athletes eventually move on to other sports programs (in schools, recreation departments, etc.). They will be better prepared for that transition if learning and competing by rules is one of the skills they take with them. Special Olympics uses organized sports training and competition as a vehicle for children and adults with intellectual disability to grow as complete individuals. Enforcing sports rules plays an important role in that process. Join us in helping Special Olympics athletes discover how much they can do. 20

21 2019 CENTRAL BOWLING SECTIONAL COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES Coaches attending this and all events must accept and adhere to the following responsibilities: Athletes or coaches may not change events the day of competition from the listed events on the entry forms. They may scratch athletes from events, however. The head coach should have a copy of each athlete's participation application (medical) or place a copy of the application in athlete's credential holder. Technology is becoming more and more a part of our lives. Please be mindful of this and enforce the appropriate use of cameras, imaging and digital devices. For example, use of such devices in showers, restrooms, or other areas where participants expect privacy is prohibited. Do not leave your athlete unattended at any point. Keep the athletes safety and welfare in mind at all times. Be sure that prescribed medications are taken at appropriate times. Do not let volunteers hold the athlete's medication. Orient each volunteer on his or her assigned athlete. The volunteer should be acquainted with the athlete's event schedule, medical and physical needs, and behavioral habits. Accompany or have an assistant coach or athlete escort all athletes to activities. Remember athlete escorts are not to be used in place of an assistant coach. Do not consume any alcoholic beverages or any controlled substances such as cigarettes or chewing tobacco. Know when and where all activities are taking place and ensure your athletes are there on time. Be responsible for all athletes and their actions during the day (see Code of Conduct). Head coaches are responsible for having athletes present at the staging area when events are announced. Absolutely no coaches or spectators will be permitted beyond the staging area unless a specific request is made at the head coaches meeting. Any special needs athletes requiring additional assistance should be declared at this meeting. Ensure completion of accident report if needed, and return it to the SOPA liaison. Return all credential holders, without ID labels, at the registration table or in the designated box before departing. Complete and return evaluation forms to help improve the event for you and your athletes for next year. Help athletes to complete an evaluation also. Thank you for your help and cooperation 21

22 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Code of Conduct In an effort to become a more inclusive organization, Special Olympics Pennsylvania has created a Code of Conduct to help everyone of all ability levels understand how to appropriately conduct themselves and make SOPA a safe and fun organization for everyone involved. General Guidelines Respect & Sportsmanship: I will respect participants, coaches, officials, volunteers, spectators, training/competition facilities, SOPA Staff, and myself. I will respect the decision of officials and SOPA staff and will communicate any difference of opinion I may have in accordance to SOPA guidelines. I will respect all individuals regardless of their ability or limitations. I will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times regardless win or lose. Behavior: I will wear appropriate attire with pride to the delegation that is required at all times. I will keep my appearance and hygiene appropriate at all times. I will not use profanity or insulting language and/or gestures while representing Special Olympics PA. I will not smoke, use tobacco products, consume alcohol or take any drugs or drugs not prescribed to me while representing Special Olympics PA. I will not take pictures and/or videos of participants, coaches, officials, volunteers, spectators and SOPA Staff that may make them or someone else uncomfortable or are inappropriate. I will not engage in inappropriate contact, relationships, or any other physical/verbal/sexual advances or any conduct that may make someone else feel uncomfortable. I understand SOPA s No Dating Policy between athletes and volunteers/staff and I will contact SOPA s Senior VP of Programming if further explanation is required. I will represent Special Olympics PA with appropriate behavior in competitive and non competitive situations which include, but are not limited to: restrooms, locker rooms, housing and dining facilities. Responsibility for Actions: I know that personal belongings (cell phone, hand held audio/video devices, wallet, keys, etc.) I bring to training, competition, and traveling are my responsibility and my local program and/or SOPA are not responsible. I will express any concerns I may have to the appropriate person in a positive manner. I will obey all local, state and Federal laws. I will follow all rules implemented by SOPA and/ or the host of any other event I am representing Special Olympics PA. Athlete/Unified Partner Guidelines Responsibility for Actions: I will not use my cell phone and any other electronic devices while training and competing unless in an emergency. If I am caught using a personal device at an inappropriate time and/or in an inappropriate manner (i.e. making a phone call/texting during training and competition), I understand the device I used may be taken away by my coach(es) or local management team member for a period of time. I will follow all training, competition and travel instructions by my coach(es). I will stay with my delegation at all times. I will use locker rooms and housing facilities appropriate to my gender. 22

23 Honest Effort: I will learn and follow the rules of my sport. I will give my best effort while training and competing. I will not hold back during preliminary rounds by playing below my ability level to get placed into an easier division. Well-Being: I will have my Application for Participation current prior to the start of the season. I will communicate all changes that may occur on my Application for Participation during any season. Coach/Local Program Volunteer Guidelines Responsibility For Actions: I will not use my cell phone and any other electronic devices while training and competing unless in an emergency. I will ensure my team is aware that they may lose the use of their personal electronic devices for a period of time if used inappropriately (i.e. making a phone call/texting during training and competition). I will make sure my team follows instructions while training, competing, and traveling. I will chaperone the athletes and unified partners assigned to me. I will make sure my team uses locker rooms and housing facilities appropriate to their gender. I will make sure my sports knowledge and coaches training is up to date to ensure a positive experience and safety of the athletes. Honest Effort: I will follow the rules of my sport and will educate my team if needed. I will ensure that accurate scores are provided for entry into any event. I will encourage my team to give their best effort during training and competition. I will not encourage my team to hold back during preliminary rounds by playing below their ability level to get placed into an easier division. Well-Being: I will make sure that I always have the most up to date copies of Application for Participation forms for my team during each training and competition. In cases of severe injury and/or illness (i.e. concussion) I will ensure approval of a certified medical professional before allowing a sick/injured member to resume physical activities. I will read and take note of limitations that anyone on my team may have that are included on their Application for Participation. * In the event the violation is serious and/or compromises the environment, the individual(s) will be asked to leave the premises. Arrangements for transportation will be made at the expense of the individual(s). Note: All Misconduct Report Forms are kept on file to document recurring violations. SOPA reserves the right to impose stronger sanctions on repeat offenders. All decisions are final and no protests will be accepted. 23

24 Misconduct/Behavior Report Directions: This form is to be used to document (kept on file) or report misconduct or behavior incidences involving anyone (athlete, volunteer, staff, spectator, etc.) with Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Once fully completed, please forward to the appropriate individual(s) (Program Manager, Event Director, SOPA Staff, etc.) who will follow up as appropriate. Please be sure that your Program Manager receives a copy for his/her files and any future incidences involving the same individual(s). NOTE: Please consult your program manager or SOPA staff before imposing suspension(s). THIS REPORT SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND FORWARDED FOR FOLLOW UP WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE INCIDENT. WHO was involved? Name: Name: Address: Address: City, State: City, State: Day Phone #: ( ) Day Phone #: ( ) Evening Phone #: ( ) Evening Phone #: ( ) SOPA Program: SOPA Program: Name: Name: Address: Address: City, State: City, State: Day Phone #: ( ) Day Phone #: ( ) Evening Phone #: ( ) Evening Phone #: ( ) SOPA Program: SOPA Program: WITNESS PERSON completing this report Name: Name: Address: Address: City, State: City, State: Day Phone #: ( ) Day Phone #: ( ) Evening Phone #: ( ) Evening Phone #: ( ) SOPA Position: SOPA Position: SOPA Program: SOPA Program: WHERE (venue court, hotel room, training site locker room, fundraising event, etc.) did the incident occur? Name of SO Event: Exact Location: City: WHEN did the incident occur? (Please provide as much detail as possible.) Date Day Time -OVER-SIDE TWO- 24

25 WHAT occurred? (Please provide as much detail as possible.) WHAT action or follow up occurred on site or to date? here if not involved with the follow up: If more room is needed, please attach additional sheets. For SOPA or Local Program Use Only RESULT/ACTION taken? Date by which authority (Manager, SOPA, official, etc.) will notify parties involved: Timeframe for the result/action? (I.e., Suspended for a year, overnight travel restricted for a month, etc.) Beginning Date End Date WHO conducted the result/action? Name: Address: City, State: Day Phone #: ( ) Evening Phone #: ( ) SOPA Program: SOPA Position/Relationship to Athlete: ADDITIONAL information pertinent to this situation/athlete(s): Cc: Manager, SOPA (Event Staff Liaison, Field Director, etc.) Parent/Guardian of Athlete\ Other: Revised October 21,

26 Special Olympics First Report of Accident / Incident U.S. Program/Area: Date of Incident: Injured Person/Party Information: Date of Birth: / / Age: Name: (Last) (First) (MI) Address: (Street) (City) (State) (Zip) Home Phone: ( ) - Work Phone: ( ) - Gender: Male Female Social Security Number: - - Description of Accident (If automobile accident occurred, please attach a copy of the police report). Describe how the accident occurred (Attach a separate sheet if necessary): Alpine Skiing Site / event where accident occurred: Aquatics Athletics Badminton Accident Occurred During: Disposition: Baseball Training/Practice Released to parent Basketball Competition Refusal of care Bocce Traveling to or from SO event Refer to doctor Bowling Other: Refer to hospital or clinic Medical attention Cheerleading Type of Injury: EMS transport Cross Country Ski Severe cut w/ bleeding Patient requested EMS transport Cycling Less serious bruise or cut Released to personal vehicle Equestrian Break/fracture Police Figure Skating Concussion Ambulance Floor Hockey Paralysis Report only Golf Other: Other: Gymnastics Kickball Sport Power Lifting Relay Game Roller Skating Sailing Snowboarding Snowshoe Soccer Softball Speed Skating Swimming Table Tennis Team Handball Tennis Track & Field Volleyball Other: Type of Injury/ Accident: Bodily Injury Property Damage Automobile Other: Injured Party: Athlete Volunteer Coach Employee Spectator Unified Partner Property Owner Body Part Injured: Head Neck Torso Back Hand (L / R) Finger (L / R) Elbow (L / R) Shoulder (L / R) Leg (L / R) Knee (L / R) Thigh (L / R) Shin (L / R) Toe (L / R) Other: Contact / Care Provider Information If an athlete or underage volunteer was injured, please identify the care provider and/or responsible party (e.g. parent, legal guardian). Relationship to the injured person: Employer Name: Name: Employer Address: Address: Home Phone: ( ) - Work Phone: ( ) - Does the injured person have medical insurance? Yes No If yes, insurance is provided by: Injured Person Care Provider/Responsible Party Please provide name of Company and Policy Number: Witness Information (Please provide names and phone numbers of any witnesses to the incident) Witness #1 Name: Daytime Phone: ( ) - Witness #2 Name: Daytime Phone: ( ) - Special Olympics Official / Representative (other than claimant) Name: Daytime Phone: ( ) - Signature: Send completed form to: American Specialty Insurance Services, Inc., 7609 W. Jefferson Blvd. Suite 100, Fort Wayne, IN ; Fax: AND Special Olympics Pennsylvania, 2570 Blvd. of the Generals, Suite 124, Norristown, PA or Fax: (610) If injury was serious or a fatality: IMMEDIATELY notify American Specialty Insurance Services, Inc., Telephone: (800) (24 hours a day / 7 days a week) AMER: SpecOlym Inc. Rep. Form