Special Olympics Missouri Competition Rules

Transcription

1 1. Universal Sports Rules 2. Aquatics 3. Athletics 4. Basketball 5. Bocce 6. Bowling 7. Golf 8. Gymnastics 9. Power Lifting 10. Soccer 11. Softball 12. Tennis 13. Volleyball Special Olympics Missouri Competition Rules 14. Winter Sports Alpine Skiing Nordic (Cross Country) Skiing Figure Skating Speed Skating Floor Hockey 14. Addresses for National Governing Bodies 3

2 Universal Sports Rules A. Competition Uniforms 1. General this does not include sport specific competition uniform rules. Athletes may wear Shorts -Running Shorts -Basketball Shorts -Biker Shorts -Sweatpants -Jogging Pants Shirts -T-shirts -Tank Tops -Sweatshirts Footwear -Athletic Shoes -Tennis Shoes -Basketball Shoes -Running Shoes -Cross-Trainers Athletes may NOT wear Shorts -Denim Slacks or Shorts -Casual Wear -Dress Slacks or Shorts -Tennis Shorts -Any Pants or Shorts with Buttons and/or Zippers Shirts -Button-down Casual Shirts -Golf Shirts -Shirts with Collars Footwear -Hard-soled Shoes -Sandals -Hiking Boot Style 2. Athletes may NOT wear medals or ribbons during competition. 3. Athletes may NOT wear any jewelry while competing except Medic Alert necklaces or bracelets. The Medic Alert necklace or bracelet MUST be taped down during competition. B. Competition Rules Team 1. Any team that forfeits a game due to lack of equipment and/or uniforms shall be disqualified for the remainder of the tournament. The team may receive Participation Ribbons, but only if they continue to compete during the remainder of the tournament. 2. If a team forfeits due to lack of players, they may still compete later in that tournament if other athletes from their roster arrive in time 4

3 before their next scheduled competition. The team will still be qualified for whatever placements they have earned. 3. If a team is late for a game and thus forfeits, that team shall still be eligible to continue play in the rest of that tournament. 4. Special Olympics Missouri will add a 40+ Age Division in all team sports. A team may have no more than 20% of their roster under the age of 40 to be in this division, and any player under the age of 40 may not be a dominant player. 5. All teams MUST attend an area competition as well as a district competition in order to be eligible for state competition. 6. Any tam that withdraws from state competition after the second business day after the last district event shall be put on probation for one calendar year for that sport. If it occurs a second time, the team will be ineligible for state competition the following year. 7. After district competition, teams will be allowed to add one player to their roster if the team has less than 2 substitutes on their roster. The player added to the roster CANNOT have the highest q-score on the team and MUST have competed in a district event. It is recommended that the added player come from a team that did not qualify to advance to state however the added player may come a team that is advancing to state provided that team has more than 2 substitutes. The added player may NOT change the Age Group or the Gender of the team. 8. Teams may be composed of players from different agencies or even different areas however they must practice together. 9. Teams shall not be allowed to request a specific district for any sport. They may request a specific playing date, but only for emergency purposes as determined by the Chief Sports Officer. 10. There shall be a minimum of 2 Unified Partners for ALL teams with the exception of Doubles (Bocce, Bowling, and Tennis) and 3-on-3 Basketball. Unified Partners may never exceed the ratio of Athletes to Unified Partners. 11. All coaches are STRONGLY URGED to play all of their athletes equally regardless of their ability for both divisioning and competition. 12. ALL coaches are requested to leave their cell phone numbers at registration during District and State Competitions so that they may contacted in the event of an emergency or schedule change. 5

4 13. Up to 2 Individual Skills Athletes per agency may advance to State competition without participating at district or area competition if they have a valid excuse as determined by the Area Director. 14. Face Painting will NOT be allowed at any Competition Event. Arm, hand, etc. Painting is acceptable but not recommended. 15. Alternates for female teams MUST be female or the team will be divisioned as a Male team. C. Competition Rules Individuals 1. At an event that has more than one sport being competed in, an athlete may participate in only one official sport and one demonstration sport with the exception of golf and softball, which athletes are allowed to compete in both sports. 2. The sports may be competed in on the same day, but it is the coach s responsibility to insure that there is not a conflict between the sports schedules. 3. Individuals and teams shall be divided based on Sex, Age, and Ability according to the General Rules, however SOMO may combine age groups that are within one age group of each other, or they may cross genders as long as ability levels are within the parameters permitted by SOI standards to allow for more meaningful competition for our athletes. Therefore the minimum number of participants/teams per division will be 2 unless determined to be unfair as deemed by the Games Rules Committee. D. Universal sports rules 1. An athlete is not covered by Special Olympics insurance while driving to an event unless the athlete is a certified coach. It is advised that athletes not be allowed to drive to events and that any athlete that does drive to an event shall be made aware of this rule. 2. Coaches certification requirements can be found in the Coaches Handbook. 3. All Unified Sports coaches must attend a Unified Sports training in order to be a certified head coach for a Unified Sports team. 6

5 4. An athlete must have a 3-year internship with another Head Coach and the Area Director must approve the internship. At the end of the 3-years, both the Head Coach and the Area Director must recommend the athlete. The athlete must abide by the same rules and go through the same training as any other Head Coach. Athletes may not coach and be an athlete in the same sport in the same year nor may they change their status once the season has begun. 5. All Head Coaches must be fully certified within one year of their first event for all levels of competition (includes Local, Area, District and State). In their first year all Head Coaches must have their Class A, General Session/ Principles of Coaching, and CPR/First Aid to be able to coach at Local and Area events. They will have one calendar year to complete their Sport Specific training. All Head Coaches must be fully certified for District and State competitions. 6. It is mandatory for ALL sports events to follow the same rules used at the state competition in the same event. This includes but is NOT limited to local, area, and district competition. 7. The distance that a team or individual must travel to be allowed overnight accommodation at a Special Olympics Sports event is sixty (60) miles based on the website MapQuest distance and at the discretion of the Area Director and/or District Director. 8. Sportsmanship Procedures for Venue Coordinators shall be; a. Any athlete/coach/spectator that trash talks and/or uses any unsportsmanlike behavior shall be warned once. Any official or venue coordinator may give a warning. The warning shall include the entire team. A second offense will result in being dismissed from the game. A dismissal shall only be for one game. Any athlete/coach dismissed from a game shall automatically be remanded to a Code of Conduct review for further disciplinary action regardless of the event. b. ANY abuse or personal attack on any volunteer, to include officials, scorekeepers, timers, line judges or anyone else associated with the event shall be cause for automatic dismissal from the rest of the event and a Code of Conduct review for further disciplinary action regardless of the event. c. Un-sportsmanlike Behavior includes, but is not limited to: 7

6 1. Profane language and/or gestures 2. Slamming, throwing or kicking any equipment in any manner deemed unsafe 3. Throwing or kicking or hitting any other object around the playing area, such as chairs, water coolers, etc. 4. Fouling or running into an opponent with undue force 5. Showing undue dismay or criticism of an officials calc 6. Showing disrespect in anyway to opponents, teammates or anyone else involved in the event 9. Weather Cancellation Guidelines a. For Snow and/or Ice 1. If school is cancelled at the location of the event, the event should be cancelled. 2. If the prediction is for 75% chance of snow and/or ice on the last day of the event the reminder of the event should be cancelled. 3. If school has been cancelled at the point of departure to a state event then agencies should stay home. SGA s will be used for future events if this warranted in the opinion of the Chief Sports Officer. b. For Heat 1. If the Heat Index is 105 F or higher then the event should use a heat schedule or be cancelled c. For Cold and/or Rain 1. Anytime the temperature is 45 F or lower and there is precipitation of any kind the event should be cancelled. 2. If the Wind Chill is below 35 F or lower the event should be cancelled. 3. If Thunder is heard or lightening has been seen then all participants shall be sent for cover, preferably indoors. This shall be enforced for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or lightening seen or until a lightening detector shows it to be safe to resume competition. 4. All participants in a pool, indoor or outdoor shall be removed from the pool following the same guidelines as stated in number 3 above. 8

7 7. AQUATICS (SWIMMING & DIVING) The Official Special Olympics Summer Sports Rules shall govern all Special Olympics aquatics competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon Federation International de Natacion Amateur (FINA) and national governing body (NGB) rules for Aquatics. (NGB USS). FINA or national governing body rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply. A. Events offered by Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO will offer all aquatics events offered by SOI except diving) Meter Float/Walk Unified Sports Relay Race a. Competition Uniforms 1. All swimwear MUST be of one-piece. 2. All swimwear must be approved swimming attire. The final authority will be the Aquatics Sports Director or the Chief Sports Officer. C. SOMO Aquatics Rules 1. The 25M Freestyle and 25M Backstroke are Low Motor Events. Athletes competing in these events may ONLY compete in the following events; 15M Unassisted Swim or the 4x25M Freestyle Relay. 2. Athletes that swim Low Motor Events, which are 10M Assisted Swim, 15M Floatation Race, 15M Walk, 25M Floatation Race, 15M Unassisted Swim, 25M Unified Floatation Relay Race, or 25M Unified Walk Relay Race, 25M Freestyle, and the 25M Backstroke may ONLY swim in 2 events and the 4x25M Freestyle Relay. 3. During the 10M Assisted swim, the assistant shall be positioned either behind the swimmer or to the side of the swimmer NOT in front of the swimmer. 4. ALL non-swimmers which are by definition anyone unable to swim a 25M Freestyle or 25M Backstroke MUST be able to touch bottom at all times during competition. 9

8 5. PFD s (Personal Floatation Device) used for Floatation Races MUST be Coast Guard approved. Belts and/or arm floatation devices are NOT allowed. 6. The minimum pool depth for any dive starts either from blocks or the pool deck shall be 6 feet. For any pool that does not meet this requirement, dive starts shall NOT be allowed. 7. Athletes may participate in 3 individual events and 1 relay as long as they are not swimming in a Low Motor event. 10

9 ATHLETICS The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all Special Olympics Athletics competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon Internationale Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) and National Governing Body (NGB) rules for athletics, which will be the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA). IAAF or MSHSAA rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply. A. Events offered by Special Olympics Missouri meter Dash meter Dash meter Dash meter Run meter Run 6. 4 x 100-meter Relay 7. 4 x 400-meter Relay 8. 4 x 100-meter Unified Sports Relay 9. 4 x 400-meter Unified Sports Relay meter Walk meter Walk 12. High Jump 13. Running Long Jump 14. Shot Put 11

10 a. Men 4kg/8.13 lbs b. Women 2.72 kg/6 lbs c. Men (8-11 yrs kg/6 lbs) d. Women (8-11 yrs kg/4 lbs) e. Men & Women ( lbs) OPTIONAL meter Walk & Dash meter Walk & Dash 17. Softball Throw 18. Ball Throw 19. Standing Long Jump 20. One-Foot Long Jump meter Assisted Walk meter Wheelchair Race meter Assisted Walk meter Walk meter Motorized Wheelchair Obstacle Course meter Wheelchair Race meter Wheelchair meter Motorized Wheelchair Slalom meter Assisted Walk meter Motorized Wheelchair Slalom meter Wheelchair 12

11 meter Wheelchair meter Run B. Event Parameters 1. Special Olympics Missouri Athletics Event Parameters; Event Minimum Maximum 25 Meter Race 50 Meter Race 100 Meter Race 1:00.0 min 200 Meter Race 1:00.0 min 400 Meter Race 1:55.00 min 800 Meter Race 4:50.00 min 1500 Meter Race 12:00.00 min 4 X 100 Meter Relay 2:00.00 min 4 X 400 Meter Relay 7:00.00 min 100 Meter Walk sec 1:00.00 min 400 Meter Walk 2:00.0 min 4:00.00 min 800 Meter Walk 3:50.0 min 8:00.00 min 25 Meter W/C Race 9.00 sec 1:00.0 min 100 Meter W/C Race sec 2:12.0 min High Jump Shot Put (.272 kg) Shot Put (4 kg) Running Long Jump 1.00 meter 1.00 meter 1.00 meter 1.00 meter 13

12 Standing Long Jump 0.1 meter 2.60 meter One-foot Long Jump 0.1 meter 2.60 meter Softball Throw 4.00 meter meter Tee Ball Throw 0.1 meter meter For Track (running) events the following will apply. An athlete that runs the 100 Meter Race in over 1 minute, will be moved to another event (possibly the 50 Meter Race) where he/she can be more competitive. For Field (throwing or jumping) events the following will apply. An athlete that participates in the high jump but jumps less than 1.00 m, will be moved to another event (possibly the standing long jump) where he/she can be more competitive. For the Running Long Jump the Jumping board (or mark) will be set at 50 cm from the end of the runway. An athlete must be able to jump 0.1 meter to participate in the Standing Long Jump An athlete that participates in the softball throw and is throwing further than 35 meters, will be moved to another event (possibly the shot put) where he/she can be more competitive. The only way to eliminate heats that are potential "blowouts," is to set parameters. In this way if an athlete has reached his/her potential in an event, that athlete can then participate in a more challenging event. If an athlete has tried to participate in an event but because of his/her ability cannot compete in an even heat, that athlete should be moved to an event that meets the athlete's ability. Athletes that perform beyond these parameters at any event shall be disqualified and will receive a participation ribbon. 1. Events that may not be entered in together: Meter Dash/Walk and 50 Meter Dash/Walk Meter Dash/Walk and 100 Meter Dash/Walk 3. Standing Long Jump and Running Long Jump 4. Softball Throw and Shot Put 5. T- Ball Throw and Softball Throw 14

13 C. Requirements for Bib Numbers 1. All Bib Numbers MUST be worn on the FRONT of the shirt. D. Special Olympics Missouri Rules 1. In the Tennis Ball Throw, ALL levels of Special Olympics Missouri will use a Tee Ball. 2. One-foot Long Jump a. Competitors shall start with both feet behind a designated take-off line, and on the ground. b. When starting, competitor's toes shall be behind the take-off line. c. A competitor shall use one foot on the take-off. He/she may rock backward and forward lifting his/her heels and toes alternately, and he/she may lift either foot clear off the ground. d. Each competitor shall be allowed three non-consecutive jumps. The athlete's best jump will be used for scoring. b. Distance will be measured from the closest impression on the landing area made by any part of the body including arms or hands, to the take-off line. 3. There shall be a minimum of 2 people per heat as long as each heat is within the 20% range at ALL events area-level and above. This does all for athletes to be moved into another Age-Group and/or Gender heat to maintain at least a 2-person heat. 4. Athletes registered in a running event may not compete in a walking event of equal or less distance (i.e. an athlete in the 100 M Run may not walk in any event less than 400M). Any athlete registered in a relay may not compete in any running event shorter than the distance they would run in the relay (i.e. an athlete in the 4 x 100 M Relay may not compete in any running event less than 100M long). 5. Athletes may participate in as many wheelchair races as they want as long as they are in no more than 3 events, but they must be in races that are consecutive distances. Example an athlete may enter a 25M, 50M, and 100M Wheelchair Race, but NOT a 25M and a 100M Wheelchair Race. 15

14 6. The jumping board for the Running Long Jump shall be marked at 50 cm from the end of the pit. Athletes MUST still jump 1M minimum to be eligible for the Running Long Jump. 7. There shall no longer be any parameters for the 25M or 50M Walk Races. The minimum for the 100M Run shall be 30 sec. There will be no minimum parameters for the following races; 100M, 200M, 400M, 800M, and 1500M Races as well as the 4x100M and 4x400M Relay Races. 8. The following are Low Motor Events; 50M Run (Plus all walks or distances less than this distance), Standing Long Jump; Softball Throw. E. Competition Uniforms See Universal sports rules 16

15 BASKETBALL The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all Special Olympics basketball competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon Federation Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) Rules and the Rules of the National Governing Body (NGB), which is MSHSAA. FIBA Rules shall be employed in international competitions and the MSHSAA Rules shall be employed in local competitions except when either is in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply. A. Events offered by Special Olympics Missouri 1) Individual Skills Basketball 2) Team Skills Basketball 3) 3-on-3 Basketball 4) 3-on-3 Unified Basketball 5) Modified Basketball 6) Regulation Basketball 7) Unified Sports Basketball 8) Unified-Modified Basketball 9) Wheelchair Basketball Skills B. Modified Basketball Any team with less than 24 points on the Skills Assessment Form 1. Rules: a. Playing time will be 4 quarters of 6 minutes each with intermissions of 1 minute after the first and third quarters, and 5 minutes between halves. The game clock will be stopped for each dead ball. 17

16 b. Officials will grant a player or coaches oral or SIGNED request for a time out. c. A player shall not remain for more than 5 seconds in the lane. d. A player may take 2 steps beyond what is allowable (incidental traveling). However, if the player scores, or escapes the defense as result of these extra steps, an advantage has been gained. A violation shall be called immediately. e. In all cases, if a player has a physical impairment, which, in the officials judgment, causes him to commit an illegal act, the violation shall not be penalized unless an unfair advantage is gained by the action. f. A team leading by 30 points or more and presses on defense will be assessed a technical foul. g. The Mercy Rule, which states that there shall be a running clock for all games where one team is ahead by 30 points or more in the fourth quarter. The only time a clock shall stop in this situation will be for timeouts, injuries, player disqualification and flagrant fouls. C. Regulation Basketball 1. Any team with skills assessment test score of 25 or higher. 2. A team leading by 30 points or more and presses on defense will be assessed a technical foul. 3. All games will be played by the regular Missouri State High School Activities Association rules. 4. The Mercy Rule, which states that there shall be a running clock for all games where one team is ahead by 30 points or more in the fourth quarter. The only time a clock shall stop in this situation will be for timeouts, injuries, player disqualification and flagrant fouls. D. Unified Sports Basketball 1. All games will be played by the regular Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) rules with the following exceptions: 18

17 a. The roster must contain at least a proportionate (6 players and 4 partners) number of Athletes and Partners. However, if there is only one Partner, it is still a Unified Sports team. b. During competition, the line-up shall contain at least three Athletes and at most two Partners. There shall never be more than two Partners on the floor at any one time, however there may be as many as 5 Athletes playing at one time. c. Each team shall have an adult non-playing certified coach responsible for the line-up and the conduct of the team during competition. d. Partners may never score more than 60% of the total team points (athletes may score up to 100% of the total team points) e. Unified Sports Teams shall be of equal abilities and of similar ages as defined by the Special Olympics Unified Sports Rules. f. A team leading by 30 points or more that presses on defense will be assessed a technical foul. g. The Mercy Rule, which states that there shall be a running clock for all games where one team is ahead by 30 points or more in the fourth quarter. The only time a clock shall stop in this situation will be for timeouts, injuries, player disqualification and flagrant fouls. E. Unified-Modified Basketball 1. The object is to help athletes to learn the game. Coaches should make every effort to play the athletes as much as possible. If it is deemed that a team is using this division to do anything else, the team may forfeit and there may be further sanctions. 2. All games will be played using Modified Rules. 3. Rosters MAY consist of equal numbers of athletes and partners, however partners MAY NEVER outnumber athletes. 4. Partners MAY score up to 80% of the total points in a game. Athletes may score up to 100% of the total team points in a game. 5. Teams DO NOT have to be of equal abilities or similar ages. 6. The cutoff for Modified will be

18 F. 3-on-3 Basketball & 3-on-3 Unified Sports Basketball 1. 3-on-3 Team rosters may have up to 6 players. 2. The throw in for 3-on-3 Basketball will be from the half-court circle on the side of the court the game is being played. This will occur in all dead-ball situations. G. Team Skills Basketball 1. If a team requires a lower height goal they must write this on their team registration form. If there are no other teams in their category they must get permission to lower the goal from the other team, if the equipment is available to allow for lower goals. H. Wheelchair Skills Basketball 1. Shooting Each athlete will attempt two shots into the basket goal from each distance indicated for a total of ten goal attempts. The amount of points received will increase with distance from the basket. The distance from the base of the basketball stand will be predetermined and marked as 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25. The equipment includes a 4 basket and a smaller basketball of 28 ½ inches in circumference and 18 to 20 ounces in weight. The points will be tallied as follows: 5 1 point 10 2 points 15 3 points 20 4 points 25 5 points Total possible points = Passing Each athlete will attempt two ball passes to a staff member from each distance indicated for a total of ten pass attempts. The athlete will pass the ball to a staff member standing in a 2 X3 area. The staff member must catch the ball within the marked area for the athlete to receive points. The distance from the area will be predetermined and marked as 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 from the 2 X3 area. The points will be tallied as follows: 2 1 point 5 2 points 10 3 points 15 4 points 20

19 20 5 points Total possible points = Catching Each athlete will attempt two ball catches from a staff member from each distance indicated for a total of ten catching attempts. The athlete will catch the ball after it is thrown by a staff member standing within a 2 X3 area. The staff member must stay in the marked area, and the athlete must use at least one hand to catch the ball to receive points. The distance from the area will be predetermined and marked as 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 from the 2 X3 area. A staff member may bounce pass the ball. The points will be tallied as follows: 2 1 point 5 2 points 10 3 points 15 4 points 20 5 points Total possible points = 30 I. Competition Uniforms 1. Uniform jerseys will conform to the MSHSAA rules. This means that they must be numbered appropriately front and back. Please see the MSHSAA rulebook for the proper number size and uniform. 2. T-shirts worn under the jersey must all be solid white or the same solid color as the jersey. NOTE: T-shirts may be worn by one or all players on the same team however if more than one person wears one they MUST be all the same color as stated above. 3. Nothing may be worn on the head except a sweatband, scrunchie or rubber band. 21

20 BOCCE Special Olympics Missouri will only use the rules set forth by the SOI. The SOI rules will also be applied with issues regarding the divisions of teams. A. Events offered by Special Olympics Missouri 1. Bocce Singles 2. Bocce Doubles 3. Bocce Team 4. Unified Sports Bocce Doubles 5. Unified Sports Bocce Team 6. Modified Bocce B. Special Olympics Missouri Rules(SOMO shall use the SOI Rules for Bocce with the following exceptions) 1. Teams a. SOMO shall NOT allow 8 player teams. 2. Tossing the Pallina a. In Unified Sports Bocce each player on a team or doubles shall toss the pallina at least once during the game. In Regulation Bocce one athlete may toss the pallina every time, or they may all take turns. 3. Disputes a. The tournament referee will resolve all disputes. b. The tournament referee will determine length of games c. A coach or any player may request a measurement. 4. Additional Rules a. The team possessing the pallina will have two attempts to toss the pallina. d. If the pallina does not cross the center court line or hits the back wall during both attempts, then the opposing team will have the opportunity to toss the pallina one time. e. If they do not get the pallina cross the center court line or it hits the back wall, then the referee will place the pallina in the center of court. 22

21 f. However, at no time does a team lose its earned pallina advantage of being able to deliver the first ball. g. Each member of a Unified team shall toss the pallina at least once during a match; This rule shall not apply during Regulation team play. h. Athletes may participate in 2 events ONLY. These MUST be a Regulation event (Singles, Doubles, or Teams) and a Unified event (Doubles or Teams). i. Unified Partners may ONLY participate in 1 event (Unified Doubles or Unified Teams). j. Duration of Games: Singles and Doubles games will be played for 30 minutes or until one player/side reaches 12 points. Team games will be played for 40 minutes or until one team reaches 16 points. OR. Alternative scoring procedure for tournaments: Games may be played to reach the target number of points or to a timed duration, which ever is quicker to complete. Approved adding Scoring procedure for tournaments: At the discretion of the Competition Manager, games may be played to reach the target number of points or to a timed duration 5. Divisioning/Skills Test a. SOMO will use the SOI recommendation for skill tests and divisioning for Bocce (See SOI Bocce Rules Section E Divisioning). b. During the divisioning process, if the pallina is moved from its spot on the 30ft, 40ft, or 50ft, it is to be replaced on the spot before the next ball is rolled and before any measurements are taken. C. Modified Bocce 1. Teams with lower ability levels may be placed in this division. 2. In this division, coaches may coach athletes from a coach s box placed 10 feet from the court at the Center Court Line. D. Competition Uniform 1. Athletes may wear the following: Shorts -Running Shorts -Basketball Shorts -Biker Shorts -Sweatpants -Jogging Pants -Dress Slacks or Shorts -Tennis Shorts 23

22 Shirts -T-shirts -Golf Shirts -Sweatshirts -Shirts with Collars -Button-down Casual Shirts Footwear -Athletic Shoes -Tennis Shoes -Basketball Shoes -Running Shoes -Cross-Trainers 24

23 BOWLING The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all Special Olympics Bowling competitions. As an international Sports Program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon the American Bowling Congress (ABC) and the Women's International Bowling Congress (WIBC) Rules for bowling competition. ABC or WIBC Rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply. A. Events Offered by Special Olympics Missouri 3. Bowling Singles 4. Bowling Doubles 5. Bowling Team 6. Unified Sports Bowling Doubles 7. Unified Sports Bowling Team 8. Ramp Assisted Bowling 9. Ramp Unassisted Bowling 10. Ramp Doubles Bowling 11. Ramp Team Bowling 12. Ramp/Regulation Doubles 13. Ramp/Regulation Team 14. Ramp/Unified Doubles 15. Ramp/Unified Team 25

24 B. Special Olympics Missouri Rules 1. Bowlers may bowl in two game or three game competitions. All Unified Bowlers MUST bowl 3 games except Junior Division Unified Sports Doubles MUST only bowl 2 games. 2. Bowlers MUST bowl an average of at least 50 to bowl in any three game competitions. 3. Bowlers, including Unified Partners, may ONLY bowl in one event. 4. Ramp bowlers may bowl on Unified Sports Doubles or Teams as long as they have a 50 minimum average and can bowl three games in 2 hours and 15 minutes AND they must be registered as Ramp/Regulation or Ramp/Unified Doubles or Teams (failure to comply will result in forfeit). 5. Ramp Bowlers will NOT switch lanes, unless they are bowling on a Regulation or Unified Sports doubles or team. 6. Unified Sports Doubles will be scratched when the Special Olympics athlete is not present to bowl. 7. Any team that has at least one member of the opposite sex on the team shall be a mixed/coed team. 8. Late bowlers will be given 0 for each frame they miss, however they may bowl in any subsequent game without penalty. 9. A bowler that misses a complete game will receive a There will not be Blind Scores. 11. Any athlete that has a valid physical and has bowled at an area or local event may bowl as an alternate on Doubles or Team as long as they do not change the Gender or Age Group of the Doubles or Team. C. Competition Uniforms 1. Slacks or appropriate skirts are recommended not required. 2. Blue jeans may be worn but they must be clean and without holes. 26

25 3. T-shirts may be worn but must be clean without holes and cannot have vulgar language or pictures on them. 27

26 GOLF The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all Special Olympics Golf competitions. As an international Sports Program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon The Rules of Golf as approved by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A) and the United States Golf Association (USGA). These rules shall govern all competition except when in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply. A. Events offered by Special Olympics Missouri 1. Level I Golf Individual Skills 2. Level II 9-hole Alternate Shot 3. Level III 9 Hole Individual Stroke Play 4. Level IV 18 Hole Individual Stroke Play 5. Level V Unified Sports Pairs 6. Level VI 18-hole Alternate Shot B. Special Olympics Missouri Rules 1. All golfers must have an average of 65 or less to compete in Levels 3, 4 or SOMO will allow athletes to play 18-hole alternate shot golf with a maximum q-score of SOMO will eliminate the Pitch Shot as an Individaul Skill and only have 5 Individual Skills. C. Competition Uniform 1. Golfers must wear a clean collared shirt without holes. 2. Golfers may wear clean shorts or blue jeans without holes. Slacks or dress shorts are recommended. 3. Golfers may ONLY wear soft spikes. 28

27 GYMNASTICS NGB Federation International de Gymnastiques (FIG) A. Events Offered by Special Olympics Missouri 1. Artistic Gymnastics 29

28 POWERLIFTING The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all Special Olympics Powerlifting competitions. As an international Sports Program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) and National Governing Body (NGB) Rules. IPF or National Governing Body rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply. A. Events Offered by Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO will not allow Squats) 1. Bench Press 2. Dead Lift 3. Combination Lift B. Competition Uniforms 1. All powerlifters shall wear a one-piece, full length lifting suit of one-ply stretch material without patches or padding. A non-supportive weightlifting/wrestling type suit is also legal a legal suit. The straps of the suit must be worn over the shoulders at all times while lifting in competition. The lifting suit shall also be subject to the following requirements. (See Rule 2 Costume and Personnel Equipment) 2. All powerlifters will wear belts while lifting. 30

29 FOOTBALL (SOCCER) The Official Special Olympics Rules shall govern all Special Olympics Football (Soccer) competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) rules for Football (Soccer). FIFA rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply A. Events Offered by Special Olympics Missouri 1. Individual Skills Soccer 2. 5-a-Side Soccer a-Side Soccer 4. Unified Sports 5-a-Side Soccer 5. Unified Sports 11-a-Side Soccer 6. Unified-Modified 5-a-Side Soccer 7. Unified-Modified 11-a-Side Soccer B. Special Olympics Missouri Rules 1. For both 11-a-Side and Unified Sports 11-a-Side Soccer there will be free substitution. 2. Special Olympics Missouri will require that all Participants on a team that wear eyeglasses shall only wear sports safety glasses held on by a tight headband. C. Unified-Modified Soccer 1. The object is to help athletes to learn the game. Coaches should make every effort to play the athletes as much as possible. If it is deemed that a team is using this division to do anything else, the team may forfeit and there may be further sanctions. 2. Rosters MAY consist of equal numbers of athletes and partners, however partners MAY NEVER outnumber athletes. 31

30 3. Teams DO NOT have to be of equal abilities or similar ages. D. Competition Uniforms 1. All soccer teams shall wear the MSHSAA approved uniforms. 2. ALL individual skills competitors shall wear any short that conforms to the Competition Uniforms Rules or sweat pants, a T-shirt, tank-top, or sweatshirt, and any footwear that conform to the Competition Uniforms Rules. 3. ALL soccer players participating on teams MUST wear shin guards. 32

31 SOFTBALL The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all Special Olympics Softball competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these Rules based upon Federation Internationale de Softball (FIS) and the National Governing Body (NGB) Rules for slow pitch Softball. FIS or NGB Rules shall be employed except when either is in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply. A. Events Offered by Special Olympics Missouri 1. Base Race 2. Bat for Distance 3. Individual Skills Softball 4. Team Skills Softball 5. Tee Ball Softball 6. Coach Pitch Softball 7. Slow Pitch Softball 8. Unified Sports Slow Pitch Softball 9. Unified-Modified Slow Pitch Softball B. Special Olympics Missouri Rules The following pertain to all softball events: 1. An inning shall consist of ten batters or three outs whichever comes first. 2. The tenth batter shall run the bases, if he/she hits the ball in fair territory, until he/she is declared out. If a fielder while in possession of the ball touches ANY base in front of the tenth batter regardless if there is a force out or not, after the ball has been hit into fair territory, the runner shall be declared out and the inning is over. If the base touched is any base other than first base, all runners that cross home plate shall count if in the opinion of the umpire they would have scored before the out occurred. If 33

32 the fielders fail to touch any base in front of the tenth batter, then he/she may only be declared out if tagged with the ball. 3. A team may start a game with 8 or 9 players and may add up to 10 players but only at the end of a complete inning. If a team starts the game with 11 players (use an extra player, EP ) they must finish with 11 players. If you start with 10 players, however, you may end with 8 players. 4. If a team only has 8 or 9 players they may only bat 8 or 9 players in an inning. 5. There will be NO Unified Sports Tee Ball or Team Skills offered. Coach Pitch will be the first division that Unified Sports will be offered in and ONLY in the Junior Division. 6. SOMO will use the Softball Skills Assessment Form (modified by SMAC) to assess and division teams prior to Districts. 7. SOMO will use colored softballs (either orange/yellow) at ALL levels for competition and encourages coaches to use them at practices, as well. C. The following pertain to Tee Ball Rules: 1. The batting line-up may consist of all the players on the roster or only 10 batters at the discretion of the coach. 2. Each team may substitute freely when they are on defense (in the field). 3. The ball may not be fielded by anyone unless it travels a minimum of 45 ft. Any attempt by the pitcher to get out of his circle and field the ball shall make the ball live. The batter may run to first and all runners may advance at their own risk. The batter may be put out at first base or tagged out before reaching first base. 4. SOMO will use a Restricted Injury Factor (RIF) 12 inch ball for T-Ball. D. The following pertain to Coach Pitch Rules: 1. Each team will begin the game with Special Olympics athletes in designated defensive positions (you may still play with an EP). 2. The Special Olympics athlete who is the designated pitcher will be positioned on the field in a pitchers area (located behind the regulation pitching rubber). The designated pitcher cannot leave 34

33 the pitcher s area until after the ball has been hit. He/she may then field or make an attempt to field any live ball. 3. Each batter will be afforded the same opportunity to hit a pitched ball. Each batter will have up to five (5) pitches to get a hit or strike out. No batter will be allowed to walk. 4. The coach of the offensive (batting) team will pitch to his/her own team. If the coach is unable to pitch then the Games Rules Committee will choose a neutral pitcher. The neutral pitcher may pitch to one or both teams. 5. The (coach or neutral person) pitcher cannot field or make an attempt to field any live ball. Any attempt to field a live ball will be ruled interference and the batter will be given another attempt to hit the ball. If a ball hits the coach-pitcher, the ball will be declared a dead ball, runners may advance on e base, and the batter will be allowed to go to first base. 6. The (coach) pitcher will not be allowed to move closer than eighteen (18) feet to pitch to the batter. Whenever possible the pitcher should be at regulation pitching rubber in order to teach the skills of the game. 7. The coach of the defensive team will be allowed to stand ten (10) feet behind second base to coach his/her team while they are in the field. Defensive coaches may also stand outside the foul lines (first base and third base). 8. The batting line-up may consist of all the players on the roster or only 10 batters at the discretion of the coach. 9. Each team may substitute freely when they are on defense (in the field). 10. The base distance for Coach-Pitch Softball shall be 60 feet. 11. SOMO will use a Restricted Injury Factor (RIF) 12 inch ball for Coach- Pitch. E. The following pertain to Unified Sports Slow Pitch Softball: 35

34 1. The roster must consist of at least 50% athletes always. 2. The batting order shall be at the discretion of the coach. In other words, the batting order does not have to be alternating athletes and partners. 3. There shall be no position requirements during competition. Players may be positioned at the coach s discretion. 4. Unified Partners MAY be intentionally walked. F. The following pertain to Unified-Modified Slow Pitch Softball 1. The object is to help athletes to learn the game. Coaches should make every effort to play the athletes as much as possible. If it is deemed that a team is using this division to do anything else, the team may forfeit and there may be further sanctions. 2. All games will be played using Co-ed Rules. a. The batting line-ups will consist of alternating an athlete and a partner through out the batting order. b. The pitcher and/or the catcher MUST be an athlete, and the other position MUST be a partner. c. The infield MUST consist of alternating athletes and partners d. The outfield MUST consist of alternating athletes and partners 3. Rosters MAY consist of equal numbers of athletes and partners, however partners MAY NEVER outnumber athletes. 4. Teams DO NOT have to be of equal abilities or similar ages. 5. A Unified Partner may NOT be intentionally walked to pitch to an Athlete. G. This pertains to Team Skills Softball. 1. A plastic/rubber garbage can 30cm in diameter by 60cm tall shall be used for the Softball Team Skills target. A 5 CM variance will be allowed. H. Competition Uniforms 1. All softball teams shall wear the ASA approved uniforms. 36

35 2. ALL individual skills competitors shall wear any short that conforms to the Competition Uniforms Rules or sweat pants, a T-shirt, tank-top, or sweatshirt, and any footwear that conform to the Competition Uniforms Rules. 37

36 TENNIS The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Tennis shall govern all Special Olympics competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon International Tennis Federation (ITF) Rules for tennis found at ITF or National Governing Body (NGB) rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Tennis or Article I. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Tennis shall apply. A. Events Offered by Special Olympics Missouri 1. Individual Skills Competition 2. Singles 3. Doubles 5. Mixed Doubles 6. Unified Sports Doubles 7. Unified Sports Mixed Doubles 8. Short Court Tennis B. Competition Uniforms 1. All Tennis Players shall wear the MSHSAA approved uniforms. 2. ALL individual skills competitors shall wear any short that conforms to the Competition Uniforms Rules or sweat pants, a T-shirt, tank-top, or sweatshirt, and any footwear that conform to the Competition Uniforms Rules. C. Short Court Tennis 1. Purpose Short Court tennis is designed to prepare athletes for matchplay competition and provide a transition to full court play while slowly introducing the logistics of the game. 2. Short Court tennis is a transition game for athletes who have been successful with Individual Skills Competition and are ready to begin competitive matchplay, but are not quite ready for a full court game. Short Court tennis is an excellent game to work on footwork, racquet preparation, court movement and the rules of tennis. By downsizing the tennis court boundaries, athletes can be more successful as they work on developing their game in a more compact, non-threatening environment. Adding only one variable at a time allows the athlete to make adjustments more easily. 38

37 3. Unified Sports Doubles Short Court tennis is the first transition step from Individual Skills Competition. Small court coverage reduces the movement component, while the Unified tennis partner provides a stroke model for the athlete. The partner also provides encouragement and praise for the athletes on an individual basis. 4. Unified Doubles Short Court tennis may be followed by traditional Short Court doubles (all players are Special Olympics athletes) and by Short Court singles play. This progression provides the athlete a sequential learning opportunity in the components of tennis matchplay necessary to proceed to full court play. 5. Short Court tennis follows the Rules of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) with the following exceptions: a. Server must stand behind the service line to serve. It will be considered a foot fault if the server steps over the service line prior to contacting the tennis ball. b. Only the service box area is in-bounds. c. PTR Speedballs are used, which are larger than regulation-size tennis balls and provide a slower paced game, permitting players to work on strokes and court coverage. As the athlete progresses in skill and court movement, low-compression tennis balls may used to provide faster ball speed. 39

38 VOLLEYBALL The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all Special Olympics volleyball competitions. As an international sports program Special Olympics has created these rules based upon Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) and the rules of each individual country's National Governing Body (NGB). FIVB or NGB Rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply. A. Events offered by Special Olympics Missouri 1. Individual Skills Volleyball 2. Team Skills Volleyball 3. Modified Team Volleyball 4. Team Volleyball 5. Unified Sports Volleyball 6. Unified-Modified Volleyball B. Special Olympics Missouri Rules The following rules pertain to ALL Volleyball: 1. Special Olympics Missouri will disregard all rules pertaining to the Libero Player in the Official Special Olympics Summer Sports Rules Revised Edition. 2. A served ball that continues over the net shall NOT be in play. The following rules pertain to Modified Team Volleyball: 1. Special Olympics Missouri will continue the use of side-out scoring Modified Volleyball competition. This means that in order to score a team must serve the ball. The following rules pertain to Unified Sports Volleyball: 40

39 1. The service order and position of the players on the court shall be at the discretion of the coach. 2. There will be no limit to the number of serves made by any participant. The following rules pertain to Unified-Modified Volleyball 1. The object is to help athletes to learn the game. Coaches should make every effort to play the athletes as much as possible. If it is deemed that a team is using this division to do anything else, the team may forfeit and there may be further sanctions. 2. All games will be played using alternative rules. a. The serving order and positions on the court, at service shall be an alteration of athletes and partners. b. Each player is allowed 2 attempts to serve the ball. Once they make a good serve, they are only allowed one attempt for each point thereafter during that service. Unified Partners are allowed two attempts as well. c. Once a server has served 3 consecutive points, the serving team shall rotate to the next server. d. There shall be free substitution in Unified-Modified Volleyball. e. Unified Partners shall treated the same as athletes in the Unified- Modified Division of Volleyball. 3. Rosters MAY consist of equal numbers of athletes and partners, however partners MAY NEVER outnumber athletes. 4. Teams DO NOT have to be of equal abilities or similar ages. 5. SOMO shall use Lite-Flite Volleyballs in both the Modified and Unified- Modified Divisions of Volleyball. C. Competition Uniforms 1. All volleyball teams shall wear the MSHSAA approved uniforms. 2. ALL individual skills competitors shall wear any short that conforms to the Competition Uniforms Rules or sweat pants, a T-shirt, tank-top, or sweatshirt, and any footwear that conform to the Competition Uniforms Rules 41

40 WINTER SPORTS FIGURE SKATING The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all Special Olympics Figure Skating competitions. As an International sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon International Skating Union (ISU) and National Governing Body (NGB) rules for Figure Skating. ISU or National Governing Body rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply. SPEED SKATING The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all Special Olympics Speed Skating competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has developed these rules based upon International Skating Union (ISU) and National Governing Body (NGB) rules for Speed Skating. ISU or National Governing Body rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply. ALPINE SKIING The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all Special Olympics Alpine Skiing competitions. As an international sports program Special Olympics has developed these rules based upon Federation Internationale de Ski (Fl S) rules for Alpine Skiing. FIS rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply. FLOOR HOCKEY Special Olympics International, Inc. is the International Governing Body for Floor Hockey; and the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall be followed for all Special Olympics Floor Hockey competitions. 42