Coaches Guide
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Table of Contents SOMI-Specific Information...3 Uniform Guidelines & Equipment...4 General Rules...5 Event-Specific Rules and Modifications...6 Disqualifications...6 Registering for a State Event...7 Divisioning Process...8 Training Requirements...9 Coaches Certification...10 Concussion Certification...10 Coaches Code of Conduct...11-12 BBIC & Universal Precautions...12 Athlete Medical Procedures...13 FAQ...14 Resources...15-16 Notes...17 2
SOMI-Specific Information Sport season March-June Culminating State Event State Summer Games Events Offered Women s Events (Levels I, II, III and IV) 1. Vaulting 2. Uneven Bars 3. Balance Beam 4. Floor Exercise 5. All Around (total of all four event scores) Men s Events (Levels I, II, III, and IV) 1. Floor Exercise 2. Pommel Horse 3. Vault 4. Parallel Bars 5. Horizontal Bar 6. All Around (total of all six event scores) Mixed Gender Events (Levels A & B only) 1. Vaulting 2. Single Bar 3. Wide Beam 4. Floor Exercise 5. All Around (total of all four event scores) National Governing Body Federation Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) Juraweg 12 3250 Lyss Switzerland 290-2471 3
Uniform Guidelines & Equipment 1. For male gymnasts, the preferred uniform is a tank top (leotard) and long manufactured gymnastics pants or shorts. A T-shirt that is tucked in may replace the tank top. 2. For female gymnasts, the preferred uniform is a long-sleeved manufactured gymnastics leotard with bare legs. Flesh-colored tights with bare feet are permitted, but not recommended. Sleeveless leotards may be worn if temperature or body type warrants it. 3. Gymnasts may compete in bare feet or gymnastics slippers. 4. Bandages may be worn as long as they are securely fastened. 5. Hip padding is not permitted. 6. The only jewelry allowed is stud earrings. 7. Gymnastic leotards can be purchased from www.gkelite.com 8. Starting numbers may be required for technical and organizational purposes. 9. Denim may not be worn during competition or practice 4
General Rules 1. All athletes can register for 1 to 4 events. 2. Athletes who register for Artistic Gymnastics may not enter Rhythmic events. 3. An athlete who enters a Level A event (developmental) may not enter other gymnastics events in levels I thru IV. 4. Athletes may enter all 4 events and compete for an all-around award, (which will be a special medal) or be a specialist, competing in one, two, or more events within the same level. You must register your athletes in GMS for the all-around event to be eligible for the special medal. 5. A score and levels must be entered at registration. 6. Gymnasts will now rotate by assigned group or area to specific principal (event). 7. There are six levels of competition: I. Level A Compulsory routines for gymnasts who have ambulatory problems, etc., but are too advanced for the MATP (Mixed Gender) II. III. IV. Level I - Beginner Compulsory Level II - Intermediate Compulsory Level III - Advanced Compulsory V. Level IV Advanced Optional VI. Level B- Compulsory routines for gymnasts who are unable to perform level I routines 8. Level IV gymnasts perform an optional routine. 9. The text for all the routines is usually written for right dominant athletes. Left dominant athletes can reverse the whole routine to accommodate their dominant side. Once the routine is started on the dominant side, all aspects of the routine are executed on that same side. It is not recommended that the athlete change from the dominant side to the non-dominant side during any routine. Doing so will add extra steps/movements to the routine which will result in the athlete being deducted for extra steps/movements. 10. Athletes with Down Syndrome must have an x-ray indicating that he/she does not have atlantoaxial instability prior to participation in any gymnastics event. 11. Age group divisions will be as follows: 8-11, 12-15, 16-21, 22-29, and 30+. Schedules are sometimes presented as junior (8-15) and senior (16+). I. Age groups may be combined if there are not a sufficient number of athletes to have a competitive division. 5
Event-Specific Rules and Modifications 1. Athletes with hearing or visual impairments are allowed cues and signals from the coach. Coaches must notify the meet director and judges of the athlete s impairment before the event begins. 2. Modifications for athletes using canes or walkers: In the floor exercise, coaches may walk onto the floor and remove (and replace) walkers and other aids as needed without any deduction. A competitor may be disqualified if he/she: 1. Is wearing improper attire. Disqualifications 2. Undisciplined or unsportsmanlike behavior. 3. Improper equipment and use of aids. 4. Has assistance from a coach during a competition. Routines To view videos of the artistic routines please visit: http://resources.specialolympics.org/topics/sports/artistic_compulsories.aspx 6
Registering for a State Event 1. Each coach must submit a Seasonal Intent form 8 weeks prior to the State Culminating event. The form will be emailed out 12 weeks before the event date. 2. All athletes can register for 1 to 4 events. Athletes who register for Artistic Gymnastics may not enter Rhythmic events. An athlete who enters a Level A event (developmental) may not enter other gymnastics events in levels I thru IV. 3. Each athlete, coach, chaperone and guest must be registered in GMS by the registration deadline. 4. Once turned in, the Area Director will receive notification of any athletes with missing requirements, including missing/expired physicals or missing scores. If the information is not received, the area will be notified that the athlete has been dropped. 5. For an area to be in compliance for State Games: I. All athletes must have a current physical on file at the State Office II. III. IV. All Unified Partners must have a Unified Partner form on file at the State Office All coaches and chaperones must have current Protective Behaviors, General Orientation, and a Volunteer form on file at the State Office All coaches must have a current sport certification and concussion training on file at the State Office. SCORING PPPPT = Points/Tenths Example: PPPPT A gymnast score of 5.6 will look like: 5.6 A score and levels must be entered at registration, or by the Missing Scores due date. 7
Divisioning Process 1. Participants are placed in divisions (within age groups) based on scoring from previously completed compulsory routines. Competitors will be ranked by judges based on their execution and routine composition. Competition will begin with lower division scores and end with the highest. Heats will be combined if there are less than three in a heat (this could include age groups). 2. The procedures for divisioning have been developed to assist competition managers in applying the principles of fair and equitable competition to athletes of all ability levels. An athlete's ability is the primary factor in divisioning. Factors in establishing competitive divisions are age, gender, and times. 3. Ideally, a sufficient number of athletes or teams will participate at every competition so that equitable divisions can be structured. Experience has shown that in some competitions, however, there will not be a sufficient number of athletes to structure ideal divisions. 4. All coaches are reminded to review the sections in the Official Special Olympics Winter Sports Rules for clarifications of divisioning and age groupings. All questions concerning divisioning can be directed to Heather Burke at burke1hn@cmich.edu. 8
Training Requirements 1. In order for an individual or team to participate in competition, the athlete or team must be involved in an eight-week training program and receive training and competition opportunities. 2. A minimum 10 hours of training must occur before a culminating event. Training usually consists of 1-4 hours each week for eight weeks. 3. Although it is the desire to include every athlete that is training in all the games we offer, due to the many athletes we have competing in the state, it is not always possible. That is why we offer area, regional and a variety of state events to give all the athletes quality competition opportunities. 4. Coaches who are training athletes in a particular sport should follow the established SOMI sports seasons. The sports season is 8-12 weeks prior to the state competition for that sport. SOMI establishes sports seasons to provide maximum training time for the athletes and to coincide with competition opportunities. 9
Coaches Certification 1. The head coach or assistant coach for each team must be certified (in that sport) in order for the team to attend the state-culminating event and obtain an award. 2. To become certified in a sport the coach must: I. Complete the on-line General Orientation and Protective Behavior quizzes at somi.org II. III. IV. Completion of a sport-specific training school or mentoring program. Complete and turn in a Volunteer A form and Application for Sports Training. Complete and turn in Heads Up certification. 3. ** Coaches cannot train athletes unless all certification requirements and athlete medical forms are up to date. 4. A coach s certification will expire after three (3) years. For a coach to become recertified they may: 5. View an online recertification video 6. Attend a training school or webinar Concussion Certification 1. Sports-related concussions can be serious or even life-threatening situations if not managed correctly. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have teamed up to provide information and resources to help educate coaches, officials, parents and students on the importance of proper concussion recognition and management. To take the concussion training course visit one of the following websites: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/headsup/youth.html http://www.nfhslearn.com/electivedetail.aspx?courseid=38000 2. When you complete the training a box will pop up asking you to enter your name, Please put your FIRST & LAST NAME. If you do not do that right away, you will have to take the whole training over again! 3. When you have completed your certification in Concussion Training, please print your certificate and either fax it to the SOMI state office or scan/email to Kellie Murphy at murph4kj@cmich.edu 10
Coaches Code of Conduct 1. Places athletes' health and safety first Coaches/chaperones shall place the health and safety of Special Olympics athletes above all else. When traveling to state competitions, coaches/chaperones are expected to provide for their athletes' physical and emotional needs 24 hours a day. Responsibility for the athletes does not stop after their competitions or after they have gone to bed in the evening. Coaches/chaperones must act at all times as the parent or guardian providing praise /commendation as well as discipline. 2. Knowledgeable in sports rules Coaches shall be knowledgeable of all existing Special Olympics (both SOMI and SOI) and National Governing Body competition rules and regulations and prepare their athletes prior to competition in accordance with those rules. 3. Willing to follow the rules and model good sportsmanship Coaches/chaperones shall abide by the letter and spirit of the rules and be responsible for conducting themselves with appropriate behavior and in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. Coaches who do not conduct themselves in this manner or who are offensive by action or language toward athletes, other coaches, volunteers, opponents, officials, and/or spectators may be prohibited from coaching. 4. Encourages athletes to put forth their best efforts Coaches/chaperones shall be honest and instruct athletes to compete with maximum effort in all preliminary trials and finals, or he/she may be prohibited from coaching by the Games and/or Sports Rules Committee at the specific competition. Coaches should review the Athlete Code of Conduct with athletes before or at the first practice. 5. Follows no recreational swimming rule It is the responsibility of the coach/chaperone to follow and adhere to the guideline of "no swimming" during all SOMI Culminating Events. The health and safety of athletes is allimportant. If a coach/chaperone takes athletes swimming at hotels without authorization, this will be considered a violation of the Code of Conduct, and the persons responsible will receive a letter of warning and may be separated from the program. 6. Follows the no alcohol/tobacco/or controlled substances policy The use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and/or controlled substances is not permitted at any training or competition venue per Section 4.09a of the SOI General Rules. 11
7. Carries all athletes' forms It is the responsibility of the coach/chaperone to carry a copy of each athlete's Application for Participation form at practices and competition. 8. Obey all laws I will obey all federal, state and local laws and facility, venue, and Special Olympics rules. 9. Responsibility While attending tournaments, I am fully aware that I am responsible 24/7 for my athletes. BBCIC & Universal Precautions The following guidelines have been established regarding blood-borne contagious infection carriers participating in the Special Olympics Michigan program: 1. When an athlete is a blood-borne contagious infection carrier, specific reference will be indicated on the Health Appraisal Form, which is required for each participating athlete. 2. All identified carriers will be assigned a personal chaperone unless behavior warrants a less restrictive ratio of up to 4:1 athlete-to-coach ratio. Regardless of ratio, the athlete's chaperone will: I. Monitor and restrict the athlete's interpersonal activities to those conducive to good hygiene. II. III. IV. Encourage good hygiene while the athlete is participating in team and individual sports. Supervise sleeping quarters and eat meals with the carrier athlete to encourage proper eating habits. Report immediately to the medical staff any incident observed by the chaperone where the carrier athlete breaks the skin of another person by scratching, biting, etc. 12
Athlete Medical Procedures 1. In order for an athlete to compete in any Special Olympics Michigan event they must send a complete physical form to the State Office. This form must be signed by a physician. The physical must be completed every three (3) years. All athlete physicals should be in the possession of the head coach at all practices, tournaments, team functions, etc. 2. In the event that an athlete suffers from a sports related concussion, bring to medical staff immediately. If the athlete is diagnosed, an incident report form must be filled out and returned to the SOMI state office. In order for the athlete to return to play, they must receive written consent from a health care provider, which also must be turned into the SOMI state office. 3. It is your responsibility as a coach to have an emergency action plan in place for all practices, travel, or local tournaments you attend. 13
FAQ Q: When is the Artistic Gymnastics sports season? A: March June Q: What is the preferred uniform for athletes participating in Artistic Gymnastics? A: For male gymnasts, the preferred uniform is a tank top (leotard) and long manufactured gymnastics pants or shorts. For female gymnasts, the preferred uniform is a long-sleeved manufactured gymnastics leotard with bare legs. Q: How many events can the athletes register for? A: All athletes can register for 1 to 4 events. Athletes who register for Artistic Gymnastics may not enter Rhythmic events. Q: How many levels of competition are there in Artistic Gymnastics? A: There are six levels of competition: Level A Compulsory routines for gymnasts who have ambulatory problems, etc., but are too advanced for the MATP (Mixed Gender), Level I - Beginner Compulsory, Level II - Intermediate Compulsory, Level III - Advanced Compulsory, Level IV Advanced Optional, Level B- Compulsory routines for gymnasts who are unable to perform level I routines. Q: What are some disqualifications that are penalized most frequently? A: A competitor may be disqualified if he/she is wearing improper attire, undisciplined or unsportsmanlike behavior, using improper equipment and use of aids or has assistance from a coach during a competition. 14
Resources Heather Burke Sports & Training Director burke1hn@cmich.edu Divisions, Rules, Competition, Roster Information Sheets Nick Caudle Sports & Training Manager, Regional Programs caudl1n@cmich.edu SW Specific Training Schools, Coaches Education, SW Regional Tournaments Kellie Murphy Coordinator of Sports and Volunteers, State Office murph4kj@cmich.edu Training Schools, Coaches Education, Volunteers Rick Brady Sports & Training Coordinator, Regional Programs caudl1n@cmich.edu SE Specific Training Schools, Coaches Education, SE Regional Tournaments Janice Sager Senior Specialist Clerk janice.sager@cmich.edu Athlete Medical Forms, Registration Materials, GMS 15
Resources For the following SOI Resources please visit: http://www.somi.org/sports/sports.html Artistic Gymnastics Coaching Guide Rules, Protocol and Etiquette Planning a Training Session Quick Start Guide And many more For the following SOMI Resources please visit: http://somi.org/sports/coaches.html Volunteer/ Guest Registration Form General Orientation Participation Guide, General Orientation Quiz, Protective Behaviors Training Head s Up: Concussion Training Application for Sports Training Certification Registration for Coaches Training Recertification Quizzes And many more 16
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Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. www.somi.org