SOMI-Specific Information

Coaches Guide

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Table of Contents Mission Statement...2 Events Offered...3 Uniform Guidelines...4 Equipment...5 General Rules...6 Event Specific Rules...7 Disqualifications...8 Registering for State Event...9 Divisioning Process...10 Training Requirements...11 Eight Week Training Program...12-18 Coaches Certifications...19 Concussion Certifications...20 Coaches Code of Conduct...21-22 BBIC & Universal Precautions...23-24 Athlete Medical Procedure...25 Resources...26-27 Notes...28 2

SOMI-Specific Information Sport season December-February Culminating State Event State Winter Games Events Offered 50 Meter 100 Meter 250 Meter 500 Meter 1K 2.5K 5K 4x1K Relay 4x1K Unified Relay (local) National Governing Body Federation Internationale de Ski (FIS) Ch-3653 Oberhofen/Thunersee Switzerland 413344-6161 3

Uniform Guidelines & Equipment 1. Athletes should wear appropriate winter sports attire. Warm ski gloves or mittens, a hat, scarf, headband or ski mask, and sun-glasses or goggles are recommended. 2. It is best to wear clothing that is layered to trap heat between layers. Layered clothing is especially important for 500 meter, 1K, and 2.5K skiers. 3. Bibs: All competitors must wear competition bibs for both time trials and finals races. 4. Competition equipment, such as skis, boots, bindings, and poles, must pass all appropriate safety guidelines. 5. Jewelry and denim may not be worn during competition or practice. Headwear for religious or medical reasons are acceptable but must be brought to the attention of the Games Director prior to competition. 4

Course Layout/Facilities 1. Markers, poles, and fencing shall be available to identify the course. 2. Poles and fencing shall be used to block off trails, which might lead the competitors off the race course. Banners shall mark the start and finish. 3. Electric timing with a backup, hand held timing system shall be used for timing 1-10 kilometers events. The 100 meter event should be timed with a number of stop watches equal at least to the number of athletes per division, plus two. A watch should be assigned to each lane while two extras serve as backup. 4. Cross-country trails, suitable in length and terrain to accommodate skiers of beginning, intermediate, and advanced skill levels shall be available. At least one set of tracks should be set and the other lane, which is mandatory, shall be set as either a skating lane or second set of tracks. 5. If more than one set of tracks are used, they should be 1 to 1.2 meters apart, measured from the middle of one track to the middle of the other. Individual ski tracks should be 20-24 centimeters apart, measured from the middle of one track to the other. Tracks should be at least 2-5 centimeters deep. 6. A warming facility should be accessible from the trails. It should be large enough to accommodate the Special Olympics crowd in case of extreme weather conditions. 5

General Rules 1. Athletes may enter three (3) events if one is the 5K. 2. Events ranging from the 500 meter race to the 5 K race should follow the interval start format. That is, one or two racers should start at intervals of every 30 seconds. 3. The start command for cross-country skiing events ranging from the 500 meter race through the 2.5 kilometer race shall be as follows: "Racer... 15 seconds... 10 seconds... 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, GO!" For individual events of distances 100 meters or less, there shall be no preliminary warning. The start command for relay events shall be the same as for individual events of distances 100 meters and less, except that there will be a 10 second warning: "10 seconds... racers... ready... Bang." 4. Events ranging from the 500 meter race through the 5 kilometer race should be conducted on courses which include uphill, downhill, flat sections, and sections with turns. They should be conducted on courses, which are a loop configuration. In long distance events, multiple loop courses are permissible. 5. Due to the possibility of very low registration numbers, the following events may be combined and run as open divisions: 2.5K & 5K, this means combining males and females and all age groups. Athletes will be awarded separately. 6

Event-Specific Rules and Modifications 1. 50, 100 and 250 Meter Cross-Country Skiing Race I. The start line is a straight line. There must be 8 lanes with tracks set in the center of each lane. These lanes must be a minimum of 2 meters wide. II. III. 2. Relays: The course for the 100 meter and 250 meter events should be as flat as possible. In no event should a course slope more than 5%. In the event that the course is set on slopes, the start of the race shall be such that the competitors will ski uphill to finish the race. I. 4 x 1K Relay is each athlete competing in a 1K length. II. III. IV. Divisions for cross-country skiing relay races shall be established by computing Team Qualifying Times. A Team Qualifying Time is computed by combining the times of the members of a team in time preliminaries from the individual event of similar distance to one "leg" of the relay event (e.g. Times from the 1 Kilometer Cross-Country Skiing Relay). Team members not entered in the individual event of similar distance to one "leg" of the relay event must enter and compete the preliminary event for that individual event. Race officials may start a relay division once every minute. V. In the event a team does not execute a proper exchange, an exchange zone referee shall notify the skiers involved in the exchange immediately. It is then the skier s responsibility to decide whether or not to re-execute an exchange. 7

Disqualifications 1. A competitor may be disqualified if he/she: I. Does not follow the marked course or does not pass all the control check points or takes a short cut. II. III. IV. Receives unauthorized assistance. Fails to give way to an overtaking competitor when so requested or prevents another racer from passing. Violates technique ruling regarding skating in classical races. V. Does not finish with skis on his/her feet. VI. Falls or leaves the track: that individual has 2 minutes to resume racing, the competitor must also advance forward a minimum of 20 meters within that time. Failing to resume advancement on the track within 2 minutes, and/or receiving unauthorized assistance. 8

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. Each athlete, unified partner, coach, chaperone and guest must be registered in GMS by the registration deadline. I. All alternates must also be registered in GMS. For State Winter Games you are able to register 25% of your delegation as alternates. These can be athletes or Unified Partners, however athletes cannot replace Unified Partners and vice versa. II. Alternates must be activated from your areas pool of alternates and the active roster rider must be dropped in order for the alternate to compete. 3. 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. 4. 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. 9

Divisioning Process 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. All coaches are reminded to review the sections in the Official Special Olympics Winter Sports Rules for clarifications of divisioning and age groupings. Novice, Intermediate and Advanced skiers shall have two runs on a modified Giant Slalom course of their ability level, with the fastest time used to determine their division for competition. If time in the race organizers schedule permits, divisioning time trials may be conducted for each event. In the first run of competition in each division, the fastest trial time starts first, slowest last. All questions concerning divisioning can be directed to Heather Burke at burke1hn@cmich.edu. 10

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. 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 11

Eight-Week Training Program A cross-country ski lesson is a combination of warming up and cooling down, skill instruction, games and fitness challenges. The diversity of a lesson helps athletes to learn skills in a variety of different ways, inspired by the maxim learning by doing. Athletes benefit from developing abilities and learning new skills through a variety of modes like exercises and games in addition to skiing. A dynamic plan also keeps the athletes active, engaged and curious about what happens next. Be flexible and creative, but consider the following set up as your basic guideline: Warm-up Skill instruction or review Time to practice skill Water/restroom break Ski Games/fitness component Cool down 10-15 min 15-20min 10-15 min 10-15min 10 min A typical lesson should last between 45 and 90 minutes depending on the ability, fitness and enthusiasm level of your group. 12

Week One Practice One 1. Welcome & Introduction A. Introduce the sport, rules, equipment, and your expectations for the season 2. Warm up and stretch 3. Conduct skills assessment: A. Put on and take off ski boots B. Wears the correct skiing attire C. Get into and out of ski poles D. Weight Shift E. Arm Swing F. Walking on skis G. Striding H. Falling & Getting back up I. Skiing downhill J. Turning to the right and left K. Stopping 4. Cool down Week One Practice Two 2. Discuss safety and proper clothing 3. Focus on walking on skis on flat terrain 4. Practice star turns to maneuver Week Two Practice One 2. Review equipment & Safety 3. Practice falling properly A. Show technique without skis, have athletes practice B. Repeat with skis, no poles C. Repeat with skis and poles 4. Cool down 13

Week Two Practice Two 2. Set up 25 yd. course. Practice moving faster on the skis. Have athletes practice falling down at a greater speed. 3. Time athletes to get a baseline time 4. Cool down Week Three Practice One 2. Review lessons from previous week 3. Introduce downhill & uphill technique 4. Practice wedge, step, & Herringbone drills 5. Cool down Week Three Practice two 2. Set up 50 meter course with turns and hills 3. Work on implementing skills from previous practice on a race course 4. Cool down Week Four Practice One 2. Review previous week 3. Revaluate skills assessment. Note areas that have improved and focus on what did not improve 4. Cool down Week Four Practice Two 2. Introduce the use of both poles 3. Introduce fitness component on flat terrain A. Have athletes ski non-stop for a designated time B. Group Ski tour explore a new trail 4. Cool down 14

Week Five Practice One 2. Review lessons from previous week 3. Work on downhill step turns 4. Set up & time athletes on a 100 M course 5. Cool down Week Five Practice Two 2. Set up an obstacle course game. Have athletes ski through cones, loops, etc. Focus on turns, agility, and hills 3. Cool down Week Six Practice One 2. Introduce competition rules 3. Play a game using a start and finish line & using the start command 4. Cool down Week Six Practice Two 2. Review competition rules 3. Ski a competition distance using start and finish lines. Week Seven Practice One 2. Ski competition distance 3. Make goals for the competition 4. Cool down 15

Week Seven Practice Two 2. Play a game using start and finish lines 3. Have the athlete race against teammates that will be competing in the same events Week Eight Practice One 2. Revaluate skills assessment. 3. Time athletes in their competition events and review goals 4. Cool down Week Eight Practice Two 2. Explore a new trail or play a game enjoy the last practice 3. Cool down After the 8 week training: 1. Compete at State Winter Games 2. Share home training plans with athletes and parents 3. Thank facilities, sponsors, chaperones, and anyone else that assisted with the season. 16

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 17

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. 18

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. 19

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. 20

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 21

Resources For the following SOI Resources please visit: http://www.somi.org/sports/sports.html Cross Country Coaching Guide Rules, Protocol and Etiquette Planning a Training Session Quick Start Guide Teaching Cross Country Ski Skills 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 22

Notes 23

Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. www.somi.org