Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. —Special Olympics Athlete Oath
Sport Staff: Jan Palchikoff Jennifer Keurulainen Brian Klavano David Markland Hector Tovar Matt Setlik Danielle Hamilton Jenni Simcoe Kara Toussaint Kerry Farmer Kevin Cantu Michelle Woywitka Rossall Geny Wu Amy Woodward Jared Agnew Katrina Dorsey Stephen Brandenburg Stephen Morales
Senior Vice President, Sport & Athlete Experience Vice President, Sport Director, Sport Presentations & Awards Director, Sport Planning-LACC Director, Sport Planning-UCLA Director, Sport Services Manager, Sport Manager, Sport Publications & Information Manager, Sport Production Manager, Sport Production Manager, Sport Production Manager, Awards Project Coordinator, Sport, Athlete Experience, and Operations Intern Intern Intern Intern Intern
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Table of Contents CHAPTER 1: GAMES INFORMATION
3.12 Points of Emphasis
1.1
Special Olympics Mission & Vision
3.13 Athlete Uniform
1.2
LA2015 Contacts
3.14 Competition Equipment
1.3
Public Safety and Security
3.15 Competition Staging
1.4
Delegation Transportation System
3.16 Awards Staging
1.5
Language Services
3.17 Awards Ceremony
1.6
Medical Services
1.7
Clinics, Exhibitions, and Demonstrations
CHAPTER 4: COACHES' INFORMATION
1.8
Opening & Closing Ceremonies
4.1
Head Coaches' Meetings
1.9
Credentials
4.2
Coaches' Code of Conduct
CHAPTER 2: SPORT INFORMATION
CHAPTER 5: OFFICIALS' INFORMATION
2.1
Competition Venues
5.1
Officials' Meeting
2.2
Participation Statistics Per Sport & Per Region
5.2
Credentials & Uniform Distribution
2.3
Sport Information Desks (SIDs)
5.3
Officials' Uniform
2.4
Results
5.4
2.5
Refusal to Compete — Special Olympics
Check-In & Registration at Competition Venues
2.6
Protests & Appeals Protocol
5.5
Officials' Oath
2.7
Maximum Effort Reminder
2.8
Athletes' Code of Conduct
APPENDIX Acronyms
CHAPTER 3: ATHLETICS RULES & INFORMATION
Delegation Codes
3.1
Participation Statistics
LA2015 App Info
3.2
Delegation Codes
Officials' Uniforms
3.3
Sport Contacts
Social Media Accounts & Hashtags
3.4
Competition Schedule
Sport Resources Portal on LA2015.org
3.5
Events
Sport Volunteers & Staff Uniforms
3.6
Event Participation
Venue Map
3.7
Venue Description
3.8
Field of Play (FOP) Information
3.9
Practice & Warm-Up Information
3.10 Competition Regulations 3.11
Divisioning
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CHAPTER 1: GAMES INFORMATION 1.1
Special Olympics Mission The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Special Olympics World Games LA2015 Vision In a city full of movie stars and all-stars, the athletes of the Special Olympics World Games will be the stars this summer. As the world’s media and entertainment capital, and as a city that is the embodiment of diversity and inclusion, Los Angeles provides the perfect global stage to highlight the talents, courage and determination of people with intellectual disabilities.
1.2
LA2015 Contacts Delegation Services Main Hotline: +1 (213) 986-9875 Delegation Services Fax: +1 (213) 986-9875 If you have a non-life threatening emergency while attending an event not affiliated with the World Games, please contact the Delegation Services Main Hotline so that our staff can try to assist you. If you have a life-threatening emergency while attending an event not affiliated with the World Games, please dial 9-1-1 to connect to the Los Angeles County Fire / Police Department.
1.3
Public Safety and Security The LA2015 Security Team will provide a safe and secure environment at the World Games for Delegations, Officials, spectators, staff and volunteers by managing access points and crowd control at all venues throughout Los Angeles. Security will also work closely with transportation services to manage bus and vehicle access and traffic routes to parking and shuttle locations. Planned event security for participants and spectators includes: • Access Control – checking credentials for access to specific buildings and venues, monitored by Spectator Services staff. • Crowd Control – monitoring and enforcing venue seating capacities, safety and prohibited items. • Accommodations Security – 24 hour security and credential access control at Delegation accommodation locations. • Campus Security – 24-hour security on campus and patrols around the perimeter of campus at USC and UCLA. 3
• 1.4
Emergency Response – working with local law enforcement agencies on execution of emergency response plans.
Delegation Transportation System The goal of the Transportation Department is to provide the safest, most efficient and accommodating transportation system for all constituents, throughout the entire period of the World Games. This goal will be achieved using comfortable air-conditioned buses. Delegations will have access to an exclusive transport system offering scheduled Bus Service to and from housing, venues and hubs. The following arrangements are being planned to meet the needs of athletes, Coaches, and Officials. Transportation Access An LA2015 credential marked with a T-level will give delegates access to scheduled transportation services. To ensure the safety of delegates at all times, only registered members of a Delegation will be allowed to ride buses designated for Delegations. Individuals without the LA2015 credential for delegates will not be permitted to board Delegation buses under any circumstances. Athlete Housing Upon completion of the Host Town activities, Delegations will be picked up at their Host Town and transported by motor coaches to the Athlete Villages at either University of Southern California (USC) or University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). Travel to Competition (On-campus) The following sports will be held on-campus at USC and UCLA respectively. Athletes competing in sports at USC or UCLA will travel less than 2 kilometers (1 mile) from their housing site to reach their competition venue. Distance To and From Competition Venues
From
To
Distance
UCLA
Balboa Sports Center
16 km (10 mi)
UCLA
Long Beach
54 km (34 mi)
UCLA
USC
20 km (12 mi)
From
To
Distance
USC
20 km (12 mi)
USC
Wilson & Harding Golf Courses LA Equestrian Center
USC
LA Convention Center
3 km
USC
Long Beach
40 km (25 mi)
USC
UCLA
20 km (12 mi)
24 km (15 mi)
4
(2 mi)
Games Vehicles Delegation transportation vehicles will be equipped with air-conditioning and three-point seat belts for optimal safety and comfort. Vehicles' Markings Buses will be identifiable by: •
Destination sign
•
Service group (e.g. Delegations)
•
LA2015 branding
Opening and Closing Ceremonies Delegations will be transported on air-conditioned school buses from USC and UCLA housing to the Opening Ceremony. Closing Ceremony transportation on Sunday, August 2 will use the same plan as for the Opening Ceremony. 1.5
Language Services The purpose of International Relations and Language Services is to ensure that guests from more than 165 countries who speak 71 different languages can fully communicate, participate and relate to each other without any language impediment. Language Services will provide translation and interpretation services before and during the World Games. Multilingual Sport volunteers will be available in every competition venue.
1.6
Medical Services LA2015 will provide multiple levels of medical care as needed for all athletes participating in the World Games as well as provide basic first aid to spectators and non-athletes attending the World Games. The goal of the LA2015 Medical Team is to act in the best interest of the individual, strive to return the athlete to the sporting event in an efficient and timely manner, and provide all individuals a seamless transition into the community health care system if necessary. Medical Services will provide comprehensive treatment from initial intervention to definitive care and discharge. The primary functions provided by Medical Services for athletes and Delegation Members include: • Triage at the Field of Play • Treatment of Minor Injuries • Referral for Urgent Care at the Poly Clinic • Referral for Acute Care • Follow-up Care • Overnight Care at Accommodations Venues Completion of the athlete medical form, which includes a physical exam, is mandatory for each athlete to register and participate in the World Games and must be completed by a physician prior to arriving in LA.
5
MedFest MedFest, a Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program discipline, will operate on the USC and UCLA campuses on July 24 and 25 to provide comprehensive sport physicals to clear athletes for competition. In order to ensure the health of the athletes, they may only compete if they submit complete and accurate athlete medical forms and once the LA2015 Medical Team has cleared them. Athlete Injuries On Field Of Play 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. During the World Games a qualified medical professional will be available to render an evaluation, that person shall have final authority as to the removal or return to play of the participant. The participant’s parent, coach or guardian will be made aware that the participant is suspected of sustaining a concussion. A participant who has been removed from practice, play or competition due to a suspected concussion may not participate in World Games sports activities until either of the following occurs: •
At least seven (7) consecutive days have passed since the participant was removed from play and a currently licensed, qualified medical professional provides written clearance for the participant to return to practice, play and competition; or
A currently licensed, qualified medical professional determines that the participant did not suffer a concussion and provides written clearance for the participant to return to practice play immediately. Written clearance in either of the scenarios above shall become a permanent record. The World Games Medical Team will utilize the ImPACT Concussion Management IDD Model as the measurement tool. ImPACT IDD addresses the need for an accurate, medically accepted assessment system that is used as part of an overall concussion management protocol. ImPACT IDD at the World Games will follow these steps: 1. Athletes with prior head injuries, or who have experienced loss of consciousness, and those competing in high impact sports will be required to complete a baseline assessment evaluation during MedFest. 2. Athlete sustains injury and concussion is suspected. 3. Athletes with suspected head injuries during the Games will be evaluated and readministered ImPACT evaluation within 24 to 36 hours of injury to assess the level of injury. 4. The World Games Medical Team will provide an assessment to determine if the athlete is ready for non-contact activity. 5. Upon further assessment, the athlete may be determined safe to return to play. •
Medical Protocols All Medical personnel will be following Medical Protocols that Kaiser Permanente Physicians have created. They include everything from Serious Conditions (heart problems, head injuries, broken bones, etc.) to Common Conditions (Allergies sunburns, scrapes, etc.) and
6
lastly Behavioral Health conditions. These protocols will be distributed to all levels of care at the World Games. 1.7
Clinics, Exhibitions, and Demonstrations Please see the most current competition schedule on the Sport Resources portal at LA2015.org for the most current schedule of the Special Olympics non-competition events. See appendix for login instructions for the Sport Resources portal. Coaches' Clinics The purpose of the Coaches’ Clinics is to present best practices and techniques for Coaches in order to improve their Coaching methods and tactics. Internationally renowned sports experts will participate in these clinics. The date, time and location of the Coaches’ Clinics will be announced at the first Head Coaches' meeting. High Performing Athlete Demonstrations The goal of High Performing Athlete Demonstrations is to showcase Special Olympics athletes interacting and competing with Olympians/Sport Professionals in a Unified Sportstype competition. These types of competitions promote Special Olympics as a world leading sports organization producing athletes that can compete at a world-class level. Sports Demonstrations can also serve as a means of introducing a new sport to the Special Olympics sports community. The High Performing Athlete Demonstrations are not part of the official World Games competitions and thus the athletes do not receive medals or participation ribbons for these events. Motor Activity Training Program (MATP) MATP is designed for athletes with profound intellectual disabilities who are unable to participate in Special Olympics sport competitions because of their skill and/or functional abilities. MATP is designed to prepare these athletes, including those with significant physical disabilities, for sport-specific activities appropriate for their abilities. Toys"R"Us #MyFirstSportsMoment Events Toys"R"Us, a sponsor of Young Athletes program, is holding #MyFirstSportsMoment events at ten Special Olympics Unified Sports® events, where Young Athletes will have an opportunity to experience their first sports moment on a world stage during activities such as Aquatics, Softball, Bocce, Golf, Football, Roller Skating, Bowling, Tennis, Basketball and Gymnastics. Unified Sports Experiences Unified Sports Experiences are a series of individual non-official Special Olympics exhibition events. Stemming from the Special Olympics Unified Sports program, Unified Sports Experiences provide an opportunity for internationally renowned sports and entertainment personalities and fans to be paired up with Special Olympics athletes in a series of competitive events.
7
Young Athletes™ Program Young Athletes is a unique sport and play program for children with intellectual disabilities. The focus is on fun activities that are important to mental and physical growth. Children ages 2 to 7 enjoy games and activities that develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Young Athletes is an early introduction to sports and to the world of Special Olympics. 1.8
Opening & Closing Ceremonies Opening Ceremony The Opening Ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 25 at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on the campus of USC. The star-studded event will celebrate the true stars of the World Games - the athletes of Special Olympics - with exciting entertainment, the Parade of Athletes and the culmination of the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® and lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron. Broadcast live internationally by ESPN, fans around the world will be able to participate in this memorable start to the World Games! Closing Ceremony To close out the World Games on Sunday, August 2, the Closing Ceremony will be held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The final festivities will pay tribute to the athletes, families, Coaches, volunteers and supporters who have come together for a successful and inspirational event. World-class entertainers and celebrities will headline the celebration.
1.9
Credentials Members of a Delegation must wear their credential at all times during the World Games to ensure access to accommodations, dining halls and competition venues. In the event that a credential is lost or stolen, please report it immediately to Delegation Services. Refer to section 1.2 for contact information.
8
CHAPTER 2: SPORT INFORMATION 2.1
Competition Venues Competition will be centered in six major hubs: Long Beach, California • Beach Volleyball • Cycling • Half Marathon • Kayaking • Open Water Swimming • Triathlon • Sailing
Griffith Park (Wilson & Harding Golf Courses & Los Angeles Equestrian Center) • Golf • Equestrian The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) • Gymnastics-Artistic • Gymnastics-Rhythmic • Football (5-A-Side) • Football (11-A-Side) • Judo • Softball • Tennis • Volleyball
Downtown Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Convention Center • Badminton • Bocce • Bowling (Lucky Strike LA Live) • Handball • Powerlifting • Roller Skating • Table Tennis
The University of Southern California (USC) • Athletics • Aquatics • Basketball
Encino (Balboa Sports Center) • Football (7-A-Side) 2.2
Participation Statistics Per Sport* (as of June 22, 2015) Sport
Athletes
Teams
Delegations
Aquatics
606
-
116
Athletics
953
-
157
Basketball
615
66
54
Bocce
279
40
96
Badminton
143
-
47
Beach Volleyball
34
8
5
Bowling
221
40
50
Cycling
178
-
34
Equestrian
127
-
36
9
Sport
Athletes
Teams
Delegations
Football
1,049
114
98
Golf
182
18
34
Gymnastics (Artistic)
139
-
34
Gymnastics (Rhythmic)
136
-
35
Handball
185
18
15
Half Marathon
28
-
15
Judo
105
-
24
Kayaking
67
-
13
Open Water Swimming
86
-
35
Powerlifting
170
-
41
Roller Skating
107
-
20
Sailing
55
28
9
Softball
144
10
8
Tennis
141
-
40
Triathlon
19
-
6
Table Tennis
206
-
70
Volleyball
298
28
23
*Participation numbers are subject to change 2.3
Sport Information Desks (SIDs) The main purpose of the Sport Information Desk (SID) is to provide accurate and timely information about competition to team representatives (registered Head Coaches and Delegates). The SID is the liaison between the teams, the Technical Delegates (TDs), and the Competition Management Team. The SID will also provide match lists, bulletins, results, competition updates, technical forms, protest/appeal forms, and any other pertinent information. SIDs will be easily accessible to all team representatives/Coaches. Team representatives must stop at the SID upon arrival and departure from the competition and accommodation venues, in order to sign for and pick up all information updates. See appendix for locations of SIDs. SIDs at the Competition Venues Sport Information Desks will open on the first day of training or competition and close the last day of competition. The SID will open one hour prior to the arrival of the very first bus with athletes, and will remain in operation until 30 minutes after the conclusion of the final day's competition.
 Â
10
SIDs at Delegation Service Centers • • 2.4
SIDs at Delegation Service Centers will start operating on July 24 and close on August 2. Updates and new information that concern the teams will be available at the Athlete Village SIDs and will be distributed in the relevant pigeonholes/trays.
Results Results will be posted at the SIDs and also available online at the official World Games website, LA2015.org.
2.5
Refusal to Compete — Special Olympics Special Olympics must transcend all boundaries of race, gender, religion, national origin, geography, and political philosophy, and offer sport training and competition opportunities to all eligible persons with intellectual disabilities, in accordance with uniformed worldwide standards. A refusal by an athlete or team to compete or participate in any Special Olympics Games event based on race, gender, religion, national origin, geography, political philosophy, or any similar reason violates the principles of Special Olympics and is unacceptable. An athlete or a team that refuses to compete at any Special Olympics Games for any such reason shall be ineligible to compete further and will be asked to leave the Games. Every Head of Delegation (HOD) and the Chief Executive of each Program that sends a Delegation to a World or Regional Games and the Chief Executive of each Games Organizing Committee (GOC) shall acknowledge and agree to this policy in writing prior to the relevant Games.
2.6
Protest & Appeals Protocol Only the Head Coach or a designated Coach registered as such (in the absence of the Head Coach) can file a protest and must do so abiding by the rules of each sport. The Coach must complete the protest form in order for the Sport Specific Jury to consider the protest. Three (3) main guidelines for what is considered as a situation of protest: 1. Misinterpretation of sport rules. 2. Failure of the Referee or Judge to apply the correct rule at a given situation. 3. Failure to impose the correct penalty at a given violation. Any protest involving the judgment of the Referee or Judge will not be taken under consideration. Judgment calls are not to be protested or appealed. Divisioning and meaningful involvement decisions cannot be protested. The protest must cite each specific violation by stating the specific number noted in the 2014 version of the official Special Olympics Sport Rules and a clear description of why the Coach feels that the specific rule has not been followed. The protest forms will be available at the SID in each competition venue. All initial protests must be filed no later than 30 minutes after the end of the game. Once the protest is filed
11
and the protest form is fully filled in, it shall be given to the SID and the relevant staff will then accordingly notify the Sport Specific Jury, asking for a ruling. The exact time that the SID receives the protest will be noted on the form. The Sport Specific Jury, which consists of the Technical Delegate(s), the Competition Manager and an appointed Official, shall review the protest. Once the Sport Specific Jury has made its decision, the Coach can either accept the ruling or appeal against this ruling to the World Games Jury of Appeals. Appeals against the decisions of the Sport Specific Jury are to be submitted within 60 minutes after the relevant decision of the Sport Specific Jury. All decisions made by the World Games Jury of Appeals are final. Jury of Appeals Jury Chair:
Venisha Bowler, Senior Manager, Sports, Special Olympics, Inc.
Members:
Bob Whitehead, Member, Sports Rules Advisory Committee Jennifer Keurulainen, Vice President of Sport, LA2015 Lee Todd, Chief of Sports, Special Olympics, Inc. Jon-Paul St. Germain, Senior Director, Unified Sports and Sports Partnership, Special Olympics, Inc.
For the Sport Specific Jury please see section 3.3. 2.7
Maximum Effort Reminder Athletes must participate honestly and with maximum effort in all divisioning and/or final competition. Individuals or teams that are identified as not participating to their full potential with the intent of being placed in a lower division may be disqualified from competition. Head Coaches are responsible for assuring that the reported divisioning scores for their athletes accurately reflect the ability of the athlete(s). At the completion of the divisioning process Head Coaches will be given a report to sign off confirming individual players scores are a reflection of their playing ability. If for any reason the Head Coach does not consider this assessment or score correct, it is their responsibility to notify the Competition Management Team.
2.8
Athletes' Code of Conduct Special Olympics is committed to the highest ideals of sport and expects all athletes to honor sports and Special Olympics. All Special Olympics athletes and Unified Sports partners agree to the following code: Sportsmanship • • • • •
I will practice good sportsmanship. I will act in ways that bring respect to me, my Coaches, my team, and Special Olympics. I will not use bad language. I will not swear or insult other persons. I will not fight with other athletes, Coaches, volunteers or staff. 12
Training and Competition • • • • •
I will train regularly. I will learn and follow the rules of my sport. I will listen to my Coaches and the Officials and ask questions when I do not understand. I will always try my best during training, divisioning and competitions. I will not "hold back" in preliminaries just to get into an easier final heat.
Responsibility for My Actions • • • •
I will not make inappropriate or unwanted physical, verbal or sexual advances on others. I will not drink alcohol, smoke or take illegal drugs while representing Special Olympics at training sessions, competition or during Games. I will not take any drugs for the purpose of improving my performance. I will obey all laws and Special Olympics rules.
I understand that if I do not obey this Code of Conduct, my Program or a Games Organizing Committee may not allow me to participate.
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CHAPTER 3: ATHLETICS COMPETITION RULES & INFORMATION 3.1
Participation Statistics Number of Delegations 157
3.2
Number of Athletes 953
Delegation Codes
Please refer to the appendix for all three-letter Delegation codes. 3.3
Sport Contacts Competition Management Team Competition Manager Technical Delegate Assistant Technical Delegate Vice President, Sport
Edmund Pula Tony Wayne Jan Blaauw Jennifer Keurulainen
Venue Management Team General Manager (USC) Assistant General Manager (USC) Venue Director
Megan Deer Matt Holt Ashley Spurlock
Sport Specific Jury Chair: Members: 3.4
Tony Wayne (TD) Edmund Pula (CM) Janusz Rozum (ITO)
Competition Schedule (subject to change) Divisioning: July 25 to July 28, 2015 Competition: July 29 to August 1, 2015
3.5
Events Category 1
2
 Â
Track Event(s) 25m run 50m run 100m walk 4x100m relay 4x400m relay 100m run 200m run 400m run
Field Events Softball throw Standing long jump
Shot put Mini javelin Long jump
14
3
4 5
6
3.6
4x100m relay 4x400m relay 400m run 800m run 1500m run 4x100m relay 4x400m relay 400m walk 800m walk 1,500m run 3,000m run 5,000m run 10,000m run Half Marathon 4x100m relay 4x400m relay Pentathlon 4x100m relay 4x400m relay
High jump Shot put Mini javelin Long jump High jump Shot put Mini javelin
Event Participation 1. Participation categories: Athletes participate in only one category from the above. 2. Number of Events: Each athlete can participate in two individual events and one relay or two relays and one individual event. Athletes who participate in the Pentathlon can participate in one relay if the program permits it. Note that Athletes competing in Category 1 may not participate in relays. 3. Participation in different kinds of events: Athletes cannot participate in running and walking events. They have to choose one of the two. 4. Events of Lower Ability: Athletes who participate in events of Category 1 cannot participate in higher category events. Athletes of Lower Ability and athletes in wheelchair events can participate in only two events. 5. Defining Lower Ability Level Events: Participants in the following Lower Ability Events cannot have scores that are better than the following standards: Event 50 meters 50 meter walk Softball (30cm) Standing Long Jump
 Â
Female 12 seconds 20 seconds 20.00 meters 1.20 meters
15
Male 10 seconds 18 seconds 24.00 meters 1.40 meters
6. For relays: The age of the oldest athlete on the team defines the age group of the team. If there is at least one male in a relay team, then this team will compete in Men’s category. 3.7
Venue Description Athletics competitions will take place at Loker Stadium/Cromwell Field, which is located on campus at the University of Southern California (USC).
3.8
Field of Play (FOP) Information Loker Stadium/Cromwell Field features one (1) track with eight (8) lanes, two (2) sandpits for long jump and standing jump, two (2) softball throw areas, two (2) shot put areas, one (1) runway for javelin and one (1) landing cushion for high jump.
3.9
Training & Warm-Up Information For warm-up and practice purposes, Brittingham Field, which is adjacent to Loker Stadium/Cromwell Field, will be used as the warm-up facility for all Athletics events prior to pre-staging. Athletes will not be allowed to use the warm-up field unless supervised by their coaches. The field will be open one hour before the start of competition until the end of competition on each day.
3.10
Competition Regulations The official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Athletics shall govern all Special Olympics competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) rules for Athletics found at http://www.iaaf.org. IAAF rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Athletics or Article I. In such cases, the official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Athletics shall apply. Please refer to Article I, http://media.specialolympics.org/resources/sportsessentials/general/2014-Article-I.pdf for more information pertaining to Codes of Conduct, Training Standards, Medical and Safety Requirements, Divisioning, Awards, Criteria for Advancement to Higher Levels of Competition and Unified Sports.
3.11
Divisioning Athletes/Teams will be divisioned according to the official Special Olympics Rules during the 2015 Special Olympics World Games to ensure fair competition. The divisioning process will make every attempt to yield no fewer than three (3) and no more than eight (8) athletes/teams per division. Athletes/Teams will be divisioned based on gender, age and ability, with ability being the primary factor. It is very important for athletes/teams to come to the Games with experience competing in their events.
16
When the minimum number of athletes or teams cannot be met, due to failure of athletes or teams to appear, injury, or other reason, the relevant division will be combined with another regardless of gender or ability. If there is no division that matches the athlete or team ability, then the athlete or the team will automatically be announced as the winner. Divisioning Competition Aims: 1.
To form the best divisioning for final competition.
2. To eliminate the possibility of an athlete’s disqualification because of breaching the Maximum Effort rule limitations specified. 3. To ensure that the faster time/greater distance (entry, preliminary, or improved performance form) is the one used to define the division of athletes during finals. Divisioning Procedures: 1. In preparing divisions for final events, the athletes’ preliminary event performances (time or measurement) shall be used (unless specifically modified by the Improved Performance Form). 2. In the first day of Athletics competition the divisioning for Category 1 will be conducted. If an athlete exceeds the standard for the given event, his Coach we will be given the opportunity to move the athlete to Category 2 or Category 4, and the Competition Management Team will enable the athlete to start in the divisioning of his new event. 3. It is the responsibility of the Coach to assure that the final divisioning score (time or measurement) is a true reflection of the athlete's ability. If the time/measurement recorded in the divisioning competition is not a true reflection of the athlete’s ability, the Coach or the Delegation representative shall submit an Updated Improved Performance (time/measurement) Request to the divisioning personnel, which maybe the initially submitted entry score or better. 4. The Updated Improved Performance (time/measurement) Requests may only be accepted in the official request form and must be submitted within 60 minutes following the official posting of the divisioning event. 5. Where possible, in final divisions, the percentage difference in ability across the division will be 15 percent. 6. Events recorded as timed finals, such as the 10,000 meters run, and Half Marathon, may be re-divisioned upon completion of the event. 7. Divisioning of athletes/teams into final competition will be approved by the Technical Delegate and Competition Management Team utilizing the Games Management System (GMS). Divisioning is not subject to protest. 3.12
Points of Emphasis Each Delegation should ensure that the Head Coach has the correct and latest rule book(s) and has a profound knowledge of the Rules. Specifically:
17
• • • • • • •
Athletes who run in a relay must wear team issued attire of the same color. The attire should also be such that the members of the team can be identified as a team. Athletes participating in long jump must be able to jump at least one (1) meter, which is the minimum distance between the take-off location and the landing area (sand pit). The minimum starting height for all high jump events will be one (1) meter. Athletes must already have their Bib Numbers on them when checking in at staging. The Bib Number shall be on the front and back of the athlete. Coaches will declare relay team members at packet pickup, no later than the first coaches meeting. Acceleration lanes may be used by 4x100 relay participants. The Improved Performance Requests may only be accepted on the official request form and submitted within 60 minutes following the official posting of the divisioning event.
Performance Discrepancies •
Athletes should compete at their Maximum Effort during all competition. For final divisioning, Coaches and athletes shall use their highest score achieved during preliminary competition or the score declared by their Coaches through the Improved Performance Form referred to below.
•
An athlete may be disqualified after review of the performance discrepancy in the case that their score in final competition exceeds the following percentages: Track Events Category 1: 20% Category 2-6: 15%
Field Events Category 1: 30% Category 2-6: 20%
Improved Performance • It is the responsibility of the Coach to assure that the final divisioning score (time or measurement) is a true reflection of the athlete's ability. If the time/measurement recorded in the divisioning competition is not a true reflection of the athlete’s best ability, the Coach or the Delegation representative shall submit an Improved Performance Request to the Competition Management Team. Knowing an athlete’s/team’s best entry times/scores can be valuable aids in helping an athlete/team avoid disqualification for a Maximum Effort Rule violation. • The Improved Performance Requests may only be accepted in the official request form and submitted within 60 minutes following the official posting of the divisioning event. 3.13
Athlete Uniform •
•
In all events, competitors must wear the official uniform of their Delegation. The clothing must be made of material that is non-transparent, even when wet. The competitors should not wear clothing that could impede the view of judges. All uniforms should be clean. Competitors may compete in bare feet or with sport shoes on one or both feet. The purpose of shoes in competition is to offer protection and stability to the feet and a firm 18
•
grip on the ground. Such shoes, however, must not be made so as to give the competitor any additional assistance and no spring or device of any kind may be incorporated in the shoes. A strap over the instep is permitted. Running spikes should not be longer than 9mm.
Commercial Messages and National Flags The following rules apply to competition, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and Award Ceremonies: •
No national flags are permitted on the athletes’ uniform, caps, swimsuits, towels, etc.
Athletes are prohibited from wearing clothing, bibs, or signs with commercial names or commercial messages, other than "normal commercial markings" of the clothing manufacturer. Normal commercial markings include: o On larger clothing items, such as shirts, jackets, pants, jerseys, and sweatshirts, one logo or commercial name per clothing item is permissible, if that name or logo display does not exceed an area of six square inches or 38.7 square centimeters (such as a display measuring 2" x 3" or 5.08 cm x 7.62 cm). o On small clothing items, such as caps, socks, hats, gloves and belts, one logo or commercial name per clothing item is permissible, if that name or display does not exceed an area of three square inches or 19.35 square centimeters. o On athletic shoes, no logos or commercial names are permissible except for names or logos, which are included by the manufacturer on athletic shoes that are sold to the general public. Athletes may wear, carry or use clothing and/or non-apparel items that are not part of their sports equipment (such as tote bags), which contain small and attractively designed identifications of corporate or organizational sponsors at Games venues (other than the sites of competition, such as at training or practice sessions outside of competition venue). For complete rules regarding athletes' uniforms, please see Article 5, Section 5.08 of Special Olympics General Rules at: http://resources.specialolympics.org/Topics/General_Rules/Article_05.aspx •
3.14
Competition Equipment • •
3.15
Starting blocks may be used in the running events from 100 meters up to and including the 400-meter. The GOC will provide all field event implements. No personal implements will be allowed.
Competition Staging Athletes are required to check-in at least 35 minutes prior to competition. Coaches are not allowed in the competition staging area. Staging volunteers will ensure that the athletes wear the appropriate competition attire. Athletes who fail to report to the staging area 20 minutes prior to their event will be disqualified from that event.
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Competition staging is an area close to the Field of Play and it serves as a holding area for athletes prior to competition in order to ensure that all athletes will be present for their event. The exact location of competition staging will be announced at the Head Coaches' Meeting. Head Coaches must ensure athletes/partners are wearing their World Games Credentials at all times, particularly at staging check-in. 3.16
Awards Staging Following finals competition, Field of Play volunteers will escort athletes to the awards staging area. The awards staging area is designated as a holding area for athletes prior to their awards ceremony in order to ensure that all athletes are present for their ceremony. The details of check-in for awards staging will be available at the first Head Coaches' Meeting or at the on-site SID. Athletes/partners must wear their World Games Credentials at all times, particularly at staging check-in. Athletes may not leave the awards staging area without permission of the Awards Supervisor and may not leave without being accompanied by an assigned volunteer. After the awards ceremony, Coaches, HODs or appointed Delegation representatives will be asked to collect their athletes. The specific details of this process will be outlined at the Head Coaches’ Meeting. Coaches and family members are not allowed within the awards staging area.
3.17
Awards Ceremony All awards ceremonies will take place in accordance with the official Special Olympics Sport Rules, giving due respect to the athletes and highlighting their achievements. The award ceremonies will be held immediately following every final. The awards ceremonies will be held at the Robert D. Wood Plaza at USC. Medals will be presented to athletes ranked in first through third place, while ribbons will be presented to athletes in fourth through eighth place. Athletes disqualified for technical rules infringements will be awarded a participation ribbon beside the podium during the ceremony. Athletes who are disqualified for unsportsmanlike behavior will not receive an award. Coaches will not receive awards. No national flags are permitted during the awards ceremonies. As per Special Olympics standards, no sponsor signage is permitted in the awards area. In the event that an athlete misses the awards ceremony, their name will be announced and their position on the podium will remain empty. The award will be presented to the athlete at the next available opportunity in a separate ceremony. If the athlete cannot attend another award ceremony, a designated Delegation representative may collect the award from the SID the next day. Detailed information about awards ceremony procedures will be distributed at the first Head Coaches' meeting. Additional updates will be posted at the on-site SID.
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CHAPTER 4: COACHES' INFORMATION 4.1
Head Coaches' Meetings The Head Coach MUST attend the first Head Coaches' meeting. Date: July 24, 2015 Time: 19:00 to 20:30 Location: Check in at Brittingham Field. Sport Volunteers will escort all Coaches to the John McKay Center. All subsequent meetings will be announced at this meeting. The Head Coaches' meeting schedule can be found on the Competition Schedule or at the SID. Final Declaration will take place at the first Head Coaches' meetings. The purpose of Final Declaration is for the Head Coaches to verify all registered athlete information. The Head Coach will be provided with a list of all registered athletes, events and other entry information. It will be the Coaches' responsibility to verify all information and/or athlete information at this time. According to the submitted Final Declaration, declared athletes may be scratched from an event in which they are entered, but no substitution of any other athletes may be made. Once Head Coaches have signed and submitted their Final Declaration, no subsequent changes can be made. It is the responsibility of the Head Coach to ensure that athletes are supervised during the Head Coaches' meeting times. Athletes may not attend Head Coaches meetings.
4.2
Coaches' Code of Conduct Special Olympics is committed to the highest ideals of sport and expects all Coaches to honor sport and Special Olympics. All Special Olympics Coaches agree to observe the following code: Respect for Others •
I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of athletes, Coaches, other volunteers, friends and spectators in Special Olympics.
•
I will treat everyone equally regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion or ability.
• I will be a positive role model for the athletes. Ensure a Positive Experience
•
I will ensure that for each athlete I Coach, the time spent with Special Olympics is a positive experience.
•
I will respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each athlete.
•
I will ensure each athlete competes in events that challenge that athlete's potential and are appropriate to that athlete's ability. 21
•
I will be fair, considerate and honest with athletes and communicate with athletes using simple, clear language.
•
I will ensure that accurate scores are provided for entry of an athlete into any event.
I will instruct each athlete to perform to the best of the athlete's ability at all preliminaries and final heats in accordance with the official Special Olympics Sports Rules. Act Professionally and Take Responsibility for My Actions •
•
My language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation will demonstrate high standards.
•
I will display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved in the sport (athletes, Coaches, opponents, Officials, administrators, parents, spectators, media etc.).
•
I will encourage athletes to demonstrate the same qualities.
•
I will not drink alcohol, smoke or take illegal drugs while representing Special Olympics at training sessions, competition or during Games.
•
I will refrain from any form of personal abuse towards athletes and others, including inappropriate or unwanted sexual advances on others, verbal, physical and emotional abuse.
•
I will be alert to any form of abuse from other sources directed toward athletes in my care.
• I will abide by the Special Olympics policy on the prohibition of Coaches dating athletes. Quality of Service to the Athletes •
I will seek continual improvement through performance evaluation and ongoing Coach education.
•
I will be knowledgeable about the Sports Rules and skills of the sport(s) I Coach.
•
I will provide a plan for a regular training program.
•
I will keep copies of the medical, training and competition records for each athlete I Coach.
• I will follow the official Special Olympics Sports Rules for my sport(s). Health and Safety of Athletes
•
I will ensure that the equipment and facilities are safe to use.
•
I will ensure that the equipment, rules, training and environment are appropriate for the age and ability of the athletes.
•
I will review each athlete's medical form and be aware of any limitations on the athlete's participation noted on that form.
•
I will encourage athletes to seek medical advice when required.
•
I will maintain the same interest and support toward sick and injured athletes.
•
I will allow further participation in training and competition only when appropriate. I understand that if I violate this Code of Conduct, I will be subject to a range of consequences, up to and including being prohibited from Coaching in Special Olympics.
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CHAPTER 5: OFFICIALS' INFORMATION 5.1
Officials' Meeting It is imperative that all Athletics Officials attend the Officials' Meeting. Date: July 24, 2015 Time: 18:00 to 19:00 Location: Check in at Brittingham Field. Sport Volunteers will escort all Officials to the John McKay Center. In addition to reviewing all rules of Athletics, specific venue information will be given and Officials' credentials and uniforms will be distributed. Please always make sure to arrive early or on-time to all scheduled meetings and Competition/Divisioning. Remember that Officials are an integral part of competition.
5.2
Credentials & Uniform Distribution Credentials and uniforms will be distributed at the Officials' Meeting. Upon receipt, Officials will have to sign a sheet acknowledging receipt. More details will be communicated directly to each Official prior to the first Officials' Meeting regarding access to parking. Once Officials are in possession of their credentials, they are required to carry their credentials with them at all times: to park, to enter the venue, to get to any Officials' Lounges, to get on the Field of Play, etc.
5.3
Officials' Uniform Officiating Shirt: Officials will wear the GOC supplied purple polo shirt* during competition. Officials will also be given an Official LA2015 hat and a hip-pack to carry personal belongings. Coordinating Uniform: All Officials should wear tan* trousers, shorts or skirts. Starters' Uniform: All Starters should wear a red armband or red jacket. These will not be provided by the GOC. Footwear: White athletic shoes should be worn. * Please see appendix for Officials' Uniform photographs. NOTE: No personal equipment other than equipment necessary to conduct the event shall be taken to the Field of Play (FOP). For example, one bag of venue equipment will be allowed for the Head Official, no personal chairs or bags shall be taken to the FOP.
5.4
Check-In & Registration at Competition Venues All Officials should check in with the Athletes’ and Officials’ Supervisor at the Officials' Lounge, unless directed otherwise by the Technical Delegate or Competition Manager for their sport. Once competition has been completed at the venue each day, Officials must return to the Officials' Lounge for possible reassignment where needed.
5.5
Officials' Oath "In the name of all Judges and Officials, I promise that we shall officiate in these Special Olympics Games with complete impartiality, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, in the spirit of sportsmanship."
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APPENDIX ACRONYMS ATD: Assistant Technical Delegate CM: Competition Manager FOP: Field of Play GMS: Games Management System GOC: Games Organizing Committee (LA2015) HOD: Head of Delegation ITO: International Technical Official LA2015: Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015
LACC: Los Angeles Convention Center LMU: Loyola Marymount University SID: Sport Information Desk SOI: Special Olympics, Inc. TD: Technical Delegate UCLA: University of California, Los Angeles USC: University of Southern California USE: Unified Sports Experiences USEC: Unified Sports Evaluation Committee
DELEGATION CODES AFG ALB ALG ARG ARM ARU ASA AUS AUT AZE BAH BAN BAR BEL BEN BHU BIH BIZ BLR BOL BON BOT BRA BRN BRU BUL BUR CAM CAN CAY
Afghanistan Albania Algeria Argentina Armenia Aruba American Samoa Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bangladesh Barbados Belgium Benin Bhutan Bosnia and Herzegovina Belize Belarus Bolivia Bonaire Botswana Brazil Bahrain Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Cambodia Canada Cayman Islands
CHI CHN CIV COD COL CRC CRO CUB CUR CYP CZE DEN DMA DOM ECU EGY ESA ESP EST FIJ FIN FRA FRO GBR GEO GER GHA GIB GRE
Chile China Cote d´Ivoire Democratic Republic of Congo Colombia Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Spain Estonia Fiji Finland France Faroe Islands Great Britain Georgia Republic Germany Ghana Gibraltar Hellas (Greece)
Delegation codes continued on next page
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GUA GUY HAI HKG HON HUN INA IND IOM IRI IRL IRQ ISL ISR ISV ITA JAM JOR JPN KAZ KEN KGZ KOR KOS KSA LAO LAT LBA LCA LIB
Guatemala Guyana Haiti Hong Kong Honduras Hungary Indonesia Bharat (India) Isle of Man Iran Ireland Iraq Iceland Israel US Virgin Islands Italy Jamaica Jordan Nippon (Japan) Kazakhstan Kenya Kyrgyz Republic Korea Kosovo Saudi Arabia Laos Latvia Libya St. Lucia Lebanon
DELEGATION CODES CONTINUED LIE LTU LUX MAC MAR MAS MAW MDA MEX MKD MLI MLT MNE MGL MON MRI MYA NAM NCA NED NEP NGR NOR NZL PAK PAN PAR
Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Morocco Malaysia Malawi Moldova Mexico FYR Macedonia Mali Malta Montenegro Mongolia Monaco Mauritius Myanmar Namibia Nicaragua Netherlands Nepal Nigeria Norway New Zealand Pakistan Panama Paraguay
PER PHI PLE PNG POL POR PUR QAT ROM RSA RUS RWA SAM SEN SEY SIN SKN SLO SMR SOM SRB SRI SUD SUI SUR SVK SWE
Peru Philippines Palestine Papua New Guinea Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania South Africa Russia Rwanda Samoa Senegal Seychelles Singapore St. Kitts and Nevis Slovenia San Marino Somalia Serbia Serendib (Sri Lanka) Sudan Switzerland Suriname Slovakia Sweden
SWZ SYR TAN TGA THA TJK TKM TLS TOG TPE TRI TUN TUR UAE UGA UKR URU USA UZB VEN VIE VIN ZAM ZIM
Swaziland Syria Tanzania Tonga Thailand Tajikistan Turkmenistan Timor-Leste Togo Chinese Taipei Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey United Arab Emirates Uganda Ukraine Uruguay United States of America Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam St. Vincent and the Grenadines Zambia Zimbabwe
LA2015 APP INFO The Official LA2015 World Games app is available via Google Play for Android devices and iTunes for Apple devices. The app has been designed for social interaction for athletes and spectators. The app has been designed with the following features:
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Official results of the competition will be posted on the app.
•
Receive important notifications, follow other World Games app users, make friends and message them personally.
•
Join the conversation in forums.
•
Get event information (with the ability to bookmark the events you plan to attend), and easy access to all things World Games... and more!
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OFFICIALS' UNIFORM
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS AND HASHTAGS LA2015 SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS CHANNEL HANDLE
URL
Website
LA2015.org
@LA2015
twitter.com/LA2015
lnstagram
@LA2015
instagram.com/LA2015
@Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015
FB.com/LA2015
SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS CHANNEL
HANDLE
URL
Website
specialolympics.org
@SpecialOlympics
twitter.com/SpecialOlympics
lnstagram
@SpecialOlympics
instagram.com/SpecialOlympics
@SpecialOlympics
FB.com/SpecialOlympics
HASHTAGS #LA2015 (@ mention is preferred)
#SpecialOlympics (@ mention is preferred)
#Reach Up
#PlayUnified
#ReachUpLA
#UnifiedSports
SPORT RESOURCES PORTAL LA2015.org has a dedicated portal for Sport Resources including: • • • •
Technical Manuals Competition Schedules Officials' meeting schedules Officials' training materials 26
• • • • •
Head Coaches' meeting schedules Frequently Asked Questions Sport Updates Venue Information Additional World Games information for Officials and Coaches
To log in to the Sport Resources portal, go to: http://www.LA2015.org/delegationservices/sport-resources. Login Credentials: Username: delegations Password: LA2015 SPORT VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF UNIFORMS Sport Volunteers will wear lime green polo shirts. All Competition Management will have easy-toidentify credentials. More information will be available at the first Head Coaches' Meeting.
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VENUE MAP: LOKER STADIUM
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MAP KEY