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
3.10 Divisioning
1.1
Special Olympics Mission & Vision
3.11
1.2
LA2015 Contacts
3.12 Athlete Uniform
1.3
Public Safety and Security
3.13 Competition Equipment
1.4
Delegation Transportation System
3.14 Competition Format
1.5
Language Services
3.15 Competition Staging
1.6
Medical Services
3.16 Awards Staging
1.7
Clinics, Exhibitions, and Demonstrations
3.17 Awards Ceremony
1.8
Opening & Closing Ceremonies
1.9
Credentials
Points of Emphasis
CHAPTER 4: COACHES' INFORMATION 4.1
Head Coaches' Meetings
CHAPTER 2: SPORT INFORMATION
4.2
Coaches' Code of Conduct
2.1
Competition Venues
4.3
Coaches' Clinics
2.2
Participation Statistics Per Sport & Per Region
2.3
Sport Information Desks (SIDs)
CHAPTER 5: OFFICIALS' INFORMATION
2.4
Results
5.1
Officials' Meeting
2.5
Refusal to Compete — Special Olympics
5.2
Credentials & Uniform Distribution
2.6
Protests & Appeals Protocol
5.3
Officials' Uniform
2.7
Maximum Effort Reminder
5.4
2.8
Athletes' Code of Conduct
Check-In & Registration at Competition Venues
2.9
Unified Sports Evaluation Committee (USEC)
5.5
Officials' Oath
CHAPTER 3: OPEN WATER SWIMMING RULES & INFORMATION
APPENDIX
3.1
Participation Statistics
Delegation Codes
3.2
Delegation Codes
LA2015 App Info
3.3
Sport Contacts
Officials' Uniforms
3.4
Competition Schedule
Social Media Accounts & Hashtags
3.5
Events
Sport Resources Portal on LA2015.org
3.6
Venue Description
Sport Volunteers & Staff Uniforms
3.7
Field of Play (FOP) Information
Open Water Course Map
3.8
Practice & Warm-Up Information
Venue Map
3.9
Competition Regulations
Acronyms
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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.
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• 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
Wilson & Harding Golf Courses
20 km (12 mi)
USC
LA Equestrian Center
24 km (15 mi)
USC
LA Convention Center
3 km
USC
Long Beach
40 km (25 mi)
USC
UCLA
20 km (12 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.
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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
6
injuries, broken bones, etc.) to Common Conditions (Allergies sunburns, scrapes, etc.) and 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.
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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.
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.
11
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 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.
12
• • •
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.
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. 2.9
Unified Sports Evaluation Committee (USEC) Unified Sports® teams need to incorporate the principle of meaningful involvement. This means that during competition, all members (athletes and Unified partners) are presented with numerous opportunities throughout the course of a game to contribute to their team's performance. This decreases the potential for domination by higher ability teammates. The principle of meaningful involvement is the foundation of Unified Sports and helps to ensure a high quality experience. Therefore, it is the expectation for all Unified Sports teams participating at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games to demonstrate their understanding of this fundamental principle. A formal protocol has been established for these World Games designed to assess all Unified Sports teams to ensure the principle of meaningful involvement is being followed. The process focuses on educating and communicating to Coaches and Heads of Delegations how meaningful involvement is defined and how teams are expected to perform. The goal is to work with Unified Sports teams to ensure their success in adhering to the standards of meaningful involvement. Qualified individuals knowledgeable in Unified Sports will be on-site to help observe, guide, and monitor and enforce compliance. On-Site Unified Sports Competition Protocol Points of Emphasis • Player dominance and meaningful involvement violations may include both partners and athletes.
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The Officials on the field do not monitor or determine meaningful involvement; however, they may be asked for input. • A Unified Sports Evaluation Committee (USEC) member, assigned by SOI, will be onsite to monitor and evaluate the Unified Sports Competition at the 2015 World Games. • Each sport has been assigned a USEC member. The USEC member will work with the Sport TDs and Competition Managers (CM) to oversee a process of observing all Unified Sports teams to ensure they are incorporating the principle of meaningful involvement. • Sport-specific observation criteria will be used to determine if a team is not following the principle of meaningful involvement or if player dominance is occurring. The assigned USEC member may be alerted about possible concerns by Competition Management Team members, such as the Divisioning Team. • Teams will be observed regarding meaningful involvement in divisioning and medal rounds of competition. Divisioning Round Protocol 1. The Divisioning Team identifies Unified Sports teams with issues regarding meaningful involvement to a USEC member. 2. The USEC member informs the respective Coach with the specifics about why his/her team is not following the principle of meaningful involvement, and what needs to be done to correct it. 3. If violations continue to occur, a meeting with the USEC member, Coach, and Head of Delegation will be held to outline consequences. These may include the following: o The team will be identified for close observation during the medal round and will be penalized if failure to adhere to the principle of meaningful involvement continues. o If a team has a number of members who continue to not meaningfully involve their teammates and are of a much higher ability level, it will be placed in a separate division in which only participation ribbons will be awarded. Medal Round Protocol 1. If the USEC member determines that the team is not incorporating the principle of meaningful involvement, he/she consults with the TD. The game is immediately stopped, a meeting with the Coach is held, and a written warning given by the USEC member which identifies the specific player who is not adhering to the standards. If more than one team member is in violation, the Coach will be held accountable. This applies to each game or match. 2. If violations continue, the offending player(s) or Coach will be suspended for the remainder of that match/game. A time-out will be called and the USEC member meets with the Coach. The HOD will be informed of the suspension. 3. If a team persists in violating the principle of meaningful involvement during the same game or match, they will forfeit the game or match. Following the game or match, a •
14
meeting with the TD, USEC member, HOD (if present) and Coach is held. If the HOD is not present, he/she will be informed. 4. When a team forfeits a game, the TD and USEC member meet with the Coach. He/she is provided with a written warning indicating if any further violations occur in subsequent games, the team will be suspended and placed in a separate competition division in which participation ribbons are awarded. The HOD will be informed of the warning.
15
CHAPTER 3: OPEN WATER SWIMMING COMPETITION RULES & INFORMATION 3.1
Participation Statistics Number of Delegations
Number of Athletes
35
86
3.2
Delegation Codes Please refer to the appendix for all three-letter Delegation codes.
3.3
Sport Contacts Competition Management Team Competition Manager Technical Delegate Vice President, Sport Venue Management Team General Manager (Long Beach) Assistant General Manager (Long Beach) Sport Specific Jury Chair: Members:
Anneka Sakovich Anne McLindon Jennifer Keurulainen Kevin Carrera Tom Brooks Anne McLindon (TD) Anneka Sakovich (CM) David Harman (Head Referee)
3.4
Competition Schedule (subject to change)* Training/Wetsuit Fitting: July 25, 2015 Divisioning: July 26, 2015 Competition: July 30, 2015 *Please see Competition Schedule for a detailed schedule of events.
3.5
Events & Demonstrations Event
Category
Venue
Open Water Swimming 1,500m
Male/Female/Unified
Alamitos Beach
Male/Female/Unified
Alamitos Beach
Athletes/Partners/Coaches
Uytengsu Aquatics Center
High Performing Athlete Demonstration Pool Open Water Swimming (POWS) Demonstration
16
High Performing Athlete and Unified Open Water Swimming Demonstrations will take place at Alamitos Beach on July 26 from 16:00 to 18:00. A Pool Open Water Swimming (POWS) Demonstration will take place at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center on July 28 at 2:00 p.m. For more information on High Performing Athlete Demonstrations, please see Section 1.7. 3.6
Venue Description Alamitos Beach, Long Beach: The Open Water Swimming Divisioning and Final Competition will take place at Alamitos Beach, which is located in downtown Long Beach, north of Alamitos Bay. The venue will host a cluster of events in the 2015 World Games that include the sprint triathlon, beach volleyball and cycling. The Open Water Swimming events will take place on a wide stretch of beach with soft sand, providing ample room for coaches and spectator viewing. The water at Alamitos Beach is normally very calm, with minimal to no currents. The 1.5km race will be conducted in protected waters inside a breakwater adjacent to Long Beach Marina. The water temperature normally ranges from 67 - 71 degrees Fahrenheit or 19.4 - 21.6 degrees Celsius. Daytime air temperatures average in the mid 70s to low 80s. Uytengsu Aquatics Center, USC: The Pool Open Water Swimming Demonstration will take place at Uytengsu Aquatics Center, located on campus at The University of Southern California (USC). Specific seating areas will be designated for Delegations and spectators. Access control will be in place throughout the venue. Staging for the demonstration event will be located within the venue. Please refer to the appendix for the Alamitos Beach and Uytengsu Aquatics Center venue maps.
3.7
Field of Play (FOP) Information Alamitos Beach, Long Beach: The distance for the divisioning and Finals is set at 1.5km. The course will be rectangular shape and set parallel to the shore. The start and finish of the event will be on the beach a few meters from the water's edge. There will be numerous safety personnel and officials positioned on the swim course and on-land to provide the highest level of safety possible for all athletes. Uytengsu Aquatics Center, USC: The Pool Open Water Swimming Demonstration will be held in an outdoor swimming pool 50 meters by 8 lanes. The pool depth is 6 feet 6 inches (1.98m) to 13 feet (3.96m). Access onto the Field of Play will be restricted to official personnel only.
3.8
Training & Warm-Up Information There will be a designated warm-up area for athletes prior to the start of the Divisioning and Finals.
17
3.9
Competition Regulations The official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Open Water Swimming shall govern all Special Olympics competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) rules for Open Water Swimming found at http://www.fina.org/H2O/docs/rules/2015/disciplines/FINAowrules_20152017.pdf. FINA or National Governing Body (NGB) rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Open Water Swimming or Article I. In such cases, the official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Open Water Swimming shall apply. The official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Open Water Swimming can be found at: http://media.specialolympics.org/soi/files/resources/Sports-RulesCompetitions/OpenWaterSwimmingRules-2014.pdf 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.
3.10
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. Unified teams will be divisioned based on ability. There will be no separate division for "Wetsuits". An athlete who wears a wetsuit during the divisioning event must wear a wetsuit during the Finals. Athletes who do not wear a wetsuit during the divisioning event are not permitted to wear a wetsuit during the Finals.
3.11
Points of Emphasis • •
•
Divisioning of athletes and Unified teams into Final Competition will take place at Alamitos Beach. The distance will be 1.5km and shall take place on the same course as the Finals. The water temperature normally ranges from 67 - 71 degrees Fahrenheit or 19.4 - 21.6 degrees Celsius. Wetsuits for this event will be allowed under the Special Olympics Open Water Swimming Rules. Under Special Olympics Open Water Swimming Rule 30.2.2, there will not be a separate "Wetsuit Division" at the World Games. Athletes who wear a wetsuit during Divisioning must wear a wetsuit during the Finals. Athletes who do not wear a wetsuit during Divisioning may not wear a wetsuit during Finals.
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•
3.12
If any athlete or Unified partner becomes nervous or requires help during the divisioning or Finals, safety personnel will immediately move to the swimmer to assess the situation and confirm their safety. If an athlete or Unified partner wants to rest or hold to a water safety craft, this will be permitted. If an athlete or Unified partner looks too weak or nervous to continue, they will be pulled from the water immediately and taken to shore. All swimmers will be instructed to raise their hand if they feel nervous or endangered or need help or assistance at any time.
Athlete Uniform Athletes are required to wear swimsuits according to the guidelines of FINA. Referees have the authority to exclude any competitor whose swimsuit does not comply with the FINA guidelines. • Suits should not be transparent, even when wet. • Female athletes should wear a one-piece tank suit. • Unified teams must be in the same team attire, and the suits must be of the same color with the same team logo. • Wetsuits are permitted during divisioning and Finals. • Swim caps are required for divisioning and Finals. Numbered swims caps shall be provided to each athlete and Unified team at the divisioning event. • Swim goggles are strongly encouraged but are not required. 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 •
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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 3.13
Competition Equipment Athletes are required to bring their own team uniforms, swimsuit, goggles, robe and towel for competition. Numbered swim caps will be provided at the divisioning and are to be worn by all swimmers during divisioning and Finals. Swimmers are encouraged to apply sunblock and anti-chaffing balm to protect their skin from the environment. Wetsuits are optional, but not mandatory. The GOC is providing sleeveless wetsuits for athletes and unified partners to use for divisioning and finals if they reserved one before May 15. Wetsuit fittings for those reserverations will take place on July 25 and July 26. Athletes and Unified Partners can bring their own wetsuits to the Games.
3.14
Competition Format Swimmers are required to swim two (2) loops of the course in a counter-clockwise direction. Each loop will be 750 meters. Large buoy markers will be used on the water to designate the swim course. There will be two (2) Open Water Swimming events conducted during the divisioning and finals. The first will be the individual races. This will have a Men’s heat followed by a Women’s heat approximately five (5) minutes later. At the conclusion of the individual races, the Unified Teams will compete.
3.15
Competition Staging 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. Athletes and unified teams are required to check-in at least one hour prior to divisioning and finals competition. Coaches are not allowed in the competition staging area. Staging volunteers will ensure that the athletes wear the appropriate competition attire. Athletes and unified teams who fail to check-in 1 hour prior to the event will be disqualified from competition. Upon the athletes' check-in, they will numbered on the back of both hands, the back of both shoulders, and the sides of each arm. There will be a check for long fingernails and toenails. If fingernails or toenails are judged to be too long, they will be cut to a reasonable length. This is for the safety of all athletes and unified partners in order to prevent incidental or unintentional scratching.
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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 time and location of check-in for awards staging will be available at the first Head Coaches' Meeting or at the on-site SID. Head Coaches must ensure athletes/partners are wearing 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 Alamitos Beach Awards Plaza. 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 25, 2015 Time: 09:00 to 10:30 Location: Alamitos Beach, Honored Guest Tent
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.
•
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.
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•
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
4.3
•
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.
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. Date: July 31, 2015 Time: 13:00 to 14:00 Location: Uytengsu Aquatics Center, USC
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CHAPTER 5: OFFICIALS' INFORMATION 5.1
Officials' Meeting It is imperative that all Open Water Swimming Officials attend the Officials' Meeting. Date: July 25, 2015 Time: 11:00 to 12:00 Location: Alamitos Beach, Honored Guest Tent In addition to reviewing all rules of Open Water Swimming, 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* shorts or trousers. Footwear: Officials should wear comfortable non-slip shoes. No open-toed shoes or sandals are permitted. * Please see appendix for Officials' Uniform photographs.
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.
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)
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 on next page
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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: •
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
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• • • • •
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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OPEN WATER COURSE
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VENUE MAP
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