Coach and Sport Resources

To view certification and renewal requirements, see the SONC Coaches Education and Development Grid.

For more detail about the SONC Coach Education and Development Program, click here.

Quick steps to start coach certification process:

• Create an account and login with the Special Olympics (SO) Learning Portal. It takes about 24 hrs. to confirm your account.
  • Within the SO Learn Portal, complete Protective Behaviors and Concussion Training.
• Review General Orientation to SONC and take the quick quiz.
• Contact your local program coordinator to get involved and receive information about additional trainings.

Check the SONC calendar or see below for upcoming trainings and coach forums.

Live Coach Forums

All attendees will need to be an active participant. SONC Staff, Sport Development Team members, and veteran coaches will lead discussions related to the topic of the forum. Coaches are encouraged to share tools, resources, and ask advice of other coaches.

• Spring 2021 Coach Forum Recordings
  • #1: Effective Coaching Starts with Planning
  • #2: Communication and Planning a Practice
  • #3: Continuing Education for Coaches – (part 2)
  • #4: Season Wrap-Up and Where We Go From Here

The following trainings are free (unless where noted) and available to anyone wishing to advance their knowledge.

A Coach’s Playbook: Introduction to Autism and Instructional Strategies for Coaching – An online training for those seeking how to best work with their athletes with autism.

Sportsmanship – A free course offered through the National Federation of High School Athletic Associations (NFHS).

Coaching Adapted Sports – A free course offered through NFHS. This course is intended to adapt sports to those with physical disabilities.

Heat Illness Prevention – A free course offered through NFHS. A great resource for coaches of sports that take place outdoors at the SONC Summer Games.

Positive Sport Parenting – A free course offered through NFHS. Parents and caregivers are your partners in the Special Olympics athletes’ sports journey. Encourage them to take this course so you can all be on the same page and contribute to the athletes’ well being as a sport participant.

American Red Cross Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Online Training ($30)  – Online training offered by the American Red Cross. Certification is good for two years from the date of completion.

Without rules, Special Olympics would not be a sports training and competition organization. Here are some documents that better explain how these rules affect coaches and how they can prepare their athletes and coaching teams to be successful in their sport pursuits.

Special Olympics Divisioning – a web page dedicated to the unique principal that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations. A great resource for new coaches and refresher for veteran coaches.

Competition Guide for Coaches – a concise guide from Special Olympics, Inc. that illustrates the core principals of Special Olympics sports competitions from Article 1 in an easy-to-read format. Great information for new and veteran coaches.

The Coach and Competition Series: Pt. 1 – Before Competition – an excellent resource for new and veteran coaches that explains the role of the coach in preparing athletes for competition at all levels. This includes the importance of accurate entry scores, maximum effort explanation, and athlete readiness for competition.

The Coach and Competition Series: Pt. 2 – At Competition – an excellent resource for new and veteran coaches that explains the role and responsibilities of a coach at a competition. This includes preparing athletes for staging, explaining disqualifications, appropriate coach attire, and setting non-placement goals for athletes and teams.

Filing a protest during competition – a flowchart that describes the appropriate situations whereby a coach may file a protest during competition and how the protest is processed. Protests must be filed with the competition manager at the venue as within 30 minutes of the infraction. Please note that there are further requirements on who may submit a protest, including only SONC certified coach or higher certified coaches in the sport may file the protest. The competition manager will provide instructions on how to file an official protest.

Special Olympics, Inc. Article I of Sports Rules – This is where you can read about general sport rules regarding everything from advancement to how we as a global movement conduct awards.

For the more non-sport information about Special Olympics North Carolina, as well as links to the Special Olympics, Inc General Rules and SONC Operating Policies, please click here.

Getting Your Season Started

SONC recommends starting four months out from the culminating event. For example, an athletics coach would start planning in February if planning to train athletes in athletics (track & field), the culminating event being SONC Summer Games. Use these tools below to ensure a successful start to the season.

• Season Kick-Off Agenda Topics: Use this document as a template to build your kick-off meeting to set expectations and provide information to all involved.
• Season Kick-Off Agenda Template
• Athlete Goals for the Season: Use this resource to have athletes set their season goals.
• Team Goals for Start of the Season: Set and track your team goals for the season.
• Example – 10 week Soccer Season Plan
• Example – 10 week Athletics (track & field) Season Plan

Risk Management and Administration

Coaching is a risky business; use these tools to make sure you are taking the proper steps to provide a safe environment for your athletes.

• Facility Checklist: Use this checklist to ensure a safe and appropriate sport training environment.
• Equipment Checklist: Use this checklist to ensure you have the proper equipment for practice and competitions.
• Example team budget: Use this team budget example as a guide to create a budget for your team this season.

Communication Resources

Whether is it on or off the field, communicating effectively to your athletes and their family members/caregivers is the key for a successful sport season.

• Team Communication Spreadsheet: Use this spreadsheet created by one of your fellow SONC coaches to track your teams contact information.
• Team Snap: Free online team messaging app to message parents, athletes and Unified partners.
• Team App: Free online team messaging app to send messages, schedules, photos and reminders to parents, athletes, and Unified partners.

Planning an Effective Practice and Training Session

Whether you have two hours or 20 minutes with your athletes (spoiler alert: practices should be longer than 20 minutes), make the most of your time with them by planning ahead.

• Components of an Effective Practice Plan: Use this guide to start creating effective practice plans for your season.
• Practice/training session template: Use this template to plan out your practices for the season.
  • Example Practice Plan – Swimming
  • Example Practice Plan – Golf
  • Example Practice Plan – Basketball
• Sport Plan: Free online resource with access to hundreds of existing practice plans and templates.
• Warm-up and cool-down: Emphasize the importance of warm-up and cool-down in practices while giving practical tips and online resources

Athlete Assessment and Development Resources

• Athlete skill evaluation checklist: Use this evaluation checklist to assess your athletes sport skills, knowledge of the sport and overall health and fitness. This information will help shape the way you plan, execute and review your practice sessions.
• Athlete development plan: Use this for you and your coaching staff to create a development plan for individual athletes and also set goals.

Additional Resources

Use these additional resources to provide your athletes and coaching staff with the tools needed for a successful season.

• Team Goals End of Season Review: Reflect on your individual and team goals for the season.
• Season in Review for Coaches: For the coach to reflect on the season and prepare for end of year festivities.
• Sport Training Log: Give this to your athletes to help them keep track of their training progress throughout the season.
• Sports Schedule and Contact List for Athletes: Athletes can keep track of their practice schedules, teammates and coaches all in one document.

We all know that athletes that are physically fit, eat a well-balanced diet, and are mentally prepared perform better at their sport. Many times, the Special Olympics coach is the biggest influence in an athlete’s life as a sports participant, and will follow your example. Here are some tools Special Olympics has prepared to help coaches with their role as health and wellness influencers.

How to get your Fit 5 – this guide teaches the three simple goals of exercising 5 days per week, eating 5 total fruits and vegetables per day and drinking 5 water bottles of water.

Fit 5 Fitness Cards – flashcards of simple exercises that can be done at practice, at the gym, or even at home!

Fit 5 Tracker – download and print this document to track six weeks of tracking the Fit 5 – or any – program.

Fit 5 Exercise Videos – exercise videos led by SO athletes.

Staying Fit at Home – this calendar takes the guesswork out of working out. Download this calendar to follow what types of exercises to do on what days each week! Use it as a template to get your athletes to stay fit at home!

Cooking Healthy with Hanna – watch these great videos lead by Special Olympics Colorado athlete, Hanna, as she teaches athletes about kitchen safety, cooking and healthy eating.

Fitness and nutrition resource library  – SONC has assembled all our resources to help athletes, coaches and families stay fit and motivated during the COVID-19 pandemic. From Fit5 to the WWE & Special Olympics School of Strength, there is something here for everyone! For more resources visit the SONC Health & Wellness page.

Interested in being a wellness coach? Many local programs offer wellness programs for the athletes to participate in whether it is at practice or a standalone program. As a wellness coach you can either follow a Special Olympics program such as SOfit or you may offer your own wellness program for local athletes to participate in. Please email health@sonc.net to get started today!

Here are some general documents that you might find helpful on your journey to become a Special Olympics North Carolina coach. Included are coaching guides, role descriptions, and codes of conduct. Please contact sports@sonc.net if you have a specific question.

General Coaching Guides

• Athlete-Centered Coaching Guide – We want our coaches to be dedicated to the team by committing to learning more about their sport and their athletes. This is a guide to assessing your athlete’s individual strengths, potential challenges, and personality traits that make each of your team members unique.
• Quick Reference Coaching Guide – This is a basic guide to coaching athletes with intellectual disabilities, focusing on some behaviors often associated with intellectual disability. They will help you to improve athlete learning and give them a more enjoyable Special Olympics sport experience.
• Coaching Special Olympics Athletes (CSOA) Participant Guide – These guides are taken from the online training for CSOA and are here for coach reference purposes.
  • Unit 1: The Athlete – Different Abilities & Challenges
  • Unit 2: Teaching and Training the Athlete
  • Unit 3: Preparing for and Coaching During Competition
  • Unit 4: The Coach – Managing the Program

The Coaching Team

• Head Coach Job Description
• Assistant Coach Job Description
• Sport Assistant Job Description

Codes of Conduct

• Athlete Code of Conduct
• Coach Code of Conduct
• General Code of Conduct

Concussion Information and Protocols

• Concussion Fact Sheet for Parents and Athletes
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Heads Up Information

Quarterly Coach Update Emails

• May 2021
• July 2021

Wonder how to get started with a virtual training session? Your First Virtual Coaching Session has some great tips and even an agenda!

This General Coaching and Training Resources and Guidance is chock full of great online resources for furthering your coaching knowledge.

Try this Sport Specific Coaching and Training Resource if you are stuck on what type of exercises or drills you can give your athletes to fill their time!

Are you wondering what format is best for you to connect with your athletes in the virtual world? Check out SOI Top 3 Tools for Virtual Coaching Sessions for answers as well as which formats are free.

Sometimes, all an athlete has to connect them to the world outside is their cell phone number. Check out Keep on Coaching without Technology on tips to stay in touch with those athletes without the internet.

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in alpine skiing.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Alpine Skiing Quick Start Guide – printable version
• Special Olympics Alpine Skiing Quick Start Guide – digital version
• Special Olympics Alpine Skiing Coaching Guide – this is a longer, more detailed version of the alpine skiing coaching guide and includes more information on training
• Dry Land Ski Course
• Dry Land Ski Course Instructions
• Dry Land Ski Course VIDEO – approx. 10 minutes long.

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• Ski Tips – Gripping the Snow for Intermediate Skiers
• Alpine Skiing Training Camp for Athletes and Coaches
• Ski Helmet Sizing Guide

SONC offers four competitive events in alpine skiing, accommodating all ability levels and competition interests from beginner to advanced.

The glide is for athletes just learning how to ski where the terrain has a gentle slope with no turns. Coaches are allowed to assist athletes at this level.

The super glide is the next level where the terrain is slightly steeper than the glide, but also does not have turns.

Athletes competing in the novice slalom will ride a ski lift and ski on steeper terrain, weaving through a number of gates on their way to the finish.

Athletes in the intermediate slalom will experience a more challenging terrain than the novice slalom, with an increased number of gates.

Athletes competing in advanced slalom ski on the most challenging terrain (commonly referred to as the “black” runs), and experience tighter turns and more gates in their competition.

SONC Alpine Skiing-Snowboarding Rule Modifications – This document is updated by the beginning of each program year and indicates where SONC has modified existing Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI) or National Governing Body (NGB) rules.

SOI Official Sport Rules for Alpine Skiing – This is a link to the rules document produced by Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI). SOI updates these rules every two years.

United States Ski and Snowboard Association – This is a link to the NGB rules in effect for the SONC season.

Special Olympics falls under the International Ski Federation rule regarding a specific helmet that is required for ski and snowboard racing. This is a reminder that all athletes must have an FIS helmet in order to participate in Alpine Skiing or Snowboarding. These helmets must have the FIS stamp on the back of the helmet.

EnjoyWinter.com is pleased to, once again, offer all Special Olympics athletes 25% off the BLIZ RAID ski helmet, and Bliz ski goggles. Go to https://enjoywinter.com/wso, and use “SOWINTER” as promo code for 25% off. If you have bulk order, or have any questions, please contact Andy Gerlach at andyg@enjoywinter.com or call. 406-585-2660. Helmets from EnjoyWinter are $145 +tax and shipping as opposed to $200+.

To make the ordering process easier, please measure before placing the order. See the Helmet Sizing Guide. From our experience, athletes tend to fit into the large, XL and XL+ sizes more often than small and medium.

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Special Olympics North Carolina Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Training Clinics

French-Swiss Ski College will again host multiple Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding Training Clinics with no previous experience required to attend. These clinics are designed to get athletes out onto the snow and practice their skills under skilled, professional ski instructors. Register here. 

Special Olympics Southeast U.S. Winter Games – Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Registration Forms

• Southeast U.S. Winter Games – Informational Flyer

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in athletics.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – printable version
• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – digital version
• Mini-Javelin Instructions
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide – digital version
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide – printable version

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• Dynamic Warm-up and Sprint Drills
• Sample 10-week season training plan

SONC offers competition in 29 different athletics events, ranging in distances from 10 meters to 1,500 meters, as well as multiple field events. This range of events allows athletes of all ability levels the opportunity to train and compete successfully to the best of their abilities.

Developmental Events
click link to see diagram of event layout
10m/25m Assisted Walk
Tennis Ball Throw (same as the softball throw)
10m/25m Wheelchair Races
30m Wheelchair Slalom
25m Wheelchair Obstacle
30m/50m Motorized Wheelchair Slalom

Lead-Up Events
click link to see diagram of event layout
25m/50m Dash
25m/50m Race Walk
100m/200m Wheelchair Races
Wheelchair Shot Put
Standing Long Jump
Softball Throw

Traditional Events
click link to see diagram of event layout
100m/200m/400m Dash
100m/400m Race Walk
800m/1500m Run
Running Long Jump
Shot Put
Mini-Javelin (similar set up for softball and tennis ball throw)
Pentathlon
4 x 100 Relay

There are two options to order the mini-javelin:

Throwing Zone

• Go to www.turbojav.com; home web page of The Throwing Zone
• Order the Turbojav 6-Pack; this includes (3) 300 gram Turbojavs and (3) 400g Turbojavs

Everything Track and Field

• Call 1-800-556-7464
• A Turbo Jav kit can be ordered for $284.00; just make sure to request the 400g Turbo Jav and to replace the 500g Long Tom.

Local programs are responsible for the cost of these kits.

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Athletics dated June 2020 will be in effect for the 2021-2022 SONC program year. Review the SOI Athletics Rule Changes (2020) for a synopsis of these rule changes. The SONC rules modifications and interpretations listed below are intended to be used in conjunction with USA Track & Field (USATF) rules and SOI Official Rules. Therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to SONC modifications.

SONC Athletics Rule Modifications and Interpretations for 2021-2022

See the SONC Uniform and Logo Guidelines for Athletics for information on appropriate attire and equipment.

Track Events

• Refer to the Athlete Event Selection Guidelines for recommended appropriate event selection for athletes.

Pentathlon

• This is new: The 400m run has been removed and replaced by the 800m run. (See SOI athletics rule 2.3.8. for the complete rule change)

Field Events

• Ties for standing long jump, running long jump, shot put will be broken according the SOI rules Section 3.2.1.1. Ties for softball throw and mini-jav will stand as scored meaning ties will not be broken. (SONC modification of SOI Athletics rules Section 3.2.1.1.)
• Athletes will not be assessed a foul for not initiating an attempt after their name is called. It will be the judgment of the official if an athlete is taking too long. A warning will be given first if an athlete is deemed taking too long. (SONC modification of SOI Athletics rules Section 3.2.1.2).
• Softball and tennis ball throw
  • Athletes will have the opportunity to throw for distance three times. The best of those three throws will be measured. (SONC modification of SOI Athletics rules Section 3.2.1.2.)
• Mini Javelin
  • Little finger must be closest to the point of the mini-jav (pointed forward).
  • Athletes must exit off the back of the Chute. Set-up is similar to that of softball throw

SONC Summer Games Special Notices

• Athletes may select events from Developmental or Lead-up & Wheelchair or Traditional but must stay within their category. Athletes may compete in three individual events, and athletes in the traditional events may also compete in one relay event.
• The maximum effort rule will be in place for all track and field events. This rule is in place to ensure accuracy in order to provide competitive divisions for the athletes. Athletes with final scores (measures or times) that are a significant percentage better than the score submitted will be subject to disqualification. The parameters in place for the events are: 15% for traditional track events; 20% for traditional field events; 20% for developmental and lead-up track events; 35% for developmental and lead-up field events. (SONC modification)

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Summer Games/Invitational Registration Forms

Athletics Individual Registration Form
Athletics Relay Registration Form

Athletics Improved Performance Form (will be posted after registration is due for Summer Games) – must submit by May 24, 2022. Only submit this form if the time for an event is faster than the one submitted for registration. The decision to change a division for an athlete will be decided by the competition management team, and/or SONC staff.

Local program coordinators should submit entries along with the remainder of the Summer Games registration. These forms will be available closer to the event date.

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in basketball team and this quick test to recertify in basketball individual skills.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – printable version
• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – digital version
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide
• Nutritional Information

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• FIBA Basketball Trainings – Excellent free resource with diagrams and explanations for drills and videos from professional coaches around the world.

SONC offers four types of basketball competition: individual skills, 3-on-3 team, masters 3-on-3 team and 5-on-5 team.

Individual skills competition allows Special Olympics athletes to develop sports skills in a competitive format designed as a stepping stone for athletes to team competition. The individual skills offered for basketball are passing, dribbling, and shooting.

3-on-3 basketball team competition is played on a half-court with three players a side (six player on a roster maximum). Games are played with two ten-minute halves with a running clock. The winner is determined by who has the most points at the end of full time, or the first team to 20 points.

Masters 3-on-3 basketball team competition is played on a half-court with three players a side (six player on a roster maximum). Masters competition is for older athletes (age 30+) and teams may not carry any player under the age of 30. Games are played with two ten-minute halves with a running clock and shooting fouls. The winner is determined by the team with the most points at the end of full time.

5-on-5 basketball team competition is played on a regulation basketball court and follows North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) rules, with some modifications. Games are played by four eight-minute quarters with a running clock. The winner is determined by the team with the most points at the end of full time.

League play for 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 basketball team takes place during the winter and early spring season. Teams participate in three-to-five team leagues over an 8-week period that culminates in a league showcase.

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Basketball dated June 2020 will be in effect for the 2021-2022 SONC program year.  This document is intended to be used in conjunction with the USA Basketball rules and SOI Rules. SONC also follows North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) and National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) rules where indicated. Some of those rules are repeated here for clarification; NCHSAA rules will be used unless in direct conflict to SONC modifications.

SONC Basketball Modifications, Interpretations and Points of Emphasis

Uniforms and Attire

• For proper placement/size/color of SONC and local program logos on uniforms and equipment worn and used by athletes and coaches, please refer to the SONC Uniform and Logo Guidelines for basketball document.
• Players are allowed to wear medical devices like knee braces or wristguards, but they must be approved by the competition manager and/or official before the start of the game. Depending on the severity of the device and any safety issues, a doctor’s note may be required in order for the player to wear this device at state-level competition (SONC modification of SOI Section 6.5.4).
• A uniform check will be administered before each game by the officials. Non-compliance of uniforms is not protestable. If a team does not follow the uniform regulations, officials will enforce and assess penalties prior to tip-off. Penalties are as follows:
  • In 3-on-3 competition, first possession will go to the non-offending team. The team not in compliance will also lose a time out in the first half.
  • In 5-on-5 competition, a maximum of one technical foul will be charged directly to the head coach. The team not in compliance will also lose a timeout in the first half. (SONC modification of SOI Section 6.5.5)
• Home and away teams will be assigned at competition: home = light, away = dark.

Equipment

• Individual Skills: A smaller basketball (28.5 women’s/junior size) will be used for all individual skills divisions (SONC modification of SOI Section 4.1.1.2) and made of composite leather.
• Individual Skills: Goals set at 8ft will be used at the Spot Shot Station for all athletes in the 8-11 and 12-15 age groups or as otherwise requested by programs with state level registration.
• Team Competition: A traditional sized basketball (size 29.5) will be used for all 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 team competitions.

Individual Skills Competition

• SONC offers Level 1 Individual Skills Competition which is comprised of three events: Target Pass, 10-meter Dribble, and the Spot Shot.
• Refer to the SOI Official Sport Rules for Basketball pages 4 – 7 for the rules of each event.

3-on-3 Team Competition

• For rule modifications specific to 3-on-3 Team Competition, see this document.

Master 3-on-3 Team Competition

• For rule modifications specific to Master 3-on-3 Team Competition, see this document.

5-on-5 Team Competition

• For rule modifications specific to 5-on-5 Team Competition, see this document.

SONC Summer Games Special Notices

• At the 2022 SONC Summer Games, Team 5-on-5 and individual skills will be offered. Team 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 alternate Summer Games years in which they are offered at the state-level event.
• Team rosters may change from training roster to registration, but must remain consistent after games registration.
• A team automatically forfeits the game if they are ten minutes late.
• Local programs are welcome to offer competition in official Special Olympics basketball events that are not offered at SONC state-level events. For example, programs can offer local competition in Unified Sports, in team competition of either 3-on-3 or 5-on-5.
• Basketball and Softball Season Switch Explanation

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Fall Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms

• Basketball Individual Skills Registration Form
• Basketball Team Registration and Rating Form

Local program coordinators should submit entries along with the remainder of the Fall Tournament registration. These forms will be available closer to the event date.

Assessment Forms
For coaches’ use only – do not submit with event registration.

• Basketball Individual Skills Worksheet
• Basketball Team Individual Rating Form

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in bocce.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – printable version
• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – digital version
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

SONC offers singles, doubles, Unified Sports doubles, team, and Unified Sports team competition. Depending on the event, players take a turn rolling a bocce ball toward the smallest ball (pallina), which has already been thrown onto the field. The players are given points for the balls thrown closest to the pallina.

The International Federation for Bocce is Special Olympics Inc. and therefore the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Bocce dated June 2020 will be in effect for the 2022-2023 SONC program year.  This document is intended to be used in conjunction with the SOI Rules; therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to SONC modifications.

For proper placement/size/color of SONC and local program logos on uniforms and equipment worn and used by athletes and coaches, please refer to the SONC Uniform and Logo Guidelines document.

SONC Bocce Rules Interpretations, Modifications and Points of Emphasis

• Substitutes on four-person teams must be registered on that team.  A substitute must also notify the official before the game begins if a substitute is enacted or the team forfeits that match.
• Athletes and teams will change ends of the court after the last ball of the frame has been thrown. (SONC interpretation of rules of competition)
• Duration of games: Singles and doubles games will be played for 30 minutes or until one player/side reaches 12 points. Teams games will be played for 40 minutes or until the team/side reaches 16 points. If, at the 30/40 minute mark, the pallina has already been thrown, that frame shall be played in its entirety. (SONC modification of Section 4.10.2)
• Officials will assess and enforce all penalties for committed fouls. This includes removing a ball from the court after is has been declared dead, and moving disrupted balls back to their original position. (SONC modification to SOI Section 5.5.1.4)
• No player may play his or her ball until a pallina or another ball has come to a complete rest. If the pallina has not come to rest before the first ball is played, the ball that has been played is considered to be a dead ball. In a team situation, the team committing the foul will still need to establish the initial point meaning another athlete on the same team must play the next ball to establish the initial point. (SONC modification to SOI Section 4.18.4)
• Walls or frame of the bocce court should be made of some rigid material (for examples PVC pipe or wood), measuring at minimum 3″ from the ground. Acceptable materials include (but are not limited to) wood and PVC pipe. (SONC modification of 3.1.3)

SONC Fall Tournament Special Notices

• The minimum to register a team is four players. Should a traditional team drop to three players after divisioning on Friday of Fall Tournament, the team will remain in team competition, but each athlete will only be able to roll once. (Modification of Section 14.1.1. Please note that per SOI rules, teams (4-person) are allowed to carry a substitute on their roster. Substitutes must adhere to the rules per Section 4.13.3) If an athlete drops from a Unified Team, the local program has the option of moving an athlete from singles to Unified Team, or moving the remaining athlete to singles.

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Fall Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms

• Bocce Registration Form

Local program coordinators should submit entries along with the remainder of the Fall Tournament registration. All state-level registration forms are available here under the Fall Sports Season Timeline.

Updates and Recertifications

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in bowling.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – printable version
• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – digital version
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• USA Bowling Coaching

• Traditional Singles
• Traditional Singles ramp (unassisted and assisted)
• Traditional Doubles
• Unified Doubles
• Traditional Team
• Unified Team
• In doubles and five-person team competition (traditional and Unified Sports), SONC uses the Baker System format, which places emphasis on the team effort rather than individual accomplishments of team members. Doubles or team members take turns bowling frames within one game, as opposed to team members bowling individual games and combining the scores for one team score.

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Bowling dated June 2020 will be in effect for the 2021-2022 SONC program year. There are no SOI bowling rule changes for the 2021-2022 SONC program year. The SONC rules modifications and interpretations listed below is intended to be used in conjunction with the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) rules and SOI Rules; therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to SONC modifications.

For proper placement/size/color of SONC and local program logos on uniforms and equipment worn and used by athletes and coaches, please refer to the SONC Uniform and Logo Guidelines document.

SONC Bowling Modifications, Interpretations and Points of Emphasis for 2021-2022

• All doubles and team members must play every game. For doubles or team members arriving late, coaches will have the option of scratching that athlete from the competition, or a zero score will be entered for each frame they are slated to bowl. (SONC modification of SOI bowling rule 5.1)
• A bowler may not alternate delivery from hand to hand unless given prior permission due to injury or disability. In the event a bowler will need to alternate delivery, the local program must notify SONC prior to the event. (Emphasis of USBC rule 4c.)
• In doubles and team competition, team captains and/or coaches may change the bowling order but may only do so between games. (SONC modification of SOI bowling rule 4.11)
• The application of any foreign substance on any part of the approach that detracts from the possibility of other players having normal conditions is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, talcum powder, pumice and resin on shoes, and/or soft rubber soles or heels that rub off on the approach. (Emphasis of USBC rule 12.)
• Doubles and team competition will bowl using Baker Format. Refer to the Baker System format document.
• At no time shall the ramp assistant aim or direct the ramp on behalf of the athlete. Refer to SOI bowling rule 2.1.3.1 for complete rule.
• Unified teams must be comprised of 2 Unified partners and 3 Special Olympics athletes. (SONC modification of SOI bowling rule 2.3)

SONC Summer Games Special Notices

• A team must register with five bowlers. (SONC modification of SOI bowling rule 2.3) If a team drops to 4 bowlers that team will receive a 0 for each frame the dropped bowler was supposed to bowl.
• SONC Summer Games Bowling Registration and Scoring Rules

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Summer Games/Invitational Registration Forms

• Bowling Singles Registration Form
• Bowling Doubles Registration Form
• Bowling Team Registration Form

Local program coordinators should submit entries along with the remainder of the Summer Games registration. These forms will be available closer to the event date.

Updates and Certifications

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in cheerleading.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics, Inc (SOI) Cheerleading Coaching Guide (to be published late 2021)

Additional Coach Resources

• Special Olympics Cheer Coach’s Corner Meeting Recording (2/6/2021)

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• USA Cheer Spirit Safety Certification
• NFHS Cheer Safety Certification Course

Individual Performance Competition (Scholastic) is available for athletes just starting out in cheerleading, or for programs without adequate numbers to form a team. Athletes have two and on-half minutes to complete a routine, and music is allowed.

Team Competition – Scholastic is offered in the traditional and Unified Sports models in four different categories. Criteria and restrictions for each category are found within the SONC Cheerleading Rules. All categories allow music, and have options for tumbling and stunting. Teams competing in the scholastic/recreational have two and one-half minutes to complete their routine.

• Team non-mount & non-tumble: There are no tumbling, stunts or mounts allowed in this level. Music allowed but not required.
• Team non-mount: tumbling is allowed in this level, but no stunts or pyramids. Music allowed but not required.
• Team non-tumble: stunts and pyramids are allowed in this level; however tumbling elements are not. Music allowed but not required.
• Team mount & tumble: tumbling, stunts, and pyramids are allowed. Music allowed but not required.

Team Competition – Novice Level 1 is offered in traditional and Unified Sports models (see SOI Sports Rules for Competitive Cheerleading 4.4.5 and 5.5.6). Tumbling, stunts, and pyramids are allowed. Music is allowed. Please review the SONC Sport Rules for Competitive Cheerleading for information on roster size and other rules.

The SONC Sport Rules Modifications for Cheerleading will govern all SONC for the 2022-2023 program year. These rules will be used in conjunction with USA Cheer, National Federation of High School Athletic Associations (NFHS), and Varsity Brand safety rules.  Additionally, the Official Special Olympics (SOI) Sports Rules for Competitive Cheerleading dated October 2022 will apply to teams competing in Novice Level 1 competition as outlined in the SONC Sport Rules Modifications for Cheerleading.  These rules are to be used in conjunction with the International Cheer Union (ICU) Special Abilities Rules and Regulation dated 2020-2022 (referred to as ICU) therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to SONC Sport Rules Modifications for Cheerleading.

SONC Scholastic Cheerleading Rubric – this rubric can be used by teams and individuals competing in the scholastic level events.

SONC Scholastic Cheerleading Scoresheet – full scoresheets for individuals and teams competing in the scholastic level.

Cheerleading Scoresheet for Novice (Level 1) – scoresheet for teams competing in the Novice (Level 1) competition. Applies to both traditional teams (all Special Olympics athletes) and Unified Sports teams.

USA Cheer – USA Cheer (formerly AACCA) is the national governing body (NGB) for cheerleading in the United States.

International Cheer Union (ICU) Special Abilities – ICU is the international sport federation for cheerleading. For information on the Level 1 Novice rules, please refer to this document.

USA Cheer Preferred Vendors for Cheerleading Music

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Cheerleading Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms

• Cheerleading Individual and Team Registration Form

Local program coordinators should submit entries along with the remainder of the Cheerleading Tournament registration.  Click here for a full list of Cheerleading Tournament registration forms. These forms will be available closer to the event date.

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in cycling.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – printable version
• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – digital version
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• Cycling 101

SONC offers seven different cycling events through a mix of time trial races and road races. Time trial races are conducted with riders starting one at a time at set intervals. Road races are conducted using a mass start where all riders start at the starting line at the same time.

• 500m Time Trial
• 1k Time Trial
• 2k Time Trial
• 5k Time Trial
• 5k Road Race
• 10k Road Race
• 15k Road Race

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Cycling dated June 2020 will be in effect for the 2022-2023 SONC program year. Review the SOI Cycling Rules Changes (2020) for a synopsis of these rule changes. The SONC rules modifications and interpretations listed below is intended to be used in conjunction with the USA Cycling rules and SOI Rules; therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to SONC modifications.

For proper placement/size/color of SONC and local program logos on uniforms and equipment worn and used by athletes and coaches, please refer to the SONC Uniform and Logo Guidelines document.

SONC Cycling Rule Modifications and Interpretations for 2022-2023

Bikes & Equipment

• Inspection of every rider’s bike is required before each competition. SONC will provide a bike mechanic at the state-level event. (SONC modification to SOI Cycling rule 4.2)
• Please refer to SOI Official Sport Rules for Cycling Section 4.2 for appropriate helmet and bicycle equipment.
  • *New* SOI Official Cycling rules 4.2.3, cycling helmets must meet the safety standards of the National Governing Body. Certification must be inside each helmet and may be no OLDER than 3 years.
• Any special aero equipment used by the rider such as, aero helmet, disc wheels, skinsuits, etc. must be used/worn at the qualifying event (i.e. divisioning round at the state-level event) if the athlete is to be permitted to use/wear the items for competition. Aerobars cannot be used in competition. (Modification to SOI Section 4.2.2; SONC does not allow aerobars or similarly adapted handlebars.)

SONC Fall Tournament Special Notices

• SONC will establish a qualifying round for all distances at Fall Tournament.
• SONC has established maximum time limits for the following long-distance events. These time limits are to ensure a set schedule for competition as well as not keep athletes waiting for long periods of time after they complete their event. Time limits are in hour:minute:seconds.
  • 10k Road Race – 29:30 (i.e twenty-nine minutes & thirty seconds)
  • 15k Road Race – 47:00
  • 25k Road Race – 1:00:00 (i.e. one hour, no minutes, no seconds)

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

State-Level Event/Invitational Sport Registration Forms

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Please note that recertification for equestrian coaches (including leaders/sidewalkers) must be done in person at an equestrian training school. Please visit the events calendar to find a training.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – digital version
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA)– Instructor of Riders with Disabilities (CHA-IRD); Level 2 or above
• CHA Educational Video Shorts – brief instructional videos free of charge
• Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH)
• American Hippotherapy Association (AHA)
• American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) Level 2 or above
• Pony Club Coaching Certificate

SONC offers seven different events (also called “classes”). These classes showcase the ability of the athlete to control the horse and follow verbal instructions as well as learned patterns.

Events Offered

• Dressage (English & Western; all levels*)
• Equitation (English & Western; all levels)
• Western Riding (Level A only)
• Working Trails (English & Western; all levels)
• Showmanship at Halter/Bridle Classes (non-mounted performance class)
• Pole Bending (English & Western; all levels*)
• Barrel Racing (English & Western; all levels*)

Dressage (English and Western)

• Dressage Level A – Call Sheet
• Dressage Level A – Pattern
• Dressage Level B – Call Sheet
• Dressage Level B – Pattern
• Dressage Level C – Call Sheet
• Dressage Level C – Pattern

Showmanship (Halter and Bridle)

• Showmanship Level A
• Showmanship Level B
• Showmanship Level C

Western Riding (Western only)

• Western Riding Level A

Trails (English and Western)

• Working Trails Level A
• Working Trails Level B
• Working Trails Level C

Equitation Tests

These are the basic commands to be used by the announcer and/or judge for equitation classes. For additional potential tests, please refer to SOI Section 13.3:

• Western: walk (C class), jog (B class) and lope (A class)
• English: walk (C class), trot (B class) and canter (A class)
• Both: back, circle, halt, reverse and line up on the ring master/ring mistress

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Equestrian dated June 2020 will be in effect for the 2022-2023 SONC program year. Review the SOI Equestrian Rule Changes (2020) for a synopsis of these rule changes. The SONC rules modifications and interpretations listed below is intended to be used in conjunction with the 2020 United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Rulebook, and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). Therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to SONC modifications.

*Please see the test patterns in the section on this page. SONC will use the dressage, western riding, trail and showmanship patterns published by SONC and linked below. Other than these adjustments, the rules are identical to those on the SOI resources web page. Please note that updated SOI Sport Rules for Equestrian will be published in October of 2022, but SONC will use the version dated 2020.

For proper placement/size/color of SONC and local program logos on uniforms and equipment worn and used by athletes and coaches, please refer to the SONC Uniform and Logo Guidelines document (will be available by 8/1/2022)

SONC Equestrian Rule Modifications and Interpretations for 2022-2023

• For the safety of all athletes, coaches, and volunteers, anyone riding a horse must take the proper safety precautions while participating in Special Olympics activities. Activities are defined as practice, warm-up and/or schooling of horses for competition/training purposes. This includes wearing a helmet, appropriate heeled shoes/boots, long pants, and appropriate saddle/tack. Additionally, close-toed shoes are required of all personnel entering any arenas being used for competition, practice, or warm-up.
• Tack: for guidelines about required tack (including stirrups), please refer to the SOI rules.
  • Saddles and all other tack are the responsibility of the local program and their riding center partners. (This is a clarification of SOI Section 5.1.)
  • All horses must wear a halter and a bit, regardless of class. (SONC modification of Section 5)
  • The following bits will not be allowed for use: Kimberwicks, Pelhams, Hackamores, or Elevators. (SONC addition to SOI Section 17.1.1.2)
  • As per AQHA rules, an optional curb-strap attached below the reins on a snaffle bit is acceptable for Western classes.
  • For English classes, the use of curb straps or chains on any kind of bit is also prohibited.
• Please refer to SOI Section 3.14 and 3.15 regarding horse and rider requirements. However, SONC allows an athlete to show a different horse if entered in a Showmanship class.

SONC Equestrian Tournament Rules

• There will be three gate calls for riders and their appropriate classes. If the athlete has not reported to the warm-up arena by the final gate call, they will be scratched from the event and receive no award for that event.
• If an athlete is only registered for/competing in Showmanship, he/she is not required to take part in Friday Divisioning classes. All other athletes are required to ride in divisioning classes on Friday afternoon to be eligible to compete during the weekend.  If the athlete does not participate in divisioning, they will not compete during the weekend.
• Athletes are allowed to compete in a maximum of three events. If entering in events other than just showmanship, one of those events must be a mounted performance class (dressage, western riding, trails, equitation).
• SONC allows coaches to be leaders and side walkers. (SONC modification of SOI Section 6.3.3 in that coaches are allowed to act as horse handlers (i.e. leaders), side walkers or spotters for their own athletes while in the competition ring. All other personnel (e.g. head coach) must remain in the “Coaches Box” during judging).
• All coaches, youth coaches, leaders, sidewalkers must be certified in equestrian in order to enter any restricted areas during state-level competition.  Wrist bands will continue to be used to designate those who have received SONC equestrian training and are allowed in the competition arena.
• For the purposes of consistency, Western and English Working trails and dressage will use the same pattern by level.

SONC Equestrian Tournament Order of Events and Horse Practices

• Western classes will start, followed by English
• Order of Events (tentative)
  • Friday – Divisioning (start with A then work towards C-S)
  • Saturday – Showmanship, Working Trails, Gymkhana (Pole Bending & Barrel Racing)
  • Sunday – Dressage, Western Riding, then Equitation
• Horses will be provided to some programs if indicated on the interest form. Please note that athletes using local horses will be divisioned separately from those bringing horses. Those programs will be notified of the horse matching schedule and progress. Local programs and their riding center partners bringing horses must bring all appropriate tack, stable equipment, muck bucket and rake, hay, and feed. SONC will provide shavings for horses.
• Coggins tests will be checked when you arrive at the horse complex for state-level competition and a copy must be posted on the stall door.  These should be dated after October 9, 2022 (completed within the last year).

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in figure skating.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Figure Skating Quick Start Guide – digital version
• Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide – digital version
• Special Olympics Figure Skating Coaching Guide – downloadable version

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• Professional Skaters Association Trainings

• Badge Competition (formerly called Individual Skill Competition)
• Singles Competition
• Pairs Skating
• Ice Dancing
• Unified Sports Pairs Skating
• Unified Sports Ice Dancing
• Unified Synchro Team

SONC follows the SOI Official Sport Rules for Figure Skating, and SONC does not have modifications other than the type of events offered (found under the Events Offered accordion).

SOI Official Sport Rules for Figure Skating – This is a link to the rules document produced by Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI). SOI updates these rules every two years.

US Figure Skating Association – This is a link to the NGB rules in effect for the SONC season.

Resources

• For additional resources for including routine instructions, videos and coach program worksheets, please visit the Special Olympics Figure Skating webpage.
• For information on starting a Unified Synchro team, contact Tappie Dellinger, SONC Ice Skating Sport Development Team Director.

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

SONC SE Winter Games Figure Skating Registration Forms

Updates and Recertification

Coaching Guides

• SONC Flag Football Frequently Asked Questions
• Flag Football Academy– source for flag football play and drill examples
• Flag Football Training Tips

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• National Flag Football Trainings

SONC offers three types of flag football competition: individual skills, 5-on-5 traditional team and 5-on-5 Unified Sports team.

Individual skills competition allows Special Olympics athletes to develop sports skills in a competitive format designed to serve as a stepping stone to team competition. The indvidual skills offered for flag football are catching, throwing for accuracy, throwing for distance, and flag pulling.

5-on-5 traditional team competition is played on a modified flag football field with a youth football.

5-on-5 Unified Sports teams pair Special Olympics athletes with persons without intellectual disabilities of similar age and ability on a team.

Watch this video about flag football updates for the 2021-2022 program year.

SOI Flag Football Rules – This is a link to the rules document produced by Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI). SOI updates these rules every two years.

NIRSA Flag Football Rules- This is a link to the NGB rules in effect for the SONC season.

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Invitational Registration Forms

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in golf and this quick test to recertify in golf individual skills.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – printable version
• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – digital version
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• NFHS Coaching Golf
• USGA Golf Rules 101 – can be taken for recertification. Must send proof of completion to sports@sonc.net

Level 1:  Individual Skills Competition
This competition allows Special Olympics athletes to develop sports skills in a competitive format designed to serve as a stepping stone towards course play. The individual skills offered for golf are short and long putt, chip shot, pitch shot, iron shot and wood shot.

Level 2:  Alternate Shot Team Play (9 hole)
This competition allows Special Olympics athletes to compete in course play with a Unified partner that acts as a coach to the athlete. The partner teaches strategy along with golf etiquette while playing alternate shot to prepare the athlete for individual course play.

Level 3:  Alternate Shot Unified Sports Team Play (18 hole)
This competition allows Special Olympics athletes with a strong concept of golf rules and etiquette to play with a Unified Partner of similar ability on an alternate shot team for 18 holes.

Level 4:  Individual Stroke Play Competition (9 hole)
This competition allows those athletes who have improved golf skills from level 2 to compete as an individual for 9-holes. Athletes are allowed caddies to help advise on strategy. Athletes must have an average score of 70 or under in order to be eligible for this level of play.

Level 5:  Individual Stroke Play Competition (18 hole)
This is the highest individual level of golf offered by Special Olympics, and is for athletes with a good understanding of the game and golf knowledge. Athletes must have an average score under 120 in order to be eligible for this level of play. Athletes must have an average score of 120 or under in order to be eligible for this level of play.

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Golf dated June 2020 will be in effect for the 2021-2022 SONC program year. There are no SOI Golf rule changes for the SONC 2022-2023 program year. The SONC rules modifications and interpretations listed below is intended to be used in conjunction with the United States Golf Association (USGA) rules and SOI Rules; therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to SONC modifications.

SONC Golf Rule Modifications and Interpretations for 2022-2023

• All SONC golf competitions will use golf carts for athletes, Unified partners and caddies. (SONC modification of SOI Golf rules section 3.2.2)
• The use of range finding devices without a slope indicator is permitted during play. Anyone found using such devices with a slope indicator will incur a stroke penalty for each hole. (Levels 2 and 4, 9 – stroke penalty, Levels 3 and 5, 18 – stroke penalty). (SONC interpretation of USGA Rules 4.3)
• Rules regarding slow play will be emphasized to ensure all participants have enough time to complete their round. Penalties for slow play will be as follows: 1^st offense (warning), 2^nd offense (1-stroke penalty), 3^rd + offense (2-stroke penalty). (SONC modification of USGA Rule 6-7) It should be noted that the penalty will be applied to the offending party(s) and not necessarily to all athletes in the pairing for that tee time.
• In levels 2 and 3, teams will be allowed to determine who will tee off on the first hole but must alternate who tees off thereafter. (SONC interpretation of Section 5.3, 6.3.)
• Athletes are required to provide their own caddie for levels 4 and 5 course play. Remember, for any breach of a rule by his/her caddie, the player incurs the applicable penalty.
• Athletes competing in level 4 and level 5 must submit all scores via the Carolina Golf Association GHIN system. If coaches and/or athletes need assistance logging in to the system, please contact sports@sonc.net.

SONC Fall Tournament Special Notices

• Athletes or teams arriving late to state level competition/missing their scheduled tee times will not receive a score for that round. Every attempt will be made to fit the athlete and or team into another tee time, if possible, to play their round with the understanding that their score does not count toward the competition.
• In order for an athlete to move from Level 1 to Level 2 in 2022 they must have scored a minimum total score of 60 at the 2019 SONC Fall Tournament. A minimum of 10 points in either the wood or iron shots is also required.
• In individual skills competition, tees are only permitted for iron and wood shots. (SONC modification of SOI Golf rules 4.5, 4.6).
• For visually impaired athletes, a large, brightly colored, and easily identifiable object and/or bell will be placed over the hole to assist the athlete with hole location.
• Athletes who do not meet the Level 5 criteria for course play will be allowed to compete in Level 4.

What is GHIN?

GHIN is the system used by the United States Golf Association and its affiliated member associations (CGA) to capture and maintain a golfer’s handicap index. It is simply the tool to collect, calculate and store the handicap index for a golfer.

SONC level 4 and 5 golfers are required to enter ALL golf scorecards into GHIN.

Find your GHIN number and updated handicap index here.

If you are a new level 4 or 5 athlete and need a GHIN number, email your name and local program name to sports@sonc.net.

Post a Score Here

• Check out these videos on how to post scores into GHIN
• Check out this how-to document

World Handicapping System (WHS)

As of January 1, 2020, the WHS has been adopted by the USGA to govern all players handicaps

SONC GHIN Handicap Manual – SONC has put together this comprehensive manual that provides in-depth information on all you need to know about the WHS and the few changes it has for level 4 and 5 athletes.

Have a question? Submit questions to sports@sonc.net

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Fall Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms 

The SONC Golf Tour is a series of competition opportunities that provides Special Olympics North Carolina athletes and Unified partners with a competition structure that allows them to compete in golf year-round while enjoying a variety of the golf courses North Carolina offers.

The SONC Golf Tour is open to athletes of all abilities and experience in the sport of golf. There are no minimum score requirements to participate in Golf Tour competitions for any of the five golf levels. SONC encourages local programs to offer these opportunities to athletes looking to get started in golf as a way to gain competition experience.

• SONC Golf Tour Fact Sheet

Registration Information

• Registration form for 2022 SONC Golf Tour events
• 2022 SONC Golf Tour Schedule

Competition Information

SONC Golf Tour at Piney Point Golf Club
Norwood, NC
Monday, September 19, 2022

• Competition Information
• Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 6
• Coaches meeting: Tuesday, September 13 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Register here

SONC Golf Tour at Oak Hollow Golf Course
High Point, NC
Saturday, October 22, 2022

• Competition Information (coming soon)
• Registration deadline: Tuesday, October 11
• Coaches meeting: Tuesday, October 18 at 6:00 p.m.
  • Register here

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in gymnastics.

Women’s Artistic Coaching Guides

• Women’s Level A
• Women’s Level B
• Women’s Level C
• Women’s Level 1
• Women’s Level 2
• Women’s Level 3
• Women’s Level 4

Men’s Artistic Coaching Guides

• Men’s Level A
• Men’s Level B
• Men’s Level C
• Men’s Level 1
• Men’s Level 2
• Men’s Level 3
• Men’s Level 4

SONC does not currently offer Rhythmic Gymnastics at Summer Games. If your program is interested in training in Rhythmic Gymnastics, please use these resources offered by SOI.

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• CoachTube Gymnastics Trainings
• Special Olympics Artistic Gymnastics Coaching Guide
• Check out these Coaching Tips from SOI on coaching women’s gymnastics athlete skills

• Artistic Levels 1 – 4
  • Men’s Artistic Events (floor exercise, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, horizontal bar)
  • Women’s Artistic Events (vault, uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise)
• Artistic Levels A, B and C are competitions geared towards athletes who are just starting gymnastics, or are more successful at the fundamentals of gymnastics skills.
  • Men’s Artistic Events (Levels A – C; four traditional men’s artistic events depending on the level)
  • Women’s Artistic Events (Levels A – C; traditional women’s artistic events)

SONC does not currently offer Rhythmic Gymnastics at Summer Games. If your program is interested in training in Rhythmic Gymnastics, please use these resources offered by SOI.

Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Men’s Artistic and Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (listed below) dated 2019-2027 will be in effect for the 2021-2022 program year. The SONC rules modifications and interpretations listed below are intended to be used in conjunction with USA Gymnastics rules and SOI Rules; therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to any SONC modifications.

SOI Official Sport Rules for Men’s Artistic Gymnastics – This is a link to the rules document produced by Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI). SOI updates these rules every two years.

SOI Official Sport Rules for Women’s Artistic Gymnastics – This is a link to the rules document produced by Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI). SOI updates these rules every two years.

SONC Gymnastics Rule Modifications, Interpretations and Special Notices for 2021-2022

• For proper placement/size/color of SONC and local program logos on uniforms and equipment worn and used by athletes and coaches, please refer to the SONC Uniform and Logo Guidelines document. For anything not covered in this document, refer to the SOI rules for attire.
• Please note that the officials rules governing men’s and women’s events are separated. This also means certain events/categories have been removed or combined for SOI. Please review the rulebooks and scoresheets thoroughly before training athletes in these events.
• The written text of all routines are the official versions.
• Athletes must compete in all events to be registered for All-Around.  Awards will be presented for each event and for All-Around honors.  If an athlete entered in All-Around receives no score in any one of the events, then they are not eligible for an award in the All-Around event.
• For additional resources for women’s artistic events, including routine instructions and videos, please visit the Special Olympics Men’s Artistic Gymnastics webpage.
• For additional resources for women’s artistic events, including routine instructions and videos, please visit the Special Olympics Women’s Artistic Gymnastics webpage.

Resources

SOI Official Judge Scoresheets (These are for coach reference. Please note that SONC may adjust the design of these scoresheets for Summer Games and/or invitationals)

• Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise
• Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Pommel Horse
• Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Rings
• Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Vault
• Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Parallel Bars
• Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Horizontal Bar
• Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Vault
• Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Uneven Bars
• Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Balance Beam
• Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Summer Games/Invitational Registration Forms

The Special Olympics Motor Activity Training Program is designed for athletes who are unable to participate in official Special Olympics sport competitions because of their skill and/or functional abilities.

MATP is designed to prepare athletes — including those with severe or profound intellectual disability and significant physical disabilities — for sport-specific activities appropriate for their ability levels.

• Special Olympics MATP Coaching Guide

Events offered in MATP vary by local program due to their participatory nature. Since MATP is focused on gross motor skills, programs have the flexibility to design activities as fits the needs of the athletes and the resources of the program. Popular modifications on traditional sports include ramp bocce, tennis played with beach balls with racquets and/or hands, and soccer played with beach balls and modified goal areas.

It is important to note that MATP events are not competition, and participation is celebrated, not finish. Athletes are awarded challenger medals for to recognize their efforts.

MATP can be incorporated through schools, group homes, residential facilities, and other community-based setting as needed. Local programs can utilize physical therapists, occupational therapists, therapeutic recreation providers and/or adaptive physical education instructors to identify and develop their MATP program.

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in powerlifting.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Coaching Guide – printable version
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide – digital version
• Kilo Conversion Table

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

Powerlifting includes three basic lifts: the squat, the bench press, and the dead lift.

Athletes are first classified by weight and then divided by ability. Men and women can participate in all powerlifting events.

Single event competitions are the bench press, squat and dead lift.

Athletes who train and compete in more than one event have the option of competing in a combination event. This combines lift totals from the bench press and dead lift for a combination total score or totals from the three lifts for a triple combination total score.

The Official Special Olympics Rules for Powerlifting dated June 2020 will be in effect for the 2021-2022 SONC program year. This document is intended to be used in conjunction with United States Powerlifting Federation rules, and SOI rules. Therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to SONC modifications.

For proper placement/size/color of SONC and local program logos on uniforms and equipment worn and used by athletes and coaches, please refer to the SONC Uniform and Logo Guidelines document.

SONC Powerlifting Rule Modifications and Interpretations for 2021-2022

• Refer to SOI section 6.1.5 regarding attempt submissions at weigh-ins.
• Refer to SOI section 6.1.6 regarding weight submissions and time restrictions.
• Refer to SOI section 3.1.11 regarding bar weight requirements.
• Refer to SOI section 6.2.4.3 regarding combination information.
• Refer to SOI section 4.1.1.1 regarding minimum age requirements
• For all other competition rule updates, please refer to the SOI rules.

 SONC Summer Games Special Notices

• Mandatory weigh-ins will take place on Friday of SONC Summer Games. Any athlete not weighed-in at this time will be scratched from competition.
• Athletes that are registered for the triple combination will not be registered for the combination.
• All weights are measured in kilos. This includes body weight. See the conversion chart on page 35 of the SOI Powerlifting rules.
• Competition will be run as a full powerlifting meet, where athletes perform all lifts in one day.
• Coaches will not be allowed to lift the bar for the athletes; spotters and loaders will do this while the coach remains in the coaches box.

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Summer Games/Invitational Registration Forms

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in roller skating.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Coaching Guide – digital version

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

SONC offers the following events:

• Developmental
  • 30 m slalom
  • 30 m race
  • 50 m (half-lap)
• Intermediate
  • 50 m (half-lap)
  • 100 m race
• Traditional
  • 100 m race
  • 200 m race
  • 500 m race
  • 700 m race
• Relays
  • 2 x 100 m
  • 4 x 100 m

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Roller Skating dated June 2020 will be in effect for the 2021-2022 program year. This document is intended to be used in conjunction with the USA Roller Sports Rules and SOI Rules; therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to SONC modifications.

For proper placement/size/color of SONC and local program logos on uniforms and equipment worn and used by athletes and coaches, please refer to the SONC Uniform and Logo Guidelines document.

SONC Roller Skating Rule Modifications and Interpretations for 2022-2023

• Athletes may compete in a maximum two individual events, one relay event (two-person relay or four-person replay).
• Timing will start at the sound of the starting gun, not when the first athlete crosses the starting line (SONC modification of SOI rule section 7.2.1) Athletes will be brought up to the timing line and once all athletes are in position, the race will start. The timers stop their watch when their assigned skater crosses the finish line.
• Refer to SOI official roller skating rules section 7.6.1 on 30m slalom or straight line races rules. Athletes with this skill level should be moved into a higher level event such as the 100m, 200m, 500m, or 700m events. (See SOI rule section 7.6.1)
• It is recommended that athletes register for events shorter than an event where they cannot complete it in the time allowed. For example, an athlete not able to complete the 200m in 1 minute 20 seconds or less is recommended to register in the intermediate category. Coaches should take extra caution in order to correctly assess athletes during training, as athletes will not be allowed to switch events at Fall Tournament.
• Any athlete needing assistive device (e.g. skate aid) should indicate so on the registration form. Assistive devices are only for developmental events.
• For all speed events, during the Starting Procedure, the starter judge gives the command by saying “IN POSITION”. After all of them are ready on the line the start signal can be given. (See SOI rule section 4.3.4)
• Please note that races in the following events will be stopped after the time maximum has elapsed. Placement will be awarded in the order of finish/# of laps completed.
  • 50m Half-Lap: 1 minute 30 seconds
  • 200m: 1 minute 20 seconds
  • 500m: 4 minutes
  • 700m: 5 minutes 20 seconds

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Fall Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms

Updates and Recertification

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Coaching Guide – printable version

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• US Sailing Coach Trainings

Sailing is an exciting sport that requires 100% attentiveness by coaches, athletes, and Unified partners. All crew members should be able to swim at least 10m wearing a PFD (personal flotation device/life jacket). SOI Rules 7.2.1.

SONC has modified sections 2.1 – 2.3 to codify the team numbers. See SONC modifications below:

Level I – 1 Special Olympics athlete and 1 Unified partner. Athlete has responsibility of the head sail trim.

Level II – 1 Special Olympics athlete and 1 Unified partner. Athlete controls the helm for 100% of the race starting at the warning signal throughout the race and clearing the finish line.

Level III – 2 Special Olympics athletes and 1 Unified partner. Athletes have complete control of the boat. Unified partner may only shift their weight, do tactics and offer verbal assistance.

Level IV – 2 Special Olympics athletes, 1 Safety Officer. Athletes have complete control of the boat. Safety Officer onboard for emergency purposes only. May not offer tactical or verbal assistance.

Level V – 1 Special Olympics athlete. Athlete has complete control of the boat. No other personnel on the boat.

Sailing is classified as a locally popular sport by Special Olympics North Carolina. Local programs may host invitationals or attend Special Olympics sailing events hosted by out of state Special Olympics programs.

Please review the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Sailing dated June 2020 and the SOI Sailing Rule Changes (2020) if you are interested in starting sailing in your community.

Additional resources can be found on the Special Olympics, Inc. Sailing web page.

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in short track speed skating.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Short Track Speed Skating Coaching Guide

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• 25m Straightaway
• 55m Half Lap Race
• 111m Race
• 222m Race
• 333m Race
• 500m Race
• 700m Race
• 1000m Race
• 1500m Race

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Short Track Speed Skating dated June 2018 will be in effect for the 2021-2022 SONC program year.  SONC rules are intended to be used in conjunction with US Speed Skating, and SOI Speed Skating Rules; therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to SONC modifications.

SONC Short Track Speed Skating Rule Modifications and Interpretations for 2021-2022

• Disqualifications due to performance discrepancy/ maximum effort will be reviewed in a case by case basis by the Games Management Team. (SONC modification of SOI Section 6.1.11. Refer to section 6.1.12 of the SOI Rules for Short Track Speed Skating for disqualification scenarios).

SOI Official Sport Rules for Short Track Speed Skating – This is a link to the rules document produced by Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI). SOI updates these rules every two years.

US Speed Skating Association – This is a link to the NGB rules in effect for the SONC season.

SOVA Speed Skating Championships Registration Forms 

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in snowboarding.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Snowboarding Coaching Guide

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• Intro to Snowboarding

Snowboarding, the newest official sport for SONC, is gaining popularity with athletes looking for a new challenge on the slopes. SONC offers the novice slalom at competition.

SONC Alpine Skiing-Snowboarding Rule Modifications – This document is updated by the beginning of each program year and indicates where SONC has modified existing Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI) or National Governing Body (NGB) rules.

SOI Official Sport Rules for Snowboarding – This is a link to the rules document produced by Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI). SOI updates these rules every two years.

United States Ski and Snowboard Association – This is a link to the NGB rules in effect for the SONC season.

Special Olympics falls under the International Ski Federation rule regarding a specific helmet that is required for ski and snowboard racing. This is a reminder that all athletes must have an FIS helmet in order to participate in Alpine Skiing or Snowboarding. These helmets must have the FIS stamp on the back of the helmet.

EnjoyWinter.com is pleased to, once again, offer all Special Olympics athletes 25% off the BLIZ RAID ski helmet, and Bliz ski goggles. Go to https://enjoywinter.com/wso, and use “SOWINTER” as promo code for 25% off. If you have bulk order, or have any questions, please contact Andy Gerlach at andyg@enjoywinter.com or call. 406-585-2660. Helmets from EnjoyWinter are $145 +tax and shipping as opposed to $200+.

To make the ordering process easier, please measure before placing the order. See the Helmet Sizing Guide. From our experience, athletes tend to fit into the large, XL and XL+ sizes more often than small and medium.

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Special Olympics North Carolina Winter Games – Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Registration Forms

• SONC Winter Games Event Registration
• Special Olympics Clothing Rental Form

Local program coordinators should submit entries along with the remainder of the Winter Games registration.  Click here for a full list of Winter Games registration forms. These forms will be available closer to the event date. These forms will be available closer to the event date. Additionally, find information about the event on the SONC Winter Games – Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding event page.

Special Olympics Southeast U.S. Winter Games – Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Registration Forms

If you would like to register the exact same delegation as for SONC Winter Games – Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, please let us know by contacting registration@sonc.net.  No additional paperwork is needed, but we will need to know by Tuesday, December 31, 2019.

• Southeast U.S. Winter Games Event Registration

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in soccer team, and this quick test to recertify in soccer individual skills.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – printable version
• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – digital version
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• Coaching Youth Soccer

SONC offers three types of soccer competition: individual skills, 5-a-side team and 7-a-side team.

Individual skills competition allows Special Olympics athletes to develop sports skills in a competitive format designed to serve as a stepping stone to team competition. The individual skills offered for soccer are dribbling, shooting, and run-kick.

5-a-side team competition allows athletes who have mastered individual skills to compete on a team in a traditional soccer match. This type of competition is the most popular type of play for soccer in SONC.

7-a-side competition is for teams that have a good understanding of the game and can play on a larger field with a larger goal.

Athletes participating in traditional team play on a modified soccer field with a size 5 soccer ball.

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Football (Soccer) dated June 2020 will be in effect for the 2022-2023 program year. This section is intended to be used in conjunction with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) rules and SOI Rules; therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to SONC modifications.

For proper placement/size/color of SONC and local program logos on uniforms and equipment worn and used by athletes and coaches, please refer to the SONC Uniform and Logo Guidelines document.

SONC Soccer Rule Modifications and Interpretations for 2022-2023

• All SONC competition will use a size 5 ball. (SONC modification of SOI Section 4.1.3)
• Goal sizes used for SONC competitions (SONC modification of SOI Section 4.1.2.3 and 4.2.2.2):
  • Individual Skills Competition:
  • 5-a-side Team Competition: 2m x 4m (6 ½ ‘ x 13’)
  • 7-a-side Team Competition: 2m x 5.5m (6 ½’ x 18’)
  • If other size goals are to be used at Fall Tournament, SONC will inform coaches prior to competition of the goal size that will be used.
• Tripping, pushing, handball, or charging results in a direct free kick. Obstruction or dangerous play results in an indirect free kick. (SONC modification of rule 4.1.13)

5-a-side soccer competition

• All players on the roster must play in every game.
• The maximum allowable roster size is 10 players, and the minimum roster size is 6 players. (SONC modification of SOI Section 4.1.4)
• Please refer to section 4.1.22.4 regarding team bench area and coaching from the bench.
• Mercy Rule: The game will be over when one team has obtained a scoring advantage of 8 goals.
• Please refer to section 4.1.21 for overtime rules.

7-a-side soccer competition

• All players on the roster must play in every game.
• The maximum allowable roster size is 12 players, and the minimum roster size is 8 players. (SONC modification of SOI Section 4.2.4)

SONC Fall Tournament Special Notices

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Fall Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in softball team, and take this quick test to recertify in softball individual skills.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – digital version
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide

Resources for Softball Team Practice Sessions

• Line Up Card Information
• Equipment for a Successful Season – SONC compiled list of equipment for any softball team
• Softball Sample Drills
• Meg Rem Softball – YouTube channel of Meg Rembielak, former softball player at Appalachian State University
• USA Softball Fundamentals – video series featuring USA Softball players explaining infield, outfield, baserunning, outfield, throwing, catching, hitting and bunting.

Additional Coach Training Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense. Completing a training such as the one below will count toward Continuing Education – Sport Skills and Tactics to become an advanced certified coach.

• Team USA Softball ACE Coach Education Program

SONC offers two types of softball competition: individual skills and slow-pitch team.

Individual skills competition allows Special Olympics athletes to develop sports skills in a competitive format designed to serve as a stepping stone to team competition. The indvidual skills offered for softball are base running, throwing, fielding, and hitting.

Athletes participating in traditional slow-pitch team competition play on a softball field, with modified base paths and pitching mounds for lower divisions.

SONC Softball Rule Modifications – This document is updated by the beginning of each program year and indicates where SONC has modified existing Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI) or National Governing Body (NGB) rules.

SOI Official Sport Rules for Softball (2020) – This is a link to the rules document produced by Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI). Updated rules will be linked to this page by October 2022.

Softball Individual Skills Rules for competition – These are clear instructions on how to run each individual skills stations along with diagrams on set up and volunteer placement.

T-Ball Rules of Competition – This is a link to the NGB rules in effect for the SONC season.

American Softball Association– This is a link to the NGB rules in effect for the SONC season.

Basketball and Softball Season Switch Explanation

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Fall Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in swimming.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Quick Start Coaching Guide
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• USA Swimming coaches learning resources
• USA Swimming Online Coach Clinics
• USA Swimming: Coaching Swimmers with a Disability
• USA Swimming Webinar on Swimmers with Disabilities

SONC offers competition in 33 different swimming events, ranging in distances from 15 meters to 1,500 meters, and featuring all strokes (backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle).

Individual events are offered for all strokes, and relay events are offered to athletes competing in levels 2 and 3. SONC offers walking and flotation events for athletes of lower ability.

SONC also offers relay events in the Unified Sports model, featuring athletes with and without intellectual disabilities (called Unified partners) to compete together.

Athletes may select events from Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3, but must stay within their level. Athletes competing in all levels are eligible for one relay team event.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Relay Team Events (Traditional & Unified Sports)

Please note that all events listed below may not be offered at the 2023 SONC Summer Games or 2023 Southeast Regional Invitational. The events listed for those events will be posted on the respective webpages.

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Swimming dated June 2020 will be in effect for the 2021-2022 SONC program year. There are no SOI Swimming rules changes for the SONC 2021-2022 program year. The SONC rules modifications and interpretations listed below is intended to be used in conjunction with USA Swimming rules and SOI Rules; therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to SONC modifications.

For proper placement/size/color of SONC and local program logos on uniforms and equipment worn and used by athletes and coaches, please refer to the SONC Uniform and Logo Guidelines document.

SONC Swimming Rule Modifications and Interpretations for 2021-2022

• SONC swimming competition will take place in a yard pool. Please be advised if practicing in a meter pool. The three exceptions are for Level 1 events 15m walk, 15m assisted swim, and 15m unassisted swim which will remain in meters.
• For distances 500 yards and greater the referee or designee will ring a bell 55-yards prior to the completion of the race.
• Lap counters may only be used for individual races of 500y or more. (Per USA Swimming rule 102.6.A). Programs must make arrangements for their own lap counters, and lap count cards. Counters must be stationed opposite the starting end. (SONC modification of USA Swimming rule 102.6.C)
• 15m walk: Athletes may utilize walkers that make contact with the pool floor to provide upright support. Coaches are allowed to trail behind an athlete in case of emergency but may not touch or assist the athlete. If a coach touches an athlete, it will result in a DQ. (SONC modification of SOI swimming rules section 3.4.2)
• Standing on the bottom in the racing course is allowed for flotation events, assisted events and the 15m unassisted event for the purpose of resting.
• During the 15m unassisted swim, coaches may be in the water to assist with the start only. Coaches may trail behind the athlete and are only in the pool in case of a medical emergency. (SONC modification of SOI swimming rule section 3.5.2)
• For the kickboard event, the coach may touch, guide, or direct the athlete, but may not support or assist with the athlete’s forward movement. An athlete will be disqualified if an official determines that a coach is facilitating forward motion. Coaches are only allowed to be behind or beside the athlete. (SONC modification of SOI swimming rule section 3.5.1)

SONC Summer Games Special Notices

• Once an athlete or Unified partner is scratched for an event, they will remain scratched. Coaches have the option of scratching an athlete or Unified partner from a single race or the entire competition.
• Freestyle relay swimmers may change order, but coaches must notify the Staging Manager before the team leaves the staging area. Medley relay members must swim in the same order and the same stroke from preliminary round to final round.
• In events 25 yards and shorter, the maximum effort threshold will be set to 25%. In events 50 yards or longer (including all relays), the maximum effort threshold will be set to 20%. Any athlete or team that exceeds the percentage may be subject to disqualification. (SONC modification of SOI Section 3.8)

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Summer Games/Invitational Registration Forms

• Swimming Individual Registration Form
• Swimming Relay Registration Form

Swimming Improved Performance Form – must submit by May 27, 2021. Only submit this form if the time for an event is faster than the one submitted for registration. The decision to change a division for an athlete will be decided by the competition management team, and/or SONC staff.

Local program coordinators should submit entries along with the remainder of the Summer Games registration.  Click here for a full list of Summer Games registration forms. These forms will be available closer to the event date.

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in tennis and this quick test to recertify in tennis individual skills.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – printable version
• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – digital version
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• CoachTube Tennis Trainings

SONC offers three different types of competition: individual skills, short court match play and full court match play.

Individual skills competition allows Special Olympics athletes to develop sport skills in a competitive format designed to serve as a stepping stone to match play. The individual skills offered for tennis are forehand and backhand volley, forehand and backhand groundstrokes, deuce and advantage court serves, and alternating groundstrokes with movement. Individual Skills uses the red felt tennis ball. Please use these SONC Tennis Individual Skills diagrams to train your athletes as the scoring has been changed.

Short court match play  is played on a modified court (within the service boxes) with a red felt tennis ball that has a lower compression. Athletes may choose to compete in two of three short court match play events which include singles, traditional doubles (two Special Olympics athletes), or Unified doubles (non-Special Olympics athlete partner of significant tennis ability).

Full court match play is played on a full court with either green dot or traditional yellow tennis balls. Athletes may choose to compete in singles and either traditional doubles or Unified Sports doubles. Athletes may choose to play level 4 (full court played with a low compression “Green Dot” tennis ball), or level 5 (using a traditional yellow tennis ball).

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Tennis dated June 2020 will be in effect for the 2022-2023 SONC program year. Review the SOI Tennis Rules Changes (2020) for a synopsis of rule changes. The SONC rules modifications and interpretations listed below is intended to be used in conjunction with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) rules Friend at Court, and SOI Rules; therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to SONC modifications.

For proper placement/size/color of SONC and local program logos on uniforms and equipment worn and used by athletes and coaches, please refer to the 2019 SONC Uniform and Logo Guidelines document.

SONC Tennis Rule Modifications and Interpretations for 2022-2023

• Athletes participating in full-court match play with an ITN rating of 8 or lower should compete in level 5. Athletes with an ITN rating between 9-10 (or transitioning from short court to full court) should compete in level 4. (SONC Tennis Sport Development Team recommendations. Athletes will be divisioned in these levels if their numbers fall in the ranges stated above.)
• In short court competition, the server must stand behind the service line to serve. It will be considered a foot fault if the server steps over the service line prior to contacting the tennis ball.  Only the service box area is in-bounds, and therefore comprises the entire playing area. (Emphasis of field of play)
• SONC will run all matches according to the No-Ad scoring system. Please refer to SOI tennis rules section 3.2.1.1 for match play scoring procedure.
• 2 out of 3 short sets. In a short set, the first player/team who wins 4 games wins that set, provided there is a margin of 2 games over the opponent(s).
  • If the score reaches 3 games all, a 7-point tie-break shall be played. (SONC modification of 3.2.1.1.)
  • If the score in a match is one set all, one 7-point tie-break game shall be played to decide the match.  This tie-break game replaces the deciding final set. (SONC modification of SOI tennis rules section 3.2.1.1)
• Short court and match play competition will follow a continuous play format:  25 seconds between points, 90 seconds on change-overs and no break after the first game. (SONC emphasis of ITF Tennis Rule 29.a)
• Level 1, individual skills, will use the red felt tennis ball. (SONC interpretation of SOI Tennis rule 3.8.1)

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Fall Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms

SONC uses the ITN assessment procedures as outlined in the official SOI Tennis rules for all competition. ITN assessments are valid for three years unless an athlete moves to a different level of competition. If you have an athlete who is need of an ITN assessment, please contact the SONC sports staff at sports@sonc.net for support in scheduling an assessment. SONC has developed a network of resources throughout the state that can assist in performing the required ITN assessments.

Level 2: Short Court Athlete and Unified Partner Assessment Materials

• Assessment Form
• Instructions
• Instructional Video

Levels 4/5: Full Court Athlete and Unified Partner Assessment Materials

• Assessment Form
• Instructions
• Instructional Video

For all Unified Sports coaching resources, please visit the SOI Unified Sports web page.

Unified Sports® competitive model is offered in bocce, bowling, cheerleading, golf, tennis, and volleyball at state-level events.

Unified Sports® competitive model is also offered in many high schools in the state in track & field and bowling.

Unified Sports® recreation is offered in basketball, flag football, kickball and volleyball through our Unified Sports and Campus Recreation Leagues.

The Young Athletes Program is a recreation-based model for athletes and Unified partners age 2-7.

• Unified Partner Registration Form
• Unified Partner Registration Form for Minors

These are Special Olympics North Carolina registration forms and should be submitted to the local program coordinator in order to complete registration.

The SONC Esports Club is a virtual community in which Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners come together to play a variety of video games. Both novice and experienced players are encouraged to join. The club focuses on learning the game mechanics and strategy in a low-stress environment.

• SONC Esports Flyer
• Registration Form

The inaugural season will start Sunday, November 7 with a three-week Rocket League clinic, where all can learn tips and tricks from experienced Rocket League players. Register for this by November 2.

Updates and Recertification

Sport certifications must be updated every three years. Take this quick test to recertify in volleyball team and this quick test to recertify in volleyball individual skills.

Coaching Guides

• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – printable version
• Special Olympics Quick Start Guide – digital version
• Special Olympics Unified Quick Start Guide
• Special Olympics Coaching Guide

Additional Coach Resources

Some trainings may have an associated cost. Please check with your local program coordinator before purchasing if you will wish to be reimbursed for this expense.

• CoachTube Volleyball Trainings

SONC offers four types of volleyball competition: individual skills, traditional, Unified and modified team.

Individual skills competition allows Special Olympics athletes to develop sports skills in a competitive format designed to serve as a stepping stone to team competition. The individual skills offered for volleyball are overhead passing, serving, and passing.

Traditional volleyball team competition is played on a regulation volleyball court with a traditional indoor leather volleyball.

Modified volleyball team competition is played on a regulation volleyball court but a lighter, larger volleyball. The service line is also moved closer to the net.

Unified volleyball team competition is played on a regulation volleyball court bringing together people with intellectual disabilities (athletes) and people without intellectual disabilities (partners) on the same teams.

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Indoor Volleyball dated June 2020 will be in effect for the 2021-2022 SONC program year. There are no SOI Indoor Volleyball rule changes for the 2021-2022 SONC program year. The SONC rules modifications and interpretations listed below is intended to be used in conjunction with USA Volleyball (USAV) rules, and SOI rules. Therefore, those rules are not repeated here but they will be enforced unless in direct conflict to SONC modifications.

For proper placement/size/color of SONC and local program logos on uniforms and equipment worn and used by athletes and coaches, please refer to the SONC Uniform and Logo Guidelines for volleyball document.

SONC Indoor Volleyball Rule Modifications and Interpretations for 2021-2022

• A regulation size (25.6 to 26.4″ in circumference) and weight (9-10 oz) volleyball will be used for traditional and Unified team competition. (SONC modification of SOI Indoor Volleyball rules section 3.3)
• SONC will use the yellow, lighter, oversized, Mikasa VT-2 volleyball for modified team and individual skills competition. (SONC modification of SOI Indoor Volleyball rules section 3.3)
• Modified Serve for traditional team play and Unified team competition (SONC modification to SOI section 4.4.2.5)
  • Each team may have two modified servers, but may designate only one player on the court at a time as a modified server
  • Coaches should indicate modified server with an “M” on the line up sheet and team roster. This modification of play moves the service line three meters (9 feet, 10 inches) closer to the net.
• Coaches must play all athletes and Unified partners on the roster during the match, unless injured. (SONC modification to SOI section 4.1.5.3) Failure to play an athlete or Unified partner in a match will result in a forfeiture of that match.
• The court size and net height will be the same for all traditional and Unified team competition.
• During the third set, teams will not switch courts at 8 points. (SONC modification to SOI Section 4.5.5.1.)
• In modified competition only, the server may re-serve the ball in accordance with USAV rule 12.4.4
  • The server must contact the ball within 5 seconds after the 1st referee whistles for service.
  • If the ball, after having been tossed or released by the server, lands without touching the player, it is considered a service tossing error.
  • After a service tossing error, the referee must authorize the service again (re-serve) and the server must execute it within the next 5 seconds.
  • One service tossing error is permitted for each service.

SONC Summer Games Special Notices

• While the maximum roster size is 12, the minimum roster size to register a team is eight. (SONC modification of SOI Rule 4.5.1)
• SONC has modified SOI rule 5.3.2 as follows: This rule will apply for all levels of competition during divisioning. After divisioning, this will only apply to Unified and Modified play for the remainder of Summer Games.

Always communicate with your local coordinator if you are interested in submitting registration for an event.

Summer Games/Invitational Registration Forms