| CONTACT US

SONC

Special Olympics North Carolina

DONATE NOW

MAIN MENU
Home | Get Involved | Become A Coach | Coach and Sport Resources

Coach and Sport Resources

General Coach Resources

Training Courses and Requirements for Class A Volunteers and Coaches

Special Notice

Please note that Protective Behaviors and Concussion Training Courses must be completed through the SO Learn Portal. Please follow these steps to create an account and complete these courses.

Sport Assistant
A sport assistant

Click here to see requirements to become a coach and the training courses available for new and current coaches.

All sport-specific information is located on the SONC individual sport pages.

Alpine Skiing

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

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.

Registration Forms

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

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.

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.

Athletics

Coaching Guides

Click here to find your coach certification status.

The makers of the Turbojav have a kit available for purchase that includes six Turbojavs, 1 training DVD, and a carrying bag for $180 (plus shipping). A great deal for programs just starting to introduce this event to athletes! Please contact Leigh Petranoff with Throwing Zone Athletics.

  • State you are with Special Olympics North Carolina and your County
  • Number of kits you would like to order
  • Number of 300 gram (females & males age 15 and under)/400 gram (males age 16 and older)

Local programs are responsible for the cost of these kits.

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

SONC offers competition in 26 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

Registration Forms

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 21, 2020. 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.

Basketball

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

SONC offers three types of basketball competition: individual skills, 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 indvidual 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.

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.

Registration Forms

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

Fall Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms

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

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

Bocce

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

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.

Registration Forms

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

Fall Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms

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

Bowling

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

SONC offers the traditional format of league-style bowling for singles competition and singles ramp (assisted & unassisted).

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.

Registration Forms

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.  Click here for a full list of Summer Games registration forms. These forms will be available closer to the event date.

Cheerleading

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

Individual Performance Competition 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 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 (but do not require) music, and teams have two and one-half minutes to complete their routine.

Registration Forms

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

Cheerleading Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms

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.

Cycling

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

SONC offers eight different cycling events, offering something for every ability level.*

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

*SONC may alter the events offered at any point.

Registration Forms

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

State-Level Event/Invitational Sport Registration Forms

Equestrian

Coaching Guides

All initial and re-certifications for equestrian (including leaders/sidewalkers) must be done through a training school. Please contact Brad Glazer on our Equestrian Sport Development Team if you have questions about certification. Equestrian certification along with a few other certifications must be updated every three years; you can check the status of theses certifications here.

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

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

2019 SONC Equestrian Tournament Patterns

Registration Forms

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

Equestrian Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms

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

Figure Skating

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

Figure Skating

  • Individual Skills
  • Singles Competition
  • Pairs Skating
  • Ice Dancing
  • Unified Sports Pairs Skating
  • Unified Sports Ice Dancing

 

 

Speed Skating

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

Registration Forms

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

SONC SE Winter Games Figure Skating Registration Forms

Local program coordinators should submit entries along with the remainder of the Southeast Winter Games registration.

  • Figure Skating ISC Registration Form
  • Figure Skating Registration Form
  • Figure Skating Synchronized Team Registration Form
  • Figure Skating Non-Athlete Registration Form
  • Figure Skating Overall Schedule
  • Figure Skating Endorsement Form
  • Figure Skating Delegation Information Summary & Payment Form

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

Flag Football

Coaching Guides

Tips for Planning Practice

1 Hour practice:

  • Warm—up/Stretch/introduction – 8 minutes
  • 3 skills to work on – 10 minute each
    • During skill introduction, that is when they can take water
    • Handing ball off, catching ball, passing, running and changing direction
    • Snapping
    • Defensive drills; One-on-one, flag pulling
    • Rushing the quarterback
  • Scrimmage – 22 minutes
    • Basic plays, no defense (running the play on air)
    • Introduce defense
    • Play
  • Review & stretch

Things to know:

  • Don’t spend too much time scrimmaging
  • No lines!
  • Use the internet to search for drills that include at least 10 people (YouTube)
  • Keep plays simple and straightforward 

Make sure practices are:

Realistic – keep it simple!
Inclusive – keep everyone involved; ultizlize assistant coaches to help
Structured – come prepared and with a plan
Equitable – it’s ok to have athletes change positions and mix it up!

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

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.

Registration Forms

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

Invitational Registration Forms

Golf

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

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.

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.

GHIN – Carolinas Golf Association

Find your GHIN number and updated handicap index here

SONC is an affiliate club of the Carolina Golf Association (CGA). Golfers competing in golf at level 4 and level 5 are required to enter all of their scorecards into the CGA GHIN system. On this webpage you will find resources to learn more about the CGA, the new World Handicapping System and how to utilize GHIN.

About the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA)
The CGA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization founded in 1909 whose mission is to promote and to protect the game of golf in the Carolinas by providing competitions, education, support and benefits to clubs and golfers.

The CGA is the second largest golf association in the country over 700 member clubs represented by nearly 150,000 individuals. With its rich legacy, championship traditions and commitment to the future of the game, the CGA has been a steward of golf in the Carolinas for over one hundred years.

What is the GHIN system?
GHIN is the system used by the United States Golf Association and subsequently the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) to capture and maintain a golfers handicap index. It is simply the tool to collect, calculate and store the handicap index for a particular person.

Using GHIN
Login to your GHIN account here: GHIN Desktop Dashboard

  • Must have GHIN number and athletes last name to login
  • Don’t have your GHIN number? Submit a request for your GHIN number here

Post a Score

  • Check out this video on how to post scores into GHIN using the desktop dashboard
  • Check out this how-to document to post scores into GHIN
  • Check out this video on how to use the GHIN Mobile App (for both Apple and Android)

World Handicapping System (WHS)
As of January 1, 2020, the WHS has been adopted by the USGA to govern all players handicaps

Have a question? Submit your question using this online form and the SONC sports staff and golf sport development team will make sure to answer your question

Registration Forms

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

Fall Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms 

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

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

Gymnastics

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

Competition is offered in four categories:

  • 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 (vault, single bar, wide beam, floor exercise). Artistic Levels A & B are co-ed competitions geared towards athletes who are just starting gymnastics, or are more successful at the fundamentals of gymnastics skills.
  • Rhythmic Gymnastics (ball, hoop, ribbon, clubs, rope)

Athletes may compete in all events offered (All Around) or may be Specialists, competing in one, two, or more events (but not all events).

Registration Forms

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

Summer Games/Invitational Registration Forms

  • Gymnastics Registration Form

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.

Motor Activities Training Program

Sport Rules

MATP trains participants in aquatics, dexterity (track and field), electric/manual wheelchair (track and field), kicking (soccer) mobility (gymnastics), striking (softball), and team sports. Some programs refer to these events as “Developmental Games/Events.”

Implementation

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.

Powerlifting

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

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.

Registration Forms

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

Summer Games/Invitational Registration Forms

  • Powerlifting Individual Registration Form

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.

Southeast Powerlifting Registration Forms

This is an annual event hosted by Special Olympics Georgia during the month of January.  More information to come at a later date.

  • Registration Letter for Southeast
  • Athlete Bios, Fees Form
  • NA Endorsement Form
  • Powerlifting Event Form
  • T-Shirt Size Form
  • State Office Verification Form
  • Delegation Roster Form
  • Schedule of Events
  • Fee Sheet for Southeast
  • Housing Information Sheet

Roller Skating

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

SONC offers roller skating speed events. There is something for all ability levels, from the 30 meter slalom to 1,000 meter race. SONC also offers two team relays in two-person and four-person teams.

Registration Forms

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

Fall Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms

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

Sailing

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

Short Track Speed Skating

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

Figure Skating

  • Individual Skills
  • Singles Competition
  • Pairs Skating
  • Ice Dancing
  • Unified Sports Pairs Skating
  • Unified Sports Ice Dancing

 

 

Speed Skating

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

Registration Forms

SOVA Speed Skating Championships Registration Forms 

This event is typically held in February each year and hosted by Special Olympics Virginia.  If you are interested in sending athletes from your local program, please email sports@sonc.net.

Snowboarding

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

Snowboarding, while not an official SONC sport, is gaining popularity with athletes looking for a new challenge on the slopes. SONC offers the novice slalom at competition.

Registration Forms

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

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.

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.

Soccer

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

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 new to SONC in 2018. This type of 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.

Registration Forms

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

Fall Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms

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

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

Softball

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

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.

Registration Forms

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

Summer Games/Invitational Registration Forms

  • Softball Individual Skills Competition Registration Form
  • Softball Team Registration and Rating Form

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.

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

Swimming

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

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 in all levels. 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 up to three 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

15m Assisted Swim 25y Kickboard 25y Freestyle
15m Walk 25y Floatation Device 25y Backstroke
15 Unassisted Swim 25y Assisted Swim

Level 2

25/50y Backstroke 25/50y Butterfly 100y Individual Medley
25/50y Breastroke 25/50y Freestyle

Level 3

50/100/200y Backstroke 50/100y Butterfly 100/200y Individual Medley
50/100/200y Breastroke 50/100/200/500/1000/1650y Freestyle

Relay Team Events (Traditional & Unified Sports)

4×25/4x50y Freestyle Relay
4x50y Medley Relay

Registration Forms

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
  • Summer Games Deck Pass Application

Swimming Improved Performance Form – must submit by May 21, 2020. 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.

Tennis

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

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 updated 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 partnered doubles (non-Special Olympics athlete partner of significant tennis ability).

Full court match play is played on a full court with traditional 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 but played with a low compression “Green Dot” tennis ball), or level 5 (using a traditional yellow tennis ball).

Registration Forms

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

Fall Tournament/Invitational Registration Forms

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

Full Court athlete and Unified partner assessment materials
Assessment Form, Instructions, ITN Assessment Guide, Instructional video

Short Court athlete and Unified partner assessment materials
Assessment form, Instructions, Instructional video

Individual Skills 
Individual Skills Worksheet – For coaches use only, do not submit with registration.

Unified Sports

Volleyball

Sport Rules

Game On: Learn about the divisioning process that differentiates Special Olympics from other sport organizations.

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.

Additional competition opportunities will be available for Unified Sports.  This is being done in anticipation of potentially removing all Unified competition from state-level events starting in the 2019-2020 program year.

Registration Forms

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

Summer Games/Invitational Registration Forms

  • Volleyball Individual Skills Competition Registration Form
  • Volleyball Team Registration and Rating Form

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.

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

MAIN MENU