FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ-ATHLETE PARTICIPATION & UNIFIED PARTNERS
Who is eligible?
How does an athlete register to participate?
What sports are offered at Special Olympics?
What is Unified Sports®?
How do I sign up to be a Unified Partner?
What are an athlete’s training requirements?
Does Special Olympics offer programs for athletes of all levels and abilities?
How much does it cost to participate in Special Olympics?
FAQ– COACHING & VOLUNTEERING
Does Special Olympics need volunteers?
Do you have opportunities to volunteer for only one day?
What other volunteer opportunities exist besides “Day Of” opportunities? What is the time commitment?
Where can I volunteer?
How do you sign up to be a volunteer with Special Olympics?
I represent a group of volunteers who are interested in volunteering for Special Olympics. What can we do?
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
What volunteer opportunities are available for volunteers under 18?
What are the requirements to become a coach?
Can an athlete be coached by a family member?
How does a coach become certified?
FAQ–SUMMER GAMES SPECIFICS
When and where are the 2008 Summer Games?
How many athletes are competing and in what sports?
Do I need to volunteer to come to Summer Games?
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
How do I volunteer for Summer Games?
Can I show up to the event and volunteer without registering? What if I’m taking the place for someone else who plans to cancel?
When were Summer Games volunteer applications mailed?
I have been a long-time volunteer for Special Olympics. I never received an application in the mail. What should I do?
When is the registration deadline?
I already mailed or faxed in my application. How do I know if you received my application?
I want to volunteer with my friends or family. Can we be placed together?
I want to volunteer with a group of people (10 or more). What should I do?
Do I need to volunteer all 3 days if I want to volunteer?
Some of the volunteer shifts run all day. Can I still sign up if I can only volunteer for part of the shift?
When and where will orientations be held?
Am I required to attend an orientation?
I have been volunteering for a long time for Special Olympics. Do I still need to register?
This year I would like to do something more for Special Olympics. What can I do?
What if I signed up for Summer Games, and I need to cancel. What should I do?
I missed the group deadline or the individual deadline. What should I do?
Is there a dress code or uniform to volunteer for the Summer Games?
The Summer Games Volunteer Application is confusing and lengthy. Help!
I still have questions. Who should I contact?
FAQ–SPECIAL OLYMPICS. Back to Top.
What is Special Olympics?
Special Olympics is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people eight years of age and older with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
One of the most common misconceptions about Special Olympics is that we offer a "once-a-year" event. In reality, Special Olympics provides year-round training and competition for athletes. There are three levels of sports competition in Southern California: Area (Local) games, Regional games, and Championships. Athletes compete in a qualifying Area or Regional games prior to competition at the program Championship level (also known as the Chapter level).
What is an Area Program?
Special Olympics is a grassroots, community-based organization. There are 31 Area Programs in Southern California that provide year-round sports training and competition for athletes within the local community. Athletes participate in sports training and practice at the Area level only. An Area Program may hold one or more competitions per sport during the year.
A Regional Program oversees the Area Programs. The 31 Area Programs of Special Olympics Southern California are grouped into six geographic regions to facilitate communication and to improve programming within each region. This structure provides athletes with better service and opportunities for sports training and competition. Most Regional Programs hold at least one regional competition during the year.
What is a Chapter Program?
Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) is accredited by Special Olympics Inc. (SOI), the national headquarters in Washington D.C., as the Chapter Program for Southern California. The Southern California Chapter office oversees the 31 Special Olympics Area Programs and 6 Regional Programs. The Chapter ensures all programs in Southern California follow program guidelines and rules set by SOI. SOSC provides Special Olympics programs in the 11 Southern Counties in California from Kern County in the North to San Diego County in the South.
Where is the SOSC office?
The Special Olympics Southern California Chapter Offic is located at 6730 E. Carson St., Long Beac, CA 90808.
FAQ-ATHLETE PARTICIPATION & UNIFIED PARTNER Back to Top.
Who is eligible?
Special Olympics is open to every person with intellectual disabilities, regardless of the level or degree of that person's disability, and whether or not that person also has other mental or physical disabilities. Each athlete must register to participate in Special Olympics as required by the General Rules. The minimum age requirement is eight years of age. There is no maximum age limitation for participation.
A person is considered to have intellectual disabilities (for the purposes of determining eligibility for Special Olympics participation) if that person meets any one of the following requirements: (A) the person has been identified by an agency or professional as having intellectual disabilities as determined by their localities; (B) the person has a cognitive delay, as determined by standardized measures such as intelligent quotient or “IQ” testing or other measures which are generally accepted within the professional community in the U.S. as being a reliable measurement of the existence of a cognitive delay; (C) the person has a closely-related developmental disability. A “closely-related developmental disability” means having functional limitations in both general learning (such as IQ) and in adaptive skills (such as in recreation, work, independent living, self-direction, or self-care). However, persons whose functional limitations are based solely on a physical, behavioral, or emotional disability, or a specific learning or sensory disability, are not eligible to participate as Special Olympics athletes.
How does an athlete register to participate?
An Application for Participation and Medical form is required of each athlete. A physician signs the Medical form and the legal guardian of a minor athlete completes the release form. The form can be completed by the applicant if he/she is over 18 years old and is acting as his/her own legal guardian. Once these forms are on file in the Special Olympics office, the athlete may begin attending practice in his/her preferred sport. Please contact the Area Program in your community for an Application for Participation form.
What sports are offered at Special Olympics?
Special Olympics Southern California offers 21 sports, which include: aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cycling, figure skating, floor hockey, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, roller skating, skiing (alpine and cross-country), soccer, softball, snowboarding, speed skating, snowshoeing, tennis, and volleyball. We also offer Unified Sports® in basketball, bocce, bowling, figure skating, floor hockey, golf, sailing, skiing, soccer, softball, and volleyball. Some Regional and/or Area Programs may offer a slightly different variety of sports, based on athlete interest and facility availability. To learn more about an individual sport or to view a competition schedule, click here.
What is Unified Sports®?
Unified Sports® is a team experience that combines approximately equal numbers of athletes with and without developmental disabilities of similar age and ability. With the help of a volunteer coach, athletes train together year-round in a variety of sports after school or on weekends. Unified Sports can be a school-based program spearheaded by either adaptive physical education or special education teachers. It joins together a school's special education students with their non-developmentally disabled elementary, junior high, or high school peers through competitive sports competitions. Non-developmentally disabled students not only participate in the sports but can help out with coaching and organizing as a way of fulfilling volunteer or community service commitments.
Only a few hours together a week gives everyone a chance to develop sports skills, build new relationships, break down traditional barriers, and reap the benefits of coming together as one team.
How do I sign up to be a Unified Partner?
Interested individuals must complete the Application for Participation for Unified Partners form. To find out more, contact your local Area program.
What are an athlete’s training requirements?
In order for an individual or team to participate in competition, the athlete or team should be involved in 10 hours of training within 8 weeks prior to competition. Coaches who are training athletes in a particular sport, follow the established SOSC sports seasons. The sports season is 8-12 weeks prior to the Chapter competition for that sport. Athletes must compete in a qualifying Area or Regional event prior to competition at the Chapter level.
Does Special Olympics offer programs for athletes of all levels and abilities?
Special Olympics prides itself on providing programs for each skill level. The traditional Special Olympics program creates competition environments based on each athlete's abilities by creating heats, or competition groups, based on preliminary scores and times. This ensures that athletes compete based on skill, age and gender. For athletes with severe disabilities, we offer a Motor Activities Training Program that emphasizes training and participation rather then competition.
How much does it cost to participate in Special Olympics?
All Special Olympics programs are free to eligible athletes and are possible thanks to the generous support from individuals and businesses that believe in Special Olympics athletes. Special Olympics receives no federal funds and is supported, almost exclusively, from individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations.
FAQ-COACHING & VOLUNTEERING. Back to Top.
Does Special Olympics need volunteers?
YES! 13,000 volunteers participate in our year round local area programs. Volunteers are the lifeblood of Special Olympics Southern California. Special Olympics is a volunteer-driven organization, which means that we need volunteers for just about everything. They serve as coaches, officials, trainers, directors, fundraisers, and a variety of other valuable roles. Whether it's a few hours per week, once a month or once a year, what volunteers give to Special Olympics is priceless. They energize our program every day and, in return, they gain their own rewarding experience.
Do you have opportunities to volunteer for only one day?
Yes. These positions are generally “Day Of” opportunities, where you can register to help on the day of a single competition or event. Volunteer positions vary per sport, competition, and event. Duties range from preparing sack lunches, serving as timers, serving as a Delegation Escort where you become a buddy to an athlete for that day, setting up venues, cleaning up venues…and so much more! You can volunteer for only one day by contacting the Area, Region, and/or Chapter that you are interested in. Each program is unique with their volunteer procedures.
What other volunteer opportunities exist besides “Day Of” opportunities? What is the time commitment?
We have many opportunities such as coaches, officials, trainers, directors, fundraisers, as mentioned above. Click here to review the general opportunities and the time commitment
Where can I volunteer?
Special Olympics is a grassroots, community-based organization. That means there is probably a Special Olympics Area program where you can volunteer within your local community.
You can also volunteer at the Regional level. Special Olympics Southern California local programs are divided into six regions.
Finally, you can volunteer at the Southern California Chapter level. Southern California Chapter events include:
Floor Hockey Championship (San Diego)
Winter Games (Big Bear)
Ice Skating Championship (El Segundo)
Summer Games (CSU, Long Beach)
Pier del Sol (Fundraiser at the Santa Monica Pier)
Fall Games (Mile Square Park, Fountain Valley)
John Wooden Classic Golf Tournament & Benefit Dinner (Fundraiser in Orange County)
At each of these levels, you can volunteer in all the ways that we have already mentioned. We are always in need of volunteers for key leadership positions, as well as day of volunteers to pull everything together.
How do you sign up to be a volunteer with Special Olympics?
Volunteer opportunities are available at every program level: Area, Region, and Chapter. You may volunteer for one or more program levels in different capacities. This really depends on how you would like to get involved and your availability. For example, you might want to coach for an Area program and you would like to volunteer on the day of a Regional and/or Chapter event. Or you might want to serve on a Games Management Committee for Basketball for the Area programs and the Chapter programs.
You should first review the volunteer opportunities. Next, decide how you would like to get involved, where you would like to volunteer, and/or which events interest you. If you are interested in coaching, contact the Area program where you would like to coach. Coaching opportunities are only available at the Area program level. If you would like to volunteer close to your home, you should contact the Area or Regional program close to your home. Area and Regional competitions tend to be smaller than Chapter events. You might get to know the athletes or Area program from your community on a personal level. You should contact the Chapter office if you are interested in large championship events or want to be a part of the Southern California state headquarters' events or operations. Chapter events are spread throughout Southern California so you could volunteer for a Chapter event close to your home.
A Volunteer Application is required of each volunteer. Once that is on file with the Special Olympics office, the volunteer may begin working in his/her preferred area. Each program offers a general orientation session for new volunteers on a regular basis. Please contact us for a Volunteer Application form.
I represent a group of volunteers who are interested in volunteering for Special Olympics. What can we do?
Groups can help on the day of an event or help with other activities (e.g., stuffing envelopes, data entry, event prep work, etc). The group representative should contact the Special Olympics program where they would like to volunteer to coordinate recruiting efforts.
What is the minimum age to volunteer?
The minimum age to volunteer is 14 years. Coaches can be certified at age 14. All Head Coaches should be at least 18 years old. The legal guardian of a minor must sign the parental consent section of the Volunteer Registration form.
What volunteer opportunities are available for volunteers under 18?
Volunteers that are at least 14 years old can be certified in any Special Olympics sport. Minors can provide coaching assistance and event and competition support under the supervision of a parent, guardian or certified head coach or assistant coach. Minors can assist on the day of an event in a variety of roles. Duties range from preparing sack lunches, serving as timers, serving as a Delegation Escort where you become a buddy to an athlete for that day, setting up venues, cleaning up venues…and so much more!
What are the requirements to become a coach?
Each Special Olympics Area program may have requirements that are unique to the local community. The general time commitment is a minimum of eight weeks and one to three hours per week. All interested candidates must attend an orientation at the Area program where they would like to coach.
Can an athlete be coached by a family member?
Absolutely. Special Olympics is dependent on the families of the athletes for a variety of volunteer positions. The age restrictions noted above apply to all family coaches.
How does a coach become certified?
To become a certified coach for Special Olympics Southern California, the following must be completed:
General Session: a 90-minute session that introduces the basics for the program
Volunteer Coach Sport Specific Training School: a six hour course.
Practicum: 10 hours of hands-on training to be completed after the Sport Specific Training School.
Complete and submit coach certification form.
Upon completion, each certified coach will receive a Special Olympics Certification as a volunteer coach.
FAQ-SUMMER GAMES SPECIFICS. Back to Top.
The 2008 Summer Games will be held on June 13-15. Opening Ceremony occurs on June 13. Actual competition dates are June 14and 15. Summer Games will take place at Cal State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and Recreation South Golf Course. CSULB is located at 1250 Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840. The phone number is 562-985-1867. Recreation South Golf Course is located at 5000 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90840. The phone number is 562-438-4012.
How many athletes are competing and in what sports?
The 2008 Summer Games will have approximately 1,500 athletes from Southern California competing in seven sports – aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, golf, gymnastics, and tennis.
You do not need to volunteer to come to Summer Games. The event is free and open to the public. Our athletes love spectators. Bring friends and family to cheer on the athletes as they go for the gold! Witness their courage and be inspired as they demonstrate their oath, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
You must fill out a Summer Games registration form to sign up for the event. Please go to http://www.sosc.org/2006SummerGamesMainPage.html to download a copy of the application from our website. You will need adobe acrobat reader if you download a copy of the application. You can download adobe acrobat for free at www.adobe.com. If you prefer an application to be mailed to you, it could take 3-7 days to process your request. You may send a request to volunteer@sosc.org or leave your request at 800-Team-CSO x198. Please remember to speak slowly and clearly if you leave a message.
Can I show up to the event and volunteer without registering? What if I’m taking the place for someone else who plans to cancel?
You can show up during the weekend without registering, but a volunteer position is not guaranteed. Special Olympics registers more volunteers than the venue requires, adjusting for no shows or last minute cancellations. You are not guaranteed a volunteer position if you did not register. During the weekend of the event, you may report to the Main Volunteer Booth to inquire about available positions.
When were Summer Games volunteer applications mailed?
Summer Games volunteer applications will be mailed to individuals with a current address on our volunteer mailing list during the middle of April..
I have been a long-time volunteer for Special Olympics. I never received an application in the mail. What should I do?
Thank you for your continued commitment to Special Olympics. We apologize that you did not receive an application. Please go to http://www.sosc.org/2005SummerGamesMainPage.html to download a copy of the application from our website. You will need adobe acrobat reader if you download a copy of the application. You can download adobe acrobat for free at www.adobe.com. If you prefer an application to be mailed to you, it could take 3-7 days to process your request. You may send a request to volunteer@sosc.org or leave your request at 800-Team-CSO x198. Please remember to speak slowly and clearly if you leave a message.
When is the registration deadline?
If you are coordinating a group of volunteers (10 or more), it is highly recommended that you submit final group registrations by April 30th if you desire to work at the same venue. Application deadline is May 21st. After the 21st, please refer to our website or call 800-Team-CSO x198 for information regarding available positions. Summer Games is a very popular event. Positions fill up quickly so please turn in your registration forms as soon as possible. Please note that we cannot guarantee your assignment preference, but we will do our best to honor your request.
I already mailed or faxed in my application. How do I know if you received my application?
Please make sure you print clearly on your application or we cannot contact you. We will begin mailing or e-mailing confirmation letters to all confirmed volunteers beginning in May. If you did not receive your confirmation letter within two weeks before the event, and you registered early, AND you are not part of a group, please leave a detailed message at 800-Team-CSO x198 or volunteer@sosc.org. Indicate your volunteer ID(s) if known. If you are on our volunteer mailing list, this number is located on the top left corner above your name on the registration form or to the right of the mailing label on the confirmation letter. If you registered as part of a group, please contact your group coordinator for confirmation information. Confirmation information may be mailed to the group coordinator who is responsible for dispersing the information to group participants.
I want to volunteer with my friends or family. Can we be placed together?
There is a space on Section 1 of the application for Friends & Family. If you are volunteering with Friends & Family and you DO NOT want to be separated, please write their names on this part of the application. Do not fill out this section if your Friends & Family only plan to arrive together and would like to sign up for different venues.
I want to volunteer with a group of people (10 or more). What should I do?
Designate a group coordinator to e-mail volunteer@sosc.org or to call 800-Team-CSO x198 to pre-register the group. The group coordinator should provide the group name, contact address, phone, e-mail, approximate number of volunteers in the group, and 3 assignment preferences including the day(s) and time shift(s). Special Olympics will work with the group coordinator to discuss available volunteer positions and to discuss group registration procedures.
Do I need to volunteer all 3 days if I want to volunteer?
No you do not need to volunteer all 3 days to volunteer for Summer Games. When you sign up to volunteer, mark the day(s) you plan to volunteer.
Some of the volunteer shifts run all day. Can I still sign up for those shifts if I can only volunteer for part of the shift?
We have several half-day shifts for many venues on Saturday. If you are not available for the entire day, please pick the venues that offer half-day shifts.
When and where will orientations be held?
TBA. Please refer back to the website soon for updates on orientation dates and locations.
Am I required to attend an orientation?
Orientation sessions are designed to give you information about Special Olympics and our athletes. Orientation is not required. However, if you are new to Special Olympics it his highly recommended that you attend an orientation. Volunteer T-shirts will be available for purchase at orientations and at Summer Games for $5. Purchase of this shift is NOT required to volunteer.
I have been volunteering for a long time for Special Olympics. Do I still need to register?
Thank you for your continued commitment to Special Olympics. You will need to register so we know which day(s), venue(s), and shift(s) you are volunteering for 2005.
What if I signed up for Summer Games, and I need to cancel. What should I do?
Please leave a message at 800-Team-CSO x198 or volunteer@sosc.org to cancel. Leave your name, home address, phone number, the venue you were assigned, and your volunteer ID(s) if known. If you are on our mailing list, this number is located on the top left corner above your name on the registration form or to the right of the mailing label on the confirmation letter.
I missed the group deadline or the individual deadline. What should I do?
After the 21st you may continue to submit your registration forms. Assignments will be given based on availability.
Is there a dress code or uniform to volunteer for the Summer Games? Can I wear my corporate/group t-shirt?
To assist the Games Management Team and the athletes in identifying the volunteers, we ask that you wear a white shirt and navy shorts, pants, or skirt (jeans are fine). Volunteer T-shirts will be available for purchase at orientations and at Summer Games for $5. Purchase of this shirt is NOT required to volunteer. You may wear your corporate/group T-shirt if you are volunteering in Sports Expo Park.
The Summer Games Volunteer Application is confusing and lengthy. Help!
Section 1: All Volunteers Must Complete
If you are volunteering with 10 or more individuals or if you are representing a group or corporation, please write the name of your group. This information helps the scheduling and confirmation process. Each volunteer participant will need to fill out a registration form and indicate the same group name on the form.
If you are volunteering with Friends & Family and you DO NOT want to be separated, please write their names. Do not fill out this section if you only plan to arrive together and would like to sign up for different venues.
Section 2: Summer Games Volunteer Assignments
In this section, please specify the days, shifts, and venues you would like to work.
Section 3: Future Volunteer Opportunities
Special Olympics Southern California offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. Please specify the future volunteer opportunities you may be interested in. A staff member will contact you regarding your specified volunteer interests.
This year I would like to do something more for Special Olympics. What can I do?
For Special Olympics athletes the chance to train and compete is a dream of a lifetime. This training not only develops physical skills, but also gives athletes the confidence and self esteem to succeed both on and off the playing field. Our athletes' dreams can only come true when people like you decide to help. You can give more athletes the opportunity to take the field by participating in the MVP Program. The MVP Program is a fundraising campaign in which Special Olympics supporters raise money for athletes through their family, friends, co-workers and other creative avenues. The MVP Program kicks off in April, and continues until the "Victory Party at Summer Games June 10th-12th. If you or your group would like to get involved, please go to www.sosc.org/mvp.html for more information.
I still have questions. Who should I contact?
Questions can be directed to Mary Nguyen, 310-215-8380 x198 or volunteer@sosc.org. Please leave a detailed message with your questions, and we will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible. April - June is the time of the year when we receive the largest volume of calls and e-mails. Please realize if you call a few weeks before the event, we may not have time to get back to you.
