SPECIAL OLYMPICS INTERNATIONAL GOLF TRAINING SESSIONmedia.specialolympics.org/soi/files/resources/... · and presented to Special Olympics, Inc. no later than 15 days after the event

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ALPINE SKIING

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2013 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD WINTER GAMES

TECHNICAL DELEGATE REPORT

DIRECTIONS: Please answer /rate the following. Use the necessary space to provide comments. The boxes can be expanded to accommodate all of your comments. This report must be typed and presented to Special Olympics, Inc. no later than 15 days after the event.

1 = Very Poor 2 = Area of Concern 3 = Adequate 4 = Very Good 5 = Outstanding

Sport: ALPINE SKIING

COMPETITION VENUE Compliance with international sport federation and Special Olympics technical requirements xYes No If not, provide detailed explanation in the observation section or attach supplemental report Inspection of field of play conducted by technical delegate prior to competition xYes No Any safety concerns should be indicated in the observation section or attached supplemental report Venue Flow (athlete staging to competition) 1 2 x3 4 5 Field of Play Access Control & Enforcement 1 2 x3 4 5 Field of Play Operations 1 2 3 x4 5 Quality of Permanent Facilities and Temporary Modifications 1 x2 3 4 5 Commendations

Observations Little background on running major winter sport competitions on the GOC part

Recommendations Alpine TD visit and select venues prior to decision being made on site

SPORT EQUIPMENT Compliance with international sport federation and Special Olympics technical requirements xYes No If not, provide detailed explanation in the observation section or attach supplemental report Commendations Better quality of sports equipment on the athletes part this games

International officials helped direct and make the competition successful

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Observations (List below the names/bib numbers/Program that did not have proper sport equipment or attire) All complied

Recommendations Regional training camps in the future Pre Games

COACHES Organization and Administration of 1st Head Coaches Meeting 1 2 x3 4 5 Organization and Administration of Additional Coaches Meetings 1 2 3 4 x5 Coaches Handbooks 1 2 x3 4 5

Total Number of Coaches Meeting Conducted 7 List sport specific issues arising at coaches meetings and how were they resolved Inspection-FIS rule for Disqualification enforced Late to Start-FIS Rule for Disqualification enforced with numerous DQ’s Commercial messages-discussed SO rule and taped uniforms. This looks terrible ane we need to better prepare programs for this issue

Commendations Most countries followed all of the rules and were prepared

Observations Still approx. 25% of head coaches did not know the rules Based on the list that is included below we would say the following seventeen (17) Programs lacked in the full education and rules understanding necessary for proper Head Coach oversight at World Games: Argentina Beigium Bharat Bosnia Chile Czech Republic Georgia Republic Hungary Ireland Kazakhstan Korea Kosovo Monaco San Marino Serbia Turkey Ukraine

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Recommendations Regional training and certification requirements

OFFICIALS Organization and Administration of Officials Meetings 1 2 3 x4 5 Officials Handbooks 1 x2 3 4 5 Overall Performance of Officials 1 2 3 4 x5 Officials Dress Code 1 2 3 x4 5 Officials Nomination and Selection Process 1 2 3 x4 5 Officials Performance Evaluation Process 1 2 3 x4 5 Officials Services (i.e. reception, communication, lounge, etc.) 1 x2 3 4 5 Commendations International officials made the games happen, without them the GOC would have failed

Observations International officials were very professional. Local Officials had some training. Some were excellent

Recommendations Better requirement and management of pre-games. International Officials must speak english

DIVISIONING Divisioning Success (evenness of division, competitive division) 1 2 3 4 x5 What difficulties, if any, scenarios were encountered during divisioning? How were they handled? Some uneducated comments but those were handled by the Jury

Commendations Michael Chevrette GMS Excellent and great to work with

Observations Mikes comments will be added

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Recommendations (including summary reports that could be added to GMS) Importance of Pre Games and training

SPORTS RULES Compliance with the typical international protocol for the sport xYes No Adherence to Sports Rules 1 2 3 x4 5

Number of Protests 0

Number of Protests Denied

Number of Protests Upheld Attached a copy of all protests forms to this report. Copy attached? Yes xNo Identify trends of type of protests na

List the names of the jury and position na

Were there any decisions made that was not covered in the sport rules, if so, please specify. na

Commendations Work of jury to discuss potential protest issues-the jury was excellent

Observations (i.e. conformity to athlete uniform rules, illegal commercial messages, etc. – provide specific information, including name of Program) Taped uniforms that were out of compliance

Recommendations (may also include recommendation for future Special Olympics sport rule changes) Recommendations will come out of the sports committee

COMPETITION SCHEDULE /RESULTS Adherence to Schedule 1 2 3 x4 5 Timeliness of Distribution of Schedule 1 2 x3 4 5

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Timeliness of Distribution of Posting of Results 1 2 3 x4 5 Evaluation of Competition Format 1 2 3 x4 5

Competition Format Used ASSESSMENT-DIVISIONING-RACE List and explain any delays, postponements, cancellations in the competition One day was lost because of rain. We used the results of Super G to division GS

Commendations Grat race secretary and Patty Fedderer is excellent

Observations International officials worked well together

Recommendations (i.e. include types of reports) The reports we have are appropriate and good

PAPER FLOW Commendations Once we had the right supplies and the training of volunteers flow went well

Observations Training of volunteers was little and late

Recommendations Follow expectations of TD’s

SPORTS TECHNOLOGY Timing and Scoring Operations 1 2 3 x4 5 Use of Scoreboard/Video board/Sound Production 1 2 x3 4 5 Bracketing Software, if applicable 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations Scoring was good, gms was good

Observations

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Liked the setup

Recommendations (i.e., what enhancements (including reports) can be made to GMS to administer the sport) Gms worked with timing and with Patty and me very well

AWARDS Awards Presentation 1 x2 3 4 5 Adherence to Schedule 1 x2 3 4 5 Awards Staging 1 x2 3 4 5 Competition to Awards Flow of Traffic 1 2 3 x4 5 Commendations none

Observations This group did not take direction. They completely ignored the recommendation that I put forward. GOC was remiss in not securing buildings around venue to support the comeptition

Recommendations Future sites must use the pre games to prepare

EVENT REGISTRATION/QUOTA List event(s) that should be deleted for the next World Games. State reason(s) none

List event(s) that should be added for the next World Games. State reason(s). none

If applicable, was the categorizing of events within the sport useful? What would you change differently? Change nothing

What is the maximum number of teams/athletes that should be accommodated for a World Games, using the same number of field of plays. 110 per venue, totaling 330 total is fine

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Information that should be deleted from athlete registration form Don’t know of any specifically

Information that should be added to athlete registration form We need to know more about the physical disabilities of athletes. Visually impaired for instance does not mean one way or another whether the athlete is blind

Comments on final declaration process This information needs to be completed sooner

COMPETITION MANAGEMENT TEAM Competition Management Team Performance 1 x2 3 4 5 Sufficient number of Team Members 1 2 x3 4 5 Commendations International officials

Observations Alpine manager came on a year late; lack of training. Management flow was inappropriate for them to make decisions

Recommendations More focus on the test events and requirements for functional areas

ROLE AS TECHNICAL DELEGATE Readiness in role as Technical Delegate prior to Games Time 1 2 3 4 x5 Readiness in role as Technical Delegate during Games Time 1 2 3 4 x5 Communication with GOC counterpart 1 x2 3 4 5 Technical Delegate Services 1 2 x3 4 5 (travel arrangements, housing accommodations, uniform,etc.) Provide listing of site visits prior to the Games (all visits made between the time of your appointment up to Games) 4 site visits prior to the games including the test event. Additionally I visited the site during the FIS Congress held in S Korea last year

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What specific duties did you perform as a technical delegate during Games time? All review of course and venue set up operations, courses sets, officials duties, GMS timing functions, finalizing results, divisioning, leading the Head Coach meeting

Commendations: Patty Federer as a qualified so and fis official

Observations: Lack of knowledge of setting up race venues. There were three very different official capacities in operations: Venue Manager, Ops Manager and on Hill Fencing manager. They did not talk to each other and when I asked for assistance in some areas I was pointed to another person. This lack of coordination was consistent throughout their games management structure. This was a problem and was part of why I mad extra trips to S. Korea.

Recommendations: More SO Tech Delegate control over the structure of games management depending on the experience and organization of the GOC

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS The Games in S. Korea were a real challenge, but a challenge that I really liked taking on. The Games taught me about a very new culture and how to be creative with a technically weak GOC but a very qualified international group of officials. I feel that the athlete had a quality experience and was given every opportunity to perform at her/his highest level. The venues were set up like world class venues; they were safe; the courses were set well; the officials both local and international gelled well and I feel the leadership that Patty and I offered was excellent. OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE GAMES Overall rating 1 2 3 x4 5

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FIGURE SKATING

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Sport: FIGURE SKATING

COMPETITION VENUE Compliance with international sport federation and Special Olympics technical requirements X Yes No If not, provide detailed explanation in the observation section or attach supplemental report Inspection of field of play conducted by technical delegate prior to competition X Yes No Any safety concerns should be indicated in the observation section or attached supplemental report Venue Flow (athlete staging to competition) 1 2 3 4 X 5 Field of Play Access Control & Enforcement 1 2 3 X 4 5 Field of Play Operations 1 2 3 4 X 5 Quality of Permanent Facilities and Temporary Modifications 1 2 3 X 4 5 Commendations For Figure Skating and Short Track have been firstly only 2 Ice Rinks (in Gangneung) available. But two rinks are not enough for this both kind of sports. Peter Wheeler and Lee Todd made it possible to use the Yongpyong Dome for Figure Skating on 3 days. Thereby 5 days for Figure Skating Events were available. Two days in Gangneung Indoor Ice Rink (basement level) for Compulsory and three days in Yongpyong Dome for Free Skating. For that reason after the second day all equipment and so on must be carried to Yongpyong Dome during the night. This job was well done and everything was ready in the morning. Observations In Yongpyong Dome rubber mats were on the floor in front of the door to the ice and on the way from Kiss and Cry Corner to skaters waiting area. Under this mats were cables for electricity. One day during the competition three workers came and removed some of the mats. Especially in front of the door to the ice surface. Thereby the cables for electricity were unveiled. Although skaters were on this place! This was very dangerous for the skaters because on this place they had no skate guards. Mercifully no one went up with his sharp skates on one of the cables with electricity. I tried really hard to stop the worker. But they don’t understand English. It was impossible for me to stop the dangerous activity of this people without use of force. They removed some cables. Then they replaced the mats and finished her work after about ten or fifteen minutes. After that I want to speak with the Venue Manager. But Volunteers informed me that the Manager was absent and not in the Ice Rink. Recommendations In the future is it indispensable to check if enough Ice Rinks (three) for World Games exists. This check must be made before the contract with the organizer will be finished! It must be ensured in the future that during Competitions and Practice and if Skaters are present no workings in the Ice Rink will be done. Except during a break. The Venue Manager have to be in Venue (Ice Rink) all the times during the competitions.

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SPORT EQUIPMENT

Compliance with international sport federation and Special Olympics technical requirements X Yes No If not, provide detailed explanation in the observation section or attach supplemental report Commendations none

Observations (List below the names/bib numbers/Program that did not have proper sport equipment or attire)

Recommendations

COACHES Organization and Administration of 1st Head Coaches Meeting 1 2 3 4 5 Organization and Administration of Additional Coaches Meetings 1 2 3 4 5 Coaches Handbooks 1 2 3 4 5 Total Number of Coaches Meeting Conducted NONE

List sport specific issues arising at coaches meetings and how were they resolved None

Commendations The first Head Coaches meeting was planned for Jan. 29 (14:00-16:00). But the teams arrived in Gangneung only just on this day. Furthermore the Opening Ceremony took place on this day at 17:30-20:30. Therefore it was not possible to held the meeting on this day and GOC canceled it. On Jan. 30 at 09:00 started the competition (without practice). Due to the fact that we had only five days (instead of seven) for all Figure Skating events always existed shortage of time and it was not possible to held a Coaches Meeting. Therefore we announced in the rinks on which places the coaches could find us (the Technical Delegates) and ask us or speak with us about all possible problems. But only a few times we had been consulted. Referring the late arrival of the athletes, followed by the Opening Ceremony and therefore followed by coming to bed late in the night - some skaters had to start at their competition early next morning - Such a timing is inconsiderate especially for people with intectually disability.

Observations Since July 2012 we tried to get the Coaches Handbook. We sent a draft of the handbook to Ms. Koo. This draft included all technical matters. Only the local matters must be specified. But the handbook was not completed by Ms. Koo or other persons of the GOC. Foremost at 2013, Jan. 24 we could find the handbook on the website. The coaches received the handbook not until the day of her arrival in Gangneung. This was much too late and is not acceptable!!! Because during a competition far away from at home no coach has enough time to read a handbook. All coaches are occupied by their athletes. On top of that no announcement was made although we sent a draft to Ms. Koo. Figure Skating is a complicated sport. Therefore it is very important to inform all coaches a long time (at the best 6 month) before the Games about all matters and details which they need to know on behalf of her skaters.

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Recommendations In future the first Head Coaches Meeting should be held not later than the day before the first practice will take place. The teams should arrive at the city where the Games will take place not later than this day. Every sport should have his own Coaches Handbook with General Information, Functional Area Information and the Special Information only on the relevant sport. This could save approximately 70 pages in each Hand Book. This book would be clearer and easier to handle. Moreover, it would not be necessary to wait with the announcement until the special provisions of all sports are done. The Handbook should be sent to the National SO-Organizations (for forwarding to the coaches) at the latest about 4 months before the start of the Games. Additional it should be announced at the same time on SOI-website and on the website of the Games.

OFFICIALS Organization and Administration of Officials Meetings 1 2 3 4 X 5 Officials Handbooks 1 2 3 4 5 Overall Performance of Officials 1 2 3 4 X 5 Officials Dress Code 1 2 3 4 X 5 Officials Nomination and Selection Process 1 2 3 4 X 5 Officials Performance Evaluation Process 1 2 3 4 X 5 Officials Services (i.e. reception, communication, lounge, etc.) 1 2 X 3 4 5 Commendations No separately Officials Handbook was made. Some days before the Games the Coaches Handbook was renamed in “Coaches and Officials’ Handbook”. This change of the name was OK. Because it is really not necessary to make different Handbooks with the same content. But the Officials received the Handbook also much too late – like the Coaches. For the information of the Officials in good time we sent them all necessary information by e-mail.

Observations The atmosphere between all Officials and us was very kindly and nice.

Recommendations The Handbook should be sent to the Officials (like to the coaches) at the latest about 4 months before the start of the Games. Additional it should be announced at the same time on SOI-website and on the website of the Games.

DIVISIONING Divisioning Success (evenness of division, competitive division) 1 2 3 4 5 What difficulties, if any, scenarios were encountered during divisioning? How were they handled?

Commendations In Figure Skating the divisioning is done by the different levels. It is the duty of the Head Coaches, Team Leaders and the National SO-Organization to nominate her skaters in the right level. The nominated skaters have to be selected before the Games only into age groups - not more than 8 skaters per group.

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Observations Some skaters were not nominated in the correct level and some skaters did not have enough ability to participate at World Games.

Recommendations (including summary reports that could be added to GMS) It is necessary to find a way to make sure, that the skaters are really nominated in the right level. Possibly by a sheet with the 12 badges (the basis of FS) and signed by the Head Coach and the National SO-Organization which badges are passed. If there will be done a wrong specification the possibility of disqualification should be given.

SPORTS RULES Compliance with the typical international protocol for the sport X Yes No Adherence to Sports Rules 1 2 3 4 X 5 Number of Protests 5

Number of Protests Denied 5

Number of Protests Upheld NONE

Attached a copy of all protests forms to this report. Copy attached? X Yes No Identify trends of type of protests The South American countries protested against figures of higher levels in some programs, but the judges did correctly deductions like described in the rules book. We think they would like to have a group “Level 0” to get medals!!!

List the names of the jury and position In accordance to the Figure Skating Rules the Referee, Mr. Morry Stillwell, was responsible for the protests. He decided in accordance with us.

Were there any decisions made that was not covered in the sport rules, if so, please specify. NO

Commendations

Observations (i.e. conformity to athlete uniform rules, illegal commercial messages, etc. – provide specific information, including name of Program) None

Recommendations (may also include recommendation for future Special Olympics sport rule changes) Level 1 (Beginners: Badge 1-5) is OK, but Level 2 is too extensive (till badge 10). We should end with Badge 9 and give badge 10 to level 3. So the skaters would be better divided.

COMPETITION SCHEDULE /RESULTS Adherence to Schedule 1 2 3 4 X 5 Timeliness of Distribution of Schedule 1 2 3 4 X 5 Timeliness of Distribution of Posting of Results 1 2 3 4 X 5 Evaluation of Competition Format 1 2 3 4 5

Competition Format Used

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List and explain any delays, postponements, cancellations in the competition None

Commendations

Observations

Recommendations (i.e. include types of reports)

PAPER FLOW Commendations There was a quickly flow of the papers. Only a short time after the finish of an event the results have been put up on the board.

Observations We (TD’s) received the protocol of the whole game very quickly.

Recommendations After the end of all competitions each Head Coach, the Referees, all Judges and the TD (TD’s) should get a protocol of the whole event. This protocol should include all results and the judging details.

SPORTS TECHNOLOGY Timing and Scoring Operations 1 2 3 4 X 5

Use of Scoreboard/Video board (in Yongpyong Dome) 1 2 X 3 4 5 Sound Production 1 2 3 4 X 5 Bracketing Software, if applicable ??? 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations The scoreboard in Yongpyong Dome was positioned behind one corner of the ice surface. But his position was much too low. For that reason it was partly not possible to see or to read the shown points and results. Especially from the position of the skaters entrance and exit from the ice surface and from the “Kiss and Cry”. Therefore the skaters and coaches couldn’t see her points. Besides only a screen shot of the desktop of the PC which the results calculated was shown only fpr a short time. Not shown were the whole ranking, the name of the next sdkyater and so on. Only some videos has been presented. In Gangneung no scoreboard was possible, because always two compulsory events took part contemporary. Sound production was very good. The announcers worked very well. They spoke clearly, in time and - because of shortage of time - fast

Observations NONE

Recommendations (i.e., what enhancements (including reports) can be made to GMS to administer the sport) The scoreboard should be visible from all places of the whole ice rink. It should be shown: Name of the skater, his earned points and his current place. Then the current row. No videos should be shown during skating, because the spectator’s attention should be given to the

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athletes and not to movies. AWARDS Awards Presentation 1 2 3 4 X 5 Adherence to Schedule 1 2 3 4 X 5 Awards Staging 1 2 3 4 X 5 Competition to Awards Flow of Traffic 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations The Awards took place on the ice after the end of competitions of each day. No traffic was necessary.

Observations The end of competitions (and the awards) has been late and therefore we had problems with dinner. It was not possible to end earlier, because we had only 5 days available instead of 7 days.

Recommendations In future it must be sure that Figure Skating will get enough time for the competitions - in the interest of athletes and officials.

EVENT REGISTRATION/QUOTA List event(s) that should be deleted for the next World Games. State reason(s) NONE

List event(s) that should be added for the next World Games. State reason(s).

If applicable, was the categorizing of events within the sport useful? What would you change differently?

What is the maximum number of teams/athletes that should be accommodated for a World Games, using the same number of field of plays. In Figure Skating there should not be more than 180 skaters, if possible. Absolutely maximum 200.

Information that should be deleted from athlete registration form

Information that should be added to athlete registration form We should add (only for Figure Skating) a list with the 12 badges on which the passed badges must be signed - to control the correct level of the skater.

Comments on final declaration process

COMPETITION MANAGEMENT TEAM Competition Management Team Performance 1 2 3 4 X 5 Sufficient number of Team Members 1 2 3 X 4 5

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Commendations Each member of the team was very competent and made great effort. In defiance of all the big problems we had (not enough ice rinks, only 5 instead of 7 days for the whole competition, no time for practice, change of the rinks after the second day and so on) the Figure Skating events were excellent organized and conducted. The Sport Manager, Ms. Hye Yeong Kim, and the volunteers made really a great job!

Observations

Recommendations

ROLE AS TECHNICAL DELEGATE Readiness in role as Technical Delegate prior to Games Time 1 2 3 4 X 5 Readiness in role as Technical Delegate during Games Time 1 2 3 4 X 5 Communication with GOC counterpart 1 2 3 X 4 5 Technical Delegate Services 1 2 3 4 X 5 (travel arrangements, uniform,etc.) housing accommodations 1 X 2 3 4 5 Provide listing of site visits prior to the Games (all visits made between the time of your appointment up to Games) 2011-05-09 till 05-11 2011-10-31 till 11-03 2012-02-19 till 02-26 (Pregames) 2012-12-09 till 12-13

What specific duties did you perform as a technical delegate during Games time? In Figure Skating the TD’s have to solve all problems before the beginning of the games. Unsolved problems would take too much time during the games. Most of the wrong entries could be cleared up before the teams came to Korea. Only the entry of a skater from India must be checked here. TD’s have to stay in the ice rink to be here if something happens. We stopped the time needed for the compulsories and found out that the skaters of higher levels have been faster - that means that the quality of skating got better in the last years and in future we will have to calculate a bit less time for this competitions. We observed the time table for Free Programs and so we had to instruct the speakers to save time by presentation of the judges during the warm up time of the skaters and not before the skaters entered the ice. We had to answer some questions about the rules - especially from coaches of countries from South America. We spoke about the protests with the concerned referee and afterwards explained it to the concerned coaches. We had no problems to solve with judges, because we sent them all documents and information in time by e-mail and answered all their questions before they went to Korea We had the honor to give awards.

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Commendations: Accommodation (Jumunjin Resort) was a humble accommodation. As we arrived it was very cold in the whole resort including the rooms. The same situation on next day as the Officials arrived. Not before the third day of our stay in this resort the temperature was higher. Because of the very low temperature in the resort the Officials and TD’s had to use her anoraks (parka) during the breakfast and the dinner on the first three or four days. No restaurant and no shop for beverages is situated in the resort. Per person only two very small towels for eleven days (!) were provided. No House Keeping for eleven days was provided. This was official announced in the official “Jumunjin Hotel Resort Room Information” of the GOC!!!!! Time for Dinner ended each day much to early (20:30). Long before the games we often kindly asked Ms. Koo (GOC) to prolong this time. But she (or the GOC) disallowed.

Observations: Only one switch for the light was in our room. This switch was not near to the door. Therefore we had to go into the room in the darkness. No switch was near to the bed. So we had to go to or from the bed in the darkness as well.

Recommendations:

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS In defiance of all the big problems we had (not enough ice rinks, only five instead seven days for the whole competition, no time for practice, change of the ice rinks after the second day and so on) the Figure Skating events were excellently organized and conducted. The Sport Manger – Ms. Hye Yeong Kim – and the Volunteers made really a great job. ___________________________________________________________________________ Announcement: Against our intention and against all requirements for Figure Skating the GOC (Ms. Koo) made no announcement! We sent them/her a draft of the announcement. But they refused to make this announcement. Figure Skating is a complicated kind of sport. Therefore coaches need the announcement absolutely for the correct preparation of her skaters. In the future an announcement must be made and send to the National Programs together with all other documents and information which are necessary for the games. Transportation: We received not the Transportation Guidebook. Only after arrival of the Austrian Team we got one from an Austrian coach. Jumunjin Resort which is located very far of all other parts of Gangneung was not included in the Circulating Bus (shuttle bus). The bus, which should pick up the Officials at the Jumunjin Resort and bring to the ice rink, arrived on two days to late at the resort. Therefore arrived the Officials very late at the ice rink. One time they arrived only 8 minutes before the competition started. After our arrival at the Incheon Airport we asked for our bus to Gangneung. No one of the volunteers was able to show us this bus. They were not good informed. They told us we can find the bus in front of the airport. But there were only busses for the teams. Then we had to wait inside. After a longer time all TD’s could enter the right bus.

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The driver made only one very short stop to use the restrooms. There was no stop planned for dinner. First we traveled to Alpensia. From Alpensia we traveled to hotel Dragon Valley. Here was a suit case missing. For that reason we had to wait and to sit around 45 minutes in the bus. Then we traveled to another hotel in Gangneung. Here some suit cases were missing as well. Once more we had to wait a longer time. Afterwards we could finally travel to Jumunjin Resort where we arrived very late. After our very long travel we were very hungry and thirsty but no dinner and no beverages were available for us. Therefore we were very angry. One of the volunteers brought then some sandwiches and coffee. Officials which arrived next day had the same bad situation. The Figure Skating competition ended 2 days earlier as the other competitions, but in case of no shuttle bus to Jumunjin resort nobody would have the possibility to leave the hotel in this time to go to Alpensia or to visit other competitions. Therefore the officials (except one) and TD’s left Gangneung and went to Seoul to stay there this 2 days for their own cost. OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE GAMES Overall rating 1 2 3 4 5 We cannot give a rating over all, because we did not have the possibility to see others as Figure Skating.

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FLOORBALL

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Sport: FLOORBALL

COMPETITION VENUE Compliance with international sport federation and Special Olympics technical requirements Yes No If not, provide detailed explanation in the observation section or attach supplemental report Inspection of field of play conducted by technical delegate prior to competition Yes No Any safety concerns should be indicated in the observation section or attached supplemental report Venue Flow (athlete staging to competition) 1 2 3 4 5 Field of Play Access Control & Enforcement 1 2 3 4 5 Field of Play Operations 1 2 3 4 5 Quality of Permanent Facilities and Temporary Modifications 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations

Observations The warm up court was perfect, and used by all the teams.

Recommendations For the future, it would be perfect to have a floor/court, with only floorball markers. This lifts the tournament up at a higher level. The perfect size would be 24x12 for the court

SPORT EQUIPMENT Compliance with international sport federation and Special Olympics technical requirements Yes No If not, provide detailed explanation in the observation section or attach supplemental report Commendations All teams had the right equipment, and also IFF proved sticks. No one showed up with bad

The arena was good, the surface of the floor was maybe a bit to smooth, this was our only concern. But we received no complaints from coaches regarding this. The most important was to have a surface, were the ball could roll easily. Perfect with a court with markers only for floorball, it looked very good and professional

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sticks.

Observations (List below the names/bib numbers/Program that did not have proper sport equipment or attire)

Recommendations The rinks and balls were provided by the Korean Floorball federation. No doubt that SO can get lot of assistance from IFF’s national federation. But for the future, its important that SO have their own rinks and balls for WWG

COACHES Organization and Administration of 1st Head Coaches Meeting 1 2 3 4 5 Organization and Administration of Additional Coaches Meetings 1 2 3 4 5 Coaches Handbooks 1 2 3 4 5

Total Number of Coaches Meeting Conducted 3 List sport specific issues arising at coaches meetings and how were they resolved None

Commendations

Observations Beside the chaotic because of the first coachmeeting was rescheduled, which was resolved with great understanding from the coaches, everything went perfect

Recommendations Before the Winter World Games, we contacted all nations who would attend the games. We told them about issues regarding the tournament, and what role they had, and what they were responsible for during the games. First coachmeeting was a bit hectic, cause of change of time, but we managed to get hold at all, and we informed them of how we should act, in order to have a good tournament. During the games, we held close contacts with all coaches, and we believe this was one of the

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reasons why there were no complaints. We can only recommend that TD, have mail of coaches and HOD prior to the game, in order to inform them before they arrive. Also so the coach can contact TD with those questions that might be

OFFICIALS Organization and Administration of Officials Meetings 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Handbooks 1 2 3 4 5 Overall Performance of Officials 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Dress Code 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Nomination and Selection Process 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Performance Evaluation Process 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Services (i.e. reception, communication, lounge, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations First when I as the TD arrived at the WWG, I was informed that we would have 3 assistants and a driver. This info would have been nice to be informed about, before the game

Observations All our assistants was very helpful and all we asked for, was taken care of

Recommendations When the names of officials is known, let them write a mail to TD, and tell who they are, in order to have an even better relation/cooperation.

DIVISIONING Divisioning Success (evenness of division, competitive division) 1 2 3 4 5 What difficulties, if any, scenarios were encountered during divisioning? How were they handled? With just 8 teams, it was very important to have 4 teams in each group. We were very curious before the games, because what was the level of the teams. We had a pretty good idea about most of team. So our divisioning matches was based upon this, and we believe, that we

Commendations

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Observations All teams played with right effort

Recommendations (including summary reports that could be added to GMS) We have developed a division system, based on an individual skill contest (ISC). Here each player is given points, according to his technical level. Teams who are participating for future tournaments, it will be good, to do this ISC, and mail the results. This basisinformation, is very good in order to plan divisioning matches- This would be good to have as standard for the future. The coach guise, have a videoguide of all 6 drills from the ISC

SPORTS RULES Compliance with the typical international protocol for the sport Yes No Adherence to Sports Rules 1 2 3 4 5



Number of Protests Upheld 0 Attached a copy of all protests forms to this report. Copy attached? Yes No Identify trends of type of protests none

List the names of the jury and position

Were there any decisions made that was not covered in the sport rules, if so, please specify. none

Commendations

Observations (i.e. conformity to athlete uniform rules, illegal commercial messages, etc. – provide specific information, including name of Program)

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Recommendations (may also include recommendation for future Special Olympics sport rule changes)

COMPETITION SCHEDULE /RESULTS Adherence to Schedule 1 2 3 4 5 Timeliness of Distribution of Schedule 1 2 3 4 5 Timeliness of Distribution of Posting of Results 1 2 3 4 5 Evaluation of Competition Format 1 2 3 4 5

Competition Format Used 2 POOLS, ROUND ROBINS. NO.1-4 AND NO.2-3 PLAYED SEMIFINALS IN EACH POOL. THEN GOLD/BRONZEMATCH

List and explain any delays, postponements, cancellations in the competition There was a minor delay in one game, this was due to one of the team needed to change goalkeeper. According to the rules they have 5 min to do so. This was the only delay

Commendations

Observations Everything was perfected, maybe to perfect, because we started the final 10 min to early. This was a minor mistake

Recommendations (i.e. include types of reports) To have referees from the national federation means that the matches was not delayed. They are used to be referees and know how to handle different match situations and how to speak with whistle. For the future, to have referees from national federation would be very good.

PAPER FLOW Commendations

Observations

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Recommendations We had a small tournament, and the information we needed to inform about, was very little, meaning that information was handed out with no problems

SPORTS TECHNOLOGY Timing and Scoring Operations 1 2 3 4 5 Use of Scoreboard/Video board/Sound Production 1 2 3 4 5 Bracketing Software, if applicable 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations

Observations We had a rehearsal with all the volunteers and played a match. Here we tested everything, so all officials would know precise what to do.

Recommendations (i.e., what enhancements (including reports) can be made to GMS to administer the sport) To have a rehearsal and test different kind of situations, in order to test everything is very good. This meant that all the staff knew what to and how to act.

AWARDS Awards Presentation 1 2 3 4 5 Adherence to Schedule 1 2 3 4 5 Awards Staging 1 2 3 4 5 Competition to Awards Flow of Traffic 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations There was the official medal ceremony, but we also had a SPECIAL PLAYER AWARD after each match. This was given to a player who made a great effort. They received a small present (T-shirt and wrist bands). This was very much appreciated with all teams, and the players was proud to receive the awards. We asked kindly those who helped us, if they would help us giving the award. This in order to acknowledge their efforts.

Observations GOC did a very good job, and we saw athletes who were happy, also it was nice to see GOC

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had asked different important persons, if they would take the honors and help with the award ceremony

Recommendations Special player awards, is a thing we believe should be part of all tournaments. TD is responsible for this. A small present as wrist bands or a sponsorshirt is the level of the prizes.

EVENT REGISTRATION/QUOTA List event(s) that should be deleted for the next World Games. State reason(s) none

List event(s) that should be added for the next World Games. State reason(s). Official meeting with local federation and TD must be standard. We arranged this our self. But for the future, this is a must. Referees meeting on a daily basis, in order to take hand of any topic that might come up

If applicable, was the categorizing of events within the sport useful? What would you change differently? At the coachmeeting, there are many informations, these must also be handed out to coaches in a document, to avoid misunderstandings

What is the maximum number of teams/athletes that should be accommodated for a World Games, using the same number of field of plays. If we play small court (3 vs 3 on 24x12m), I see no problem in having 60 teams participating. We believe this would be good, because it will make a good divisioning.


Information that should be added to athlete registration form No of points in ISC (individual Skill Contest)


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COMPETITION MANAGEMENT TEAM Competition Management Team Performance 1 2 3 4 5 Sufficient number of Team Members 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations

Observations

Recommendations All minor details that occurred, was handed superbly, but we are talking very small issues not worth mentioning. The floorball tournament was conducted very well

ROLE AS TECHNICAL DELEGATE Readiness in role as Technical Delegate prior to Games Time 1 2 3 4 5 Readiness in role as Technical Delegate during Games Time 1 2 3 4 5 Communication with GOC counterpart 1 2 3 4 5 Technical Delegate Services 1 2 3 4 5 (travel arrangements, housing accommodations, uniform,etc.) Provide listing of site visits prior to the Games (all visits made between the time of your appointment up to Games) We went to Korea in June and had successful meetings with Korean Floorball Federation, GOC, IFF and SO, and discussed different issues regarding the WWG. We had no concern, because of the great back up from KFF and IFF. We were offered to come to Korea in December, but we believed this was not necessary. We had planned very well, and it was only minor details remaining. We thought the money spent on us going to Korea, could be used in a better way

What specific duties did you perform as a technical delegate during Games time? Responsible for the tournament, supervising the referees, divisioning, conducting Individual Skill contest, Coach meeting, meeting/communications with GOC, SO, IFF and KFF All this mentioned above, was a success, but also because of great help from mr. Jesper Hviid and mr. Jonas Hviid who acted with some authority as me.

Commendations:

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Observations: TD, mr. Jonas Hviid and mr. Jesper Hviid all acted in order to help each other, in order to have a great tournament.

Recommendations:

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS There was great interest in floorball. We met many people, who would like to swap floorhockey with floorball. They see floorball as much easier to organize and play. It could be great, to have some equipment, that could be skipped out to interested nations. I would recommend a meeting with IFF and one of the companies producing floorballstick etc. in order to get a deal/agreement. Overall we are very pleased with the way the tournament was organized, we are ready to take on a bigger challenge with more teams next time! The floorballressource team, is ready to progress with the work, in order to promote floorball in order to become an official sport at SO. OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE GAMES Overall rating 1 2 3 4 5

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FLOOR HOCKEY

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Sport: FLOOR HOCKEY


Observations The venue flow at all three venues was unsatisfactory with little or no control. Security was assigned to volunteers that had no idea what their jobs were and therefore was nonexistent. It was a constant problem throughout the games. The volunteers were poorly trained and spent their time on cell phones, taking pictures and laughing amongst themselves. Security on the venues floors fell to the TD’s to administer and was a constant problem throughout the games. Media was also a constant problem with no control. SOI was very liberal with their distribution of the red SOI vests which allowed unfettered access to the venue floors. These sorts of distractions for the TD’s, Athletes and spectators only weaken the overall quality of the games for everyone.

Recommendations The TD’s spent numerous hours with the venue manager explaining every facet of the requirements for the venues and necessary security. As it turned out very few of our recommendations were followed. SOI needs to take back control of the World Games process. SOI staff must understand and take to heart that the World Games are primarily a sporting event, not a special event that overrides the games. Events such as the USE event are nice to have but should not detract from the games or put an undue burden on the TD’s. This years

The Courts that were constructed for the games set a new bench mark. The walls, flooring and nets were very high quality. The facilities team was receptive to our help, listened and complied with our requests.

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event were both a burden to the TD and difficult to accomplish.

SPORT EQUIPMENT Compliance with international sport federation and Special Olympics technical requirements Yes No If not, provide detailed explanation in the observation section or attach supplemental report Commendations The GOC ordered equipment at the last minute for the games, however, I do not believe they ordered the recommended amount or the proper kinds of equipment. For instance they ordered sticks that were too long and could not be used until the TD requested the facilities team cut them down to the proper size. Once again the GOC ignored the advice of the TD’s.

Observations (List below the names/bib numbers/Program that did not have proper sport equipment or attire) As discussed above, many aspects of the games were ignored. The information carried at the SID’s was very limited and forced the coaches to seek answers from the TD’s or from their HOD’s. The GOC Sports Manager, even though he was asked to assist either did not have answers to questions or could not find out the answers. Many teams came to the games without equipment, however, the GOC provided enough loaned equipment not to become a severe problem. Not an all inclusive listing but did include the following 1. Nigeria 2. Afghanistan 3. Kenya 4. Uganda – Unified 5. Azerbaijan - Unified

Recommendations


Total Number of Coaches Meeting Conducted 6 List sport specific issues arising at coaches meetings and how were they resolved Translation by GOC: Translation by the GOC provided interpreters was inadequate. The 2 people provided were in their 2nd year of a language program at a university. Their understanding of English was not sufficient for the task of translating for the TD’s. They also did not have a sports specific background that would have assisted them in understanding the requirements of the job.

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Transportation: Coaches adapted to the inadequate transportation system by allowing for over an hour to get from venue to venue. The schedule was adjusted to allow extra time for teams to move from venue to venue as required. During the final rounds venues were eliminated to ensure there would not be problems. Mailbox not at accommodation: After the third day of the competition a coach informed the TD that there was not a mailbox located at the Athletes accommodation. They had apparently brought this up at the accommodation with the GOC but no one would fix the issue. The TD had the mailbox moved from Indoor Gym to Accommodation so that the coaches would have a mailbox available to them. Lack of Information from GOC: The GOC did not participate in any of the coaches meetings and the minutes produced by the GOC had little or no usable information.

Commendations The coaches made extra efforts to ask questions at the Coaches Meetings to stay informed. They also took the time to ask questions to get the necessary information to prevent problems due to a lack of help from the GOC.

Observations

Recommendations Same as above, the GOC must be held accountable instead of leaving it to the TD’s to find ways around these issues to make the games successful.

OFFICIALS Organization and Administration of Officials Meetings 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Handbooks 1 2 3 4 5 Overall Performance of Officials 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Dress Code 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Nomination and Selection Process 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Performance Evaluation Process 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Services (i.e. reception, communication, lounge, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations The veteran officials did an outstanding job throughout the games. When required they stepped up and took on extra responsibilities to ensure the games were properly and professionally handled. The RIC, Cameron Williams, worked very hard with all of the officials in an effort to get their skills and abilities improved enough to allow them to continue working the games. Unfortunately, the Officials in question lacked sufficient experience to improve enough to continue working. It should be noted that the 2 athlete officials from the USA were

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exceptional and worked the entire games including the medal rounds. Just one athlete official from South Africa improved enough to continue working through the final round robin.

Observations There were 34 on court Technical Officials selected for these games. This included 5 Athlete Official teams. Prior to the games each official was sent the latest copy of the rules along with a dress code for the games. At the beginning of the games, the TD’s and the RIC spent several hours working with the officials to prepare them for the competition. It became apparent that many of the officials did not have a basic understanding of the rules. The questions concerning rules and other aspects of the game were very basic and showed that many of the officials lacked the necessary experience. During the divisioning rounds it became obvious that even a basic understanding of rules and officiating techniques was absent. Unfortunately this was most apparent in many of the Athlete Officials and their Mentors. However, several of the new officials that were selected demonstrated the same issues. There were also officials that came to the games that had not refereed in the past 2 to 3 years because their countries do not have a floor hockey program presently. Due to the unexpected problems at the games the officials evaluation process was not completed. By the end of the first round robin 10 of the 34 officials were removed from officiating due to their lack of experience and to prevent protests that could have been filed by the coaches for improper administration of the rules. Officials Accommodations / Food for Officials and Athletes: The “resort” that was provided for the officials was uncomfortable at best and was a major factor in the sickness levels experienced at these games. At one time or another there were as many as 5 officials down with the flu, colds, or food related issues throughout the games. The Korean officials were housed 6 people to a room at the same accommodation and also experienced similar illnesses. The food that was provided was 90+ percent Korean at the accommodation. The food was luke warm at best and was not appealing to most of the officials. The box lunches that were provided were mostly Korean with a few small exceptions that were not much better. The box lunches were also uniformly cold with a small cup of cold soap provided some days. The lack of familiar eatable food for both the athletes and officials caused an unspoken problem with most people. They knew that complaining or making an issue of the situation would only cause additional stress. I must emphasis the rooms were not cleaned during our stay. They did not change the bedding nor provide hangers or closet. We all lived out of our suitcases. Over the stay dirt and bugs contributed to the illnesses experience by many officials and volunteers. Any health inspector would have “closed” this operation down upon seeing the conditions provided. Additional information: Here is the list of officials that had problems at the games.

1. Mashane Nthutang (Tried hard but lacked confidence) 2. Doraswamy Kothandapani (unqualified) 3. Goodman Hlomuka (Tried hard but lacked confidence) 4. Victor Brown (did not display same ability as in Boise) 5. Richard Oates (did not display same ability as in Boise) 6. Brenda Saville (to nervous and unsure, sick) 7. Miroslaw Zaranski (unqualified) 8. Jimmy Masina (did not display same ability as in Boise) 9. Yu Yu Yang (marginal but improved until he became sick) 10. Kum Loy NG (marginal, age was a factor in ability to be effective) 11. Quinton Jooste (most improved from South Africa, worked in final round robin)

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This does not include the Austrian officials that had not refereed in 3 years due to lack of a floor hockey program. They improved throughout the games. Additionally, John Steele and Ron Nixon, who were also new had issues at the beginning of the games. The major issue was a lack of leadership skills on the court. This problem was solved by placing them with more experienced officials on the court. The decision to remove and inform the above officials that they were being removed from the games rotation was very difficult and unpleasant.

Recommendations The SRT spent many hours developing a Technical Officials program that should be followed. International trainings for officials must become more of a priority if this situation is to be improved. The athlete official program can no longer be used as a means to send athlete officials and their mentors to the games to gain experience. The World Games must not be used as a training ground for officials. Food should always be a major topic in preparation for the games! Not having sufficient nutrients, in my opinion causes illness and certainly takes away from performance for all participants.

DIVISIONING Divisioning Success (evenness of division, competitive division) 1 2 3 4 5 What difficulties, if any, scenarios were encountered during divisioning? How were they handled? The use of 2 venues to division was a definite handicap to the process. This forced us to split the limited number of experienced officials between the venues and made information gathering very difficult. It also made it virtually impossible to mix and match the games to properly evaluate the teams. The limited number of teams attending these games, 33 traditional, also made proper divisioning very difficult. We had several instances where teams did not fall into a proper division and had to be seeded in a division that was either too easy or too difficult for them. The end result of these issues caused numerous changes to the divisions after the preliminary round robin. Unfortunately, this still left several teams without a solid division to compete in. Although there were numerous very close games during the final round robin and 4 or 5 overtime games in the finals I am not able to say that these games reached a high standard for competiveness.

Commendations As stated above the senior officials worked very hard to make these games the best possible. Dennis Bordin once again led the very difficult task of divisioning to the very best of his ability.

Observations

Recommendations (including summary reports that could be added to GMS)


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Number of Protests 1 Note: Dennis No protests were received at the Indoor or Sports Complex.


Number of Protests Upheld 0 Attached a copy of all protests forms to this report. Copy attached? Yes No Identify trends of type of protests One protest was filed by a South Korean Coach for misapplication of rules. The protest was denied because the coach did not have an understanding of the rules that he was sighting.

List the names of the jury and position

Were there any decisions made that was not covered in the sport rules, if so, please specify.

Commendations

Observations (i.e. conformity to athlete uniform rules, illegal commercial messages, etc. – provide specific information, including name of Program) Once again teams attended these games with very little experience and very poor coaching. It was obvious that many teams had only been practicing for a short time prior to coming to the games. Teams arrived at the games without the proper equipment.

Recommendations (may also include recommendation for future Special Olympics sport rule changes)


Competition Format Used PRELIMINARY ROUND ROBIN, FINAL ROUND ROBIN, PLAY DOWN TO MEDALS

List and explain any delays, postponements, cancellations in the competition

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Commendations Tim Stonehouse, from GMS, did a great job with the scheduling. Each night he ensured that the next day’s schedule was complete and available for the TD’s to distribute at the nightly head coaches meeting.

Observations There were no results boards at the venues to allow for results to be posted. The TD’s made numerous requests for results boards to be provided at both the SID’s and the public entrances without success. Since there was not a mailbox in the accommodations for the first 3 days of the competition, results were not available at the accommodations. The TD’s ensured that results and schedules were available at each nights coaches meeting which assured that the coaches were informed.

Recommendations (i.e. include types of reports) For the next games it may be beneficial to have Tim available from Noon to 8 p.m on the first day of divisioning. This will assist the TD's in ensuring a schedule is completed for the preliminary round robin and be distributed to the teams the evening before.

PAPER FLOW Commendations

Observations Nonexistent, until the 3rd day of the competition when the GOC finally began putting information into the mailboxes.

Recommendations

SPORTS TECHNOLOGY Timing and Scoring Operations 1 2 3 4 5 Use of Scoreboard/Video board/Sound Production 1 2 3 4 5 Bracketing Software, if applicable 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations The scorekeepers and time keepers did a good job. Chris Day and Jeanne Williams spent many hours working on the training materials as well as spending several hours with the score and time keepers providing training prior to the start of the games. The courts supervisors once again prevented many errors and were great working with the inexperienced volunteers and coaches to ensure that score sheets and timing operations were handled without problems.

Observations The score boards, for the first time had the ability to enter the team initials, however, they were not equipped with a horn or buzzer that was usable and a whistle at the score keepers bench had to be utilized.

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Recommendations (i.e., what enhancements (including reports) can be made to GMS to administer the sport)

AWARDS Awards Presentation 1 2 3 4 5 Adherence to Schedule 1 2 3 4 5 Awards Staging 1 2 3 4 5 Competition to Awards Flow of Traffic 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations

Observations I did not observe the awards presentation; therefore, I have no way to evaluate. I did however participate in a meeting prior to the beginning of the awards presentations that demonstrated that everything the GOC was told about awards process had once again been ignored. I spent approximately 2 hours with the awards people providing them with information to assist them in preparation to present awards. The awards process was confusing. The GOC did not have a smooth communication process to inform the teams when and where the awards would be for their medals/ribbons. The stage was adequate and we were able during the 1st day of awards to have the presentation between games so the noise factor was minimal. The GOC did not have confirmed list of presenters. They used officials and other people to present the medals.

Recommendations

EVENT REGISTRATION/QUOTA List event(s) that should be deleted for the next World Games. State reason(s) The female division will never have sufficient participation at the World Games level to provide a competitive division. The female teams should not be invited unless the teams are prepared to play in the traditional division. The team from India was the only female team in attendance and only played in one game throughout the competition. The primary reason was that every other team was scheduled to play in their own divisions and did not want play additional games that would tire out their teams. It should be noted that the Indian team would have been very happy to play in the traditional divisions but were not allowed. They ended up receiving a Gold medal without competing even though the TD’s requested permission to division them with the traditional teams. The Unity Sports Experience (USE) should not be held again, unless, someone from SOI is held responsible for holding the event and handling all aspects of the event including organization of equipment and control of the media and spectators. This year’s event was left in the hands of the TD to facilitate, including providing equipment, time in the schedule and assistance to all of the participants just prior to the event. Access control was also adversely

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affected by the need to allow spectators and media onto the venue area. List event(s) that should be added for the next World Games. State reason(s). The coach’s clinic held by Randy Klein was exceptional and very well received by the coaches. The use of coaching clinics is a great way to further education and foster camaraderie between the coaches from around the world.


What is the maximum number of teams/athletes that should be accommodated for a World Games, using the same number of field of plays. The use of 40 X 80 foot courts should be found to be obsolete. The ability of the athletes has increased sufficiently to make this size court to small for effective competition. In the future all courts should be a minimum of 50 X 90. With 6 full size courts, 54 to 60 teams could be accommodated. The use of one location would greatly enhance the ability to successfully stage a world class competition.


Information that should be added to athlete registration form A new team assessment procedure should be developed and the coaches should receive training on how to complete the process. The information received by the TD’s was incomplete and thus made divisioning even more difficult.


COMPETITION MANAGEMENT TEAM Competition Management Team Performance 1 2 3 4 5 Sufficient number of Team Members 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations Dennis Bordin, Cameron Williams, the Technical Officials and Court Supervisors for doing whatever it took to make these games happen.

Observations What competition management team? The team was suppose to be established by the GOC for these games never came together. There was no one from the GOC in charge at the venues that could or would make decisions. This left the responsibility up to the TD’s.

Recommendations The GOC must staff the Venue and Sports Management positions early on to ensure that process is followed.

ROLE AS TECHNICAL DELEGATE Readiness in role as Technical Delegate prior to Games Time 1 2 3 4 5 Readiness in role as Technical Delegate during Games Time 1 2 3 4 5

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Communication with GOC counterpart 1 2 3 4 5 Technical Delegate Services 1 2 3 4 5 (travel arrangements, housing accommodations, uniform,etc.) Provide listing of site visits prior to the Games (all visits made between the time of your appointment up to Games) 4 technical visits prior to the games beginning in October 2011

What specific duties did you perform as a technical delegate during Games time? Every effort was made to communicate with the GOC in preparation for the games. During the 4 visits the TD’s discussed every aspect of the games and constantly answered questions to clarify the process. When the GOC finally hired a second person to assist the venue manager it quickly became apparent that the person had no sports experience or ability to make decisions. There were hundreds of emails sent but since there was only one translator many emails were never answered. When we arrived at the games it quickly became apparent that many of our concerns had been forgotten or ignored.

Commendations:

Observations: The results as explained in the above paragraphs show the results of all the TD’s efforts. All and all a very unsatisfactory and frustrating experience.

Recommendations:

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS The official’s accommodations were terrible. Numerous TD’s from various sports protested the use of this “resort” without success. The rooms were inadequate with 2 very uncomfortable beds, no closets, with showers and restrooms that were small and hard to utilize. The rooms themselves were over heated but the lobby, lounge and eating areas cold. No volunteer should be asked to live under those conditions. The games volunteers with the exception of the off court officials were very unsatisfactory. The did not have a purpose and did not understand either their jobs. The GOC staff were not prepared to assist in improving the quality of these games. They were not empowered to make decisions that could enhance the games. FINAL COMMENDATIONS;

1. Dennis Bordin for working hard under very frustrating circumstances to make these games successful! 2. Cameron Williams, RIC, despite a very unqualified Technical Official staff, he managed to stay committed to

the games and to helping Dennis and I throughout. 3. Chris Day and Jeanne Williams for spending their own time to develop the training materials for the off court

officials and working nonstop to ensure that the volunteers under their charge were well taken care of. 4. Randy Klein, for his coaches clinic. It was very well thought out and received by the coaches. Randy put

numerous hours into preparing for this clinic, he packed enough clinic materials into his own luggage to facilitate a very successful experience for all the coaches.

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OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE GAMES Overall rating 1 2 3 4 5 Only the hard work and a won’t quit attitude made these games work. SOI should be very grateful for volunteers that never stop working for the athletes.

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SHORT TRACK SPEED SKATING

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Sport: SHORT TRACK SPEED SKATING


Observations The rink used, including rink board padding for the Games was excellent with the exception that upon inspection the mats were not attached to the walls. (a ISU Rule 280 5(a) p. 77). After TD insistence, the mats were secured to the walls with tape before competition was to begin. After the first 2 days of competition when Figure skating left the rink, there were 2 ice rinks (1 for warm-up and 1 for competition). This was much more favorable for the event.

• The Ice temperature was too warm for competition the first 2 days. The temperature was warmer than -5 degrees Celsius. The facilities / ice manager responded and decreased the temperature to -4 degrees, but it took 2 days to get the ice to the correct temperature. This could have interfered with the consistency of conditions from preliminaries to finals.

• The number of locker rooms (space) was not enough for the size of this competition. With the Figure Skaters taking up locker rooms for the first 2 days it resulted in stress between the delegations competing for room for their skaters.

Recommendations See the link to the document for ice conditions for Olympic events. http://www.eyeontheice.com/documents/olympic%20ice%20making.pdf Ensure adequate locker room space for all delegations

The heat box area was placed well and the flow of athletes on and off the ice was very well done. The ice resurfacing was quick and well done. The Facilities manager (Booke Kwon?) was extremely helpful and quick to accommodate needs and changes, even if it was last minute. (i.e. the Unified Sports Experience security needs).

http://www.eyeontheice.com/documents/olympic%20ice%20making.pdf

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SPORT EQUIPMENT Compliance with international sport federation and Special Olympics technical requirements Yes No If not, provide detailed explanation in the observation section or attach supplemental report Commendations The Korean, Chinese, Canadian, Netherlands, Norwegian, Singapore and USA teams all had appropriate and complete equipment and loaned a lot of their equipment to other teams in need.

Observations (List below the names/bib numbers/Program that did not have proper sport equipment or attire) There were NUMEROUS violations of mandatory safety equipment and some that were on the wrong skates entirely. United Arab Emirates presented with skaters on Figure skates and we had to enforce that the toe picks be ground off the skates. (this was the first time for the UAE to compete in Speed Skating, as well as Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) The entire team from Chinese Taipei had Medical neck braces, not neck guards (which were not cut resistant but were MOVEMENT restricting) which does not protect the skater but makes it difficult for them to skate. The Skaters from Venezuela had in-line skating helmets one which did not meet the safety standards of the ISU. A skate blade could easily fit through the holes in the helmets and they were of irregular shape. (ISU rule regarding ASTM 1849). Many many skaters did not present with shin guards or shin protection at all. The entire team from Kazakhstan had the wrong helmets, missing knee pads and shin guards and neck guards. Mexico, Oman and Saudi Arabia all were lacking equipment as well and had to borrow from other teams. Further Clarification: The coaches were instructed to lend and borrow equipment among the countries. They were reminded that this entire event was for the benefit of the athletes and not a competition between nations. Many of the Head Coaches that came prepared brought spare equipment and loaned them to those that they could. But in the end we had to allow for inappropriate equipment to be used because of the volume. (i.e. Chinese Taipei... the entire team had the wrong neck guards... The entire team, of Kazakhstan, Venezuela and others had the wrong type of helmets. We were faced with the decision to either allow the incorrect equipment or Disqualify them. The choice was made to allow incorrect, but not allow missing equipment. VB comments: This is a risk management issue.

Recommendations TD’s recommended that rental equipment be made available for delegations in case of loss, breakage or incorrect safety equipment. This was not provided and was a huge problem for many athletes / coaches during the games. We need to send photos of required safety equipment to all delegations at least 6 months prior to the games with internet locations where the equipment can be purchased. If there are questions or doubts regarding the equipment, they should be able to have a technical contact that can help direct them.


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Total Number of Coaches Meeting Conducted 7 List sport specific issues arising at coaches meetings and how were they resolved Organizational issues like schedule of competition and practice, access to heat boxes, coaching area, etc. The athletes flow, how to submit an Improved Performance form and why. Inspection of equipment and that the coaches should work together to share equipment. Explanation of the rule changes that apply to these games (i.e. semi-finals and Max Effort rule).

Commendations Very good cooperation with coaches, most of them were in skates during the practice. After each World Game the coaches are more and more professional. Coaches meetings started and finish on time.

Observations The first Head Coaches meeting that was scheduled for the night before the competition was cancelled due to time constraints related to Opening Ceremonies. This resulted in a very compressed, information packed 1st Head Coaches meeting on the morning of the first day of preliminaries. After the Figure Skaters left the building after the first two days the meetings were moved to a better location. Also with the Figure Skaters taking up locker room space it resulted in an argument between 2 head coaches (SO Austria & SO Macau).

Recommendations Coaches meeting should be held every day, before and short after (if needed) competition. The 1st Head Coaches meeting is the most important and should be held the night before the first preliminaries to give the coaches time to make adjustments and check equipment if necessary.

OFFICIALS Organization and Administration of Officials Meetings 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Handbooks 1 2 3 4 5 Overall Performance of Officials 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Dress Code 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Nomination and Selection Process 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Performance Evaluation Process 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Services (i.e. reception, communication, lounge, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations The officials were outstanding ISU experienced. Very knowledgeable of the ISU rules and open to learning and applying the SO rules. They were very supportive of athletes and respectful of the competition. Very professional.

Observations 1 athlete performed as official (SOOPA Program) and did an excellent job.

Recommendations Cooperation with ISU is recommended to attract experienced officials. More athletes from SOOPA Program should be invited to work as officials.

DIVISIONING

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Divisioning Success (evenness of division, competitive division) 1 2 3 4 5 What difficulties, if any, scenarios were encountered during divisioning? How were they handled? Divisioning was conducted according to the rules. There were no difficulties.

Commendations There were no divisions with less than 3 athletes. Cooperation with the computer operator (GMS) was very good.

Observations Summary report – Divisions 111 m race – preliminary 19 D – Final – 17 D, 111 m (Semi&Final) – 8/4, 222 m race – preliminary 27 D – Final – 23 D, 222 m (Semi&Final) – 14/7, 333 m race – preliminary 33 D – Final – 29 D, 333 m (Semi&Final) – 16/3, 500 m race – preliminary 30 D – Final – 25 D, 500 m (Semi&Final) – 16/8, 777 m race – preliminary 23 D – Final – 17 D, 500 m (Semi&Final) – 14/7, 1000 m race – preliminary 14 D – Final – 14 D, 1500 m race – preliminary 4 D – Final – 5 D, 25 m Straight – preliminary 4 D – Final – 5 D, 55 m Half Lap - preliminary 6 D – Final – 4 D. Total – Preliminary 230 D – 172 Finals

Recommendations (including summary reports that could be added to GMS)




Number of Protests Upheld Attached a copy of all protests forms to this report. Copy attached? Yes No Identify trends of type of protests C. Racing Rules, Rule 297 Individual racing rules. Infringements (ISU Special Regulations&Technical Rules p. 110. Protest SO USA Team. Reason for Protest – Skater behind caused fall – failed inside pass

List the names of the jury and position SOI Technical delegates – Cindi Hart and Urszula Jankowska, Chief Referee – Ernest Kretschmann, GOC Sports Manger – Gihyun Ko


Commendations

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It was the first Games after Rule change with semi-finals and finals. Observations (i.e. conformity to athlete uniform rules, illegal commercial messages, etc. – provide specific information, including name of Program) Although there were 58 (in Boise 2009 - 61 changes) Performance improvement changes after preliminary, 17 times (in Boise 2009 – 16) athletes were disqualified for the time limits (DQ – HE). Total DQ – 25 (17 – HE, 8 – TECH) + 7 skaters Did not start Rules regarding Safety equipment could not be enforced entirely due to the overwhelming number of athletes without appropriate equipment and no equipment available locally to loan them or they could purchase.

Recommendations (may also include recommendation for future Special Olympics sport rule changes) In my opinion after the Games work should be done so Rules would be the same for all athletes eg. after the preliminary Maximum Effort Rule was used but after semi-finals and finals this rule was not used. Based on my experience athletes after preliminaries or semi-finals compete with the same determination.


Competition Format Used List and explain any delays, postponements, cancellations in the competition

Commendations There were no delays, postponements or cancellations. The schedule ran well even with the addition of Semi-finals.

Observations


PAPER FLOW Commendations Paper flow was just perfect. All of the results and announcements were delivered immediately. The Sports Information Desk was run with proud precision. They were incredibly fast and efficient time stamping documents and delivering them to the TD’s and officials.

Observations

Recommendations

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Continue addition of time stamping of documents in future games.

SPORTS TECHNOLOGY Timing and Scoring Operations 1 2 3 4 5 Use of Scoreboard/Video board/Sound Production 1 2 3 4 5 Bracketing Software, if applicable 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations All the results appeared immediately on large, highly visible billboards.

Observations GMS system was used and Lynx system for electronic timing. The Video board was well used and appreciated by spectators. The results were posted quickly and replays of race highlights were very well done.


AWARDS Awards Presentation 1 2 3 4 5 Adherence to Schedule 1 2 3 4 5 Awards Staging 1 2 3 4 5 Competition to Awards Flow of Traffic 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations Beautiful and efficient Ceremony Awards.

Observations The direction that the skaters faced in the awards forced the photographers to walk out on to the ice. The security blocking coaches, athletes and family from walking out onto the ice was minimal and difficult to prevent. We were fortunate that there were no falls.

Recommendations Set up the awards either in a direction where the photographers do not have to walk out onto the ice, or insure that there is a safe surface for them to walk on. Place the awards in a location where family, photographers, coaches and teammates can view and applaud with a good view and a safe environment.

EVENT REGISTRATION/QUOTA List event(s) that should be deleted for the next World Games. State reason(s) None

List event(s) that should be added for the next World Games. State reason(s). Relay. 1500 meter and 3000 meter Relay


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What is the maximum number of teams/athletes that should be accommodated for a World Games, using the same number of field of plays. No more than 220 - 240 athletes with the same number of days. In Short Track Speed Skating - Gangneung (Special Olympics World Games 2013) – 198 athletes (29 SO Delegations). First time – SO Bharat India, SO Croatia, SO France, SO Moldavia, SO Oman, SO Saudia Arabia, SO United Arab Emirates and SO Uzbekistan.


Information that should be added to athlete registration form Average lap time

Comments on final declaration process If final declaration process had finished earlier there would be easier to prepare good schedule.

COMPETITION MANAGEMENT TEAM Competition Management Team Performance 1 2 3 4 5 Sufficient number of Team Members 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations Excellent. The Facilities manager (Booke Kwon?) was extremely helpful and quick to accommodate needs and changes, even if it was last minute. (i.e. the Unified Sports Experience security needs).

Observations

Recommendations

ROLE AS TECHNICAL DELEGATE Readiness in role as Technical Delegate prior to Games Time 1 2 3 4 5 Readiness in role as Technical Delegate during Games Time 1 2 3 4 5 Communication with GOC counterpart 1 2 3 4 5 Technical Delegate Services 1 2 3 4 5 (travel arrangements, housing accommodations, uniform, etc.) Provide listing of site visits prior to the Games (all visits made between the time of your appointment up to Games) 3 times + Pre Games 2012 December 2010, May 2011, Pre-Games Feb 2012 and December 2012.

What specific duties did you perform as a technical delegate during Games time? Technical details of preliminaries and competition. (from divisioning to finals to awards). Ensured that the venue complied with ISU competition rules, the officials followed ISU and

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Special Olympic rules and the coaches were aware of expectations and provided the best Special Olympics World Games experience for their athletes. Managed the coaches meetings and acted as a liaison for visiting VIP’s who had questions. Worked with SOI regarding details for the Unified Sports Experience. Conducted a Relay clinic for coaches and Skaters as well as a Coaches Clinic. Worked with Video crew for Speed Skating Coaches informational web page. Interpreted Rules, mediated argument between two Head Coaches from different countries. Enforced, encouraged and directed fair play and respect between all participants. Served on Protest Jury. Worked with GMS personnel regarding divisioning, creating semi-finals and finals following new rules. Acted as the “final authority” in all requests, inquiries, protests, complaints and disputes.

Commendations: Very good cooperation between the GOC and SOI. Very good work with Venue Manager.

Observations: Excellent cooperation with Technical Delegate Cindi Hart. The atmosphere during the Games was great. GOC, spectators and volunteers did a great job. Urszula Jankowska was very talented regarding divisioning and scheduling and adherence to rules. Her wealth of experience was extremely valuable.

Recommendations: 2 technical delegates are optimal for a successful games. With all the responsibilities and expectations it would be impossible to accomplish as much with only one.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS It was the first time in history of the Games when there were 2 Technical Delegates. It was good solution and it should be continued. In future there should be added to the program Unified Sports Events – 3000m Relay or Mixed Relay 1500m. OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE GAMES Overall rating

1 2 3 4

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SNOWBOARDING

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Sport: SNOWBOARDING


Observations Interpretive services and communication were a challenge at times. The interpreters were plentiful and very helpful; however, they struggled with speaking enough English to communicate fully. In addition, the lack of understanding of snowboard and racing terminology was an area of concern. Various parts of operations (venue set up, quality of equipment, venue organization, number of volunteers, organization of volunteers, etc), were excellent. The only part of the event that did not run well was the Unified Sports event where lack of organization and communication were problems that contributed to the event running poorly. We were able to make the event happen, but without proper timing. Access control was non-existent. Zoned areas (lounges, field of play, operations areas), were not monitored. Surprisingly, we did not have many issues due to the lack of access control, and the event was able to run without problems, however, the lack of security for the field of play, in particular, was a potential risk to the safety of the athletes and the event. For snowboarding, having the athletes housed and fed on site was ideal. In many ways, Alpensia was an ideal venue for this event.

The field of play operations were very good overall. There were plenty of well trained and organized volunteers. The operations areas were well organized and stocked with the needed equipment. The equipment provided was high quality and we had what we needed to effectively run the venue. The GOC members we worked with were very good. The timing systems, gates, course tools, etc were all very high quality.

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Recommendations Better interpretative services and access control are definitely items that would be needed in order to avoid risking potential problems with the venue and operations.

SPORT EQUIPMENT Compliance with international sport federation and Special Olympics technical requirements Yes No If not, provide detailed explanation in the observation section or attach supplemental report Commendations This is the best world games snowboarding event that I have attended in terms of athlete equipment and clothing.

Observations (List below the names/bib numbers/Program that did not have proper sport equipment or attire) All programs arrived with proper equipment, or were able to rent appropriate equipment at Alpensia. All athletes were prepared with acceptable outerwear to meet the variety of conditions that were encountered, and most o programs had outer wear that was very high quality. All athletes were well prepared with the proper gloves, goggles, helmets, etc, in addition to proper jackets, pants and snowboard equipment.

Recommendations Probably a third of the delegations or more arrived with speed suits for their athletes, which we were not able to allow per FIS rules. We could have sent a reminder in the coaches’ materials, but coaches should also be aware of the FIS rules when attending a world games.


Total Number of Coaches Meeting Conducted 6 List sport specific issues arising at coaches meetings and how were they resolved The only issue that had to be addressed was the issue of speed suits. This was addressed during the second coaches meeting following athlete assessment, and was not a problem for the remainder of the competition.

Commendations The coaches meeting room was well laid out and organized. It was convenient to access, and had plenty of space. We had very good attendance and coaches were attentive and engaged.

Observations We made the attendance requirement clear at the first meeting and had very good luck with coaches’ attendance.

Recommendations I would continue with the process we have been using.

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OFFICIALS Organization and Administration of Officials Meetings 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Handbooks 1 2 3 4 5 Overall Performance of Officials 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Dress Code 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Nomination and Selection Process 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Performance Evaluation Process 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Services (i.e. reception, communication, lounge, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations The field of play officials – course setting, gate judges, course maintenance, etc were excellent. Our Chief of Course organized and managed all of the officials for the field of play and conducted all of those meetings. I was not involved with directly with those meetings partially due to the language barrier, and partially because there was no need. The officials’ material (handbook, etc), were complete and well organized. The officials’ lounges were well located, and very adequate in terms of equipment, etc. The official’s reception was very well done.

Observations I based my rating of the officials meetings on outside observation and on their effectiveness, although I was not involved in their organization, and was unable to read the materials because they were in Korean. The nomination and selection process appeared to be fine for local officials, but was a little unclear in relation to international officials. We did not use a formal evaluation process for the officials, but did not have any issues that needed to be addressed. During the event, most of the communication with the officials was through our Chief of Course who did a very good job. After overcoming some initial challenges with interpretation at the beginning of the event, we were able to settle into a routine that worked. According to the international officials, the pre event communication (expectations, accommodations, what was provided, etc), was a little thin.

Recommendations Our Chief of Race/ Head Referee was excellent and offered help that was critical to the success of the event. The official brought in to act as the start official, was not experienced and struggled with meeting the duties of the position. I would not have him back. In the future, I think that it would be a good idea to continue to recruit and train additional international officials to assist with the event in an effort to create a pool from which to draw. It would suggest filling at least some of the positions with returning officials with prior experience so that they can help to train and mentor any new officials to the event.

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DIVISIONING Divisioning Success (evenness of division, competitive division) 1 2 3 4 5 What difficulties, if any, scenarios were encountered during divisioning? How were they handled? The relatively low number of athletes for this event was divided between all three levels. Because of this, we were in danger of not having enough athletes in each group to be able to divide by gender, etc. In the end, however, while we had to combine age groups, we were able to divide by gender and had ideal percentages in most of the divisions for all of the events. All division percentages were at acceptable percentages. The only divisions where we struggled to stay at 20% or under were at the bottom of the age groups for male and female in the novice events. Even so, we were able to stay within an acceptable amount of difference in each. After the rain caused a cancellation of one day of competition, we amended the schedule for the rest of the event. We were worried about being able to complete divisioning and finals for each event so we held GS divisionoing which we used to create divisions for GS finals for all skill levels. We then took the final times for GS and used those to adjust the divisions from GS and with minimal changes, used those for the finals for Slalom and Super G. We then monitored all of the final times and placement for both events and are confident that divisioning was done correctively and effectively.

Commendations For the number of athletes in the event, in particular, in the advance and novice groups, the athlete abilities were surprisingly close. The GMS operators brought in by SOI were excellent and essential to the event. The GMS volunteers from the GOC were very helpful, and did a great job of running off reports, etc, They had been well trained on the basic functions of GMS and reports needed, however they lacked the thorough experience needed in order to be utilized the sole operators running GMS operations for the event.

Observations Had the abilities of the athletes not been as close as they were, the divisioning process would have been much more challenging. We are hopeful that we are able to fill more of our quota for future games. There seemed to be a lot of people in GMS practicing with data and/or experimenting. There were times when event definitions were changed from one day to the next which created a fear that essential items such as bib numbers, etc might be inadvertently changed mid-event. Two athletes from India were unable to compete in the novice events due to safety concerns, however, it was obvious that all of the athletes from India had participated in a training program and had prepared for the event. Their preparedness in snowboarding ability, equipment and appropriate outerwear were significantly improved at the last world games.

Recommendations (including summary reports that could be added to GMS) We are always hopeful that we can fill the initial quota and that the increase in the number of athletes will help make the divisioning process less of a concern. Perhaps increasing the initial quota number would allow us to have more athletes at the event (we started with 90, but hosted competition for 68). Having GMS operators coordinated, trained and managed by SOI is absolutely critical to the success of the event.

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Number of Protests Upheld 0 Attached a copy of all protests forms to this report. Copy attached? None to attach Identify trends of type of protests None

List the names of the jury and position Bob Whitehead, Technical Delegate, Won Lee, Assistant Technical Delegate, Doug Sato, Chief of Race/ Head Referee, Doo-Hwan Jeong, Chief of Course, Bob Williams, Assistant Start Referee.


Commendations We had no protests!

Observations (i.e. conformity to athlete uniform rules, illegal commercial messages, etc. – provide specific information, including name of Program) We had very little problem with commercial messages. The only issue was that of speed suits. Several programs brought speed suits as competition uniforms which are not allowed per FIS rules. Luckily, all athletes had appropriate jackets and pants that could be used effectively as an alternative.

Recommendations (may also include recommendation for future Special Olympics sport rule changes) I would like to see rules submitted for additional events. In particular, I think that parallel GS would be a great fit that could be added relatively easily using the same venues, officials and equipment with very little change.


Competition Format Used DIVISOINING AND FINALS FOR GS, FINALS FOR SL AND SUPER G

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List and explain any delays, postponements, cancellations in the competition We lost the second scheduled day of competition due to heavy rain.

Commendations

Observations We had intended to offer divisioning and finals for all events, but after the rain day, we amended the schedule. We used divisioning races to place athletes in divisions for the GS for all levels. We then used the final times from the GS to division for the other two events. In retrospect, we should have scheduled one more day for competition. After a review of the final results and times for all athletes, I am confident that the divisions would not have changed even if we had held separate divisioning races for the Slalom and Super G events. For 2013, one venue was used with a common finish for Advance and Intermediate events, and another venue was used for the novice group. The relatively low numbers in Snowboarding allowed for the use of combined venues which reduces the number of officials, equipment, etc needed to run the event, however, if the number of competitors increases, and the venues are all separated, more officials, equipment, etc would be needed in order to accommodate competition separately at each.

Recommendations (i.e. include types of reports) I would recommend a schedule that includes time for separate divisioning races for all events. The schedule would then allow for changes to be made if a day were lost due to weather.

PAPER FLOW Commendations Paper flow at the venue was very well organized. The venue offered adequate equipment (copiers, computers, printers, etc) for the event to be run, and there were plenty of volunteers in place to distribute information, etc.

Observations We struggled at the beginning of the event to communicate about items like the paper flow, but were able to settle into a good routine after the first couple of days. Going into the event, due to the language barrier, we had concerns about paper flow at the venue. While they had good systems in place, it was difficult to know for certain how it would work prior to the event.

Recommendations

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SPORTS TECHNOLOGY Timing and Scoring Operations 1 2 3 4 5 Use of Scoreboard/Video board/Sound Production 1 2 3 4 5 Bracketing Software, if applicable N/A 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations Timing operations and announcing was excellent overall.

Observations There were only two issues with timing and announcing. For the first day of competition, the Algee system was not set up properly. In effect, it was adding the second run time twice. (Alpine Skiing experienced the same thing). This necessitated, subtracting times by hand and then entering them into GMS for the first day. The problem was addressed for the second day of competition. We had intended to utilize dual course timing for the Unified Sports Experience, but it did not work, and ultimately we were unable to provide times for that event. This was not acceptable.

Recommendations (i.e., what enhancements (including reports) can be made to GMS to administer the sport) More thorough testing of the timing systems for each event and the integration into GMS are needed prior to the start of competition.

AWARDS Awards Presentation 1 2 3 4 5 Adherence to Schedule 1 2 3 4 5 Awards Staging 1 2 3 4 5 Competition to Awards Flow of Traffic 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations The awards area and presentation were very well organized. Announcing was very well done as was the use of VIP’s for presentation.

Observations For the first day of competition, awards staging struggled with the process, however, they learned from the initial problems, and after the first day, staging ran well. The flow of athletes and presenters from staging to the awards presentation area was an area of concern going into the event because it required that the athletes walk through the spectator area. A red carpet was used as a walkway between the awards staging area and the podium area. The carpet was lined on both sides with volunteers creating a gauntlet through which the athletes and presenters walked. While we were concerned about this initially, the system worked quite well for the numbers of spectators, athletes, etc that we had.

Recommendations If the number of spectators and athletes increases, I have concern on whether this system would be manageable; however, it worked quite well for this event.

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EVENT REGISTRATION/QUOTA List event(s) that should be deleted for the next World Games. State reason(s) No events should be deleted, but I would only offer competition in the novice, intermediate, and advanced levels. The developmental events can always be used, if necessary, to accommodate athletes that do not have the ability to safely compete in the other levels, but quota should not be offered in those events.

List event(s) that should be added for the next World Games. State reason(s). There are no official events in the current rules that are not being offered, however, considerable interest was shown in potential new events (parallel GS, big Air, Boarder Cross, etc).

If applicable, was the categorizing of events within the sport useful? What would you change differently? Yes. I would not change anything for the existing events.

What is the maximum number of teams/athletes that should be accommodated for a World Games, using the same number of field of plays. That would depend on the how the total number of athletes were distributed between each of the ability groups. I would estimate that we could have comfortably accommodated a 50% increase in total numbers (120 total) utilizing the number of field of plays that were used.


Information that should be added to athlete registration form


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COMPETITION MANAGEMENT TEAM Competition Management Team Performance 1 2 3 4 5 Sufficient number of Team Members 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations The management team was excellent. We had plenty of people to fill all of the needed roles.

Observations Any struggles that we had were centered on communication issues more than the number and competency of the management team members.

Recommendations We needed better interpretive services in order to effectively communicate. Our interpreters were plentiful and eager to help, however, their understanding of English was not thorough enough to be completely effective. In the future, interpreters with at least a basic knowledge of racing rules and procedures would be very helpful.

ROLE AS TECHNICAL DELEGATE Readiness in role as Technical Delegate prior to Games Time 1 2 3 4 5 Readiness in role as Technical Delegate during Games Time 1 2 3 4 5 Communication with GOC counterpart 1 2 3 4 5 Technical Delegate Services 1 2 3 4 5 (travel arrangements, housing accommodations, uniform,etc.) Provide listing of site visits prior to the Games (all visits made between the time of your appointment up to Games) I made a visit in March of 2012 in preparation for the event. I then made a second visit in December of 2012 for pre-event meetings.

What specific duties did you perform as a technical delegate during Games time? For the event, I performed the following:

• Assisted with scouting locations for the field of plays and made recommendations for their layout (start placements, finish location, fencing, etc).

• Completed an initial report for the GOC based on the first meetings that included recommendations for venue layout, people flow, volunteer needs, official needs, schedule, village locations and layout, etc.

• Made recommendations for international officials and their roles. • Prepared agendas and led all coaches’ meeting. • Coordinated and oversaw the assessment process and final placement of athletes. • Performed all divisioining for all events. • Reviewed athlete performance for adjustments of divisions (none needed) and honest

effort violations (none identified). • Inspected and approved courses for each event. • Acted as the finish official for most events.

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Commendations: The accommodations – TD room, equipment and supplies, transportation, etc were excellent.

Observations: Our Head Referee/ Chief of Race was very helpful and in many ways acted in the role of Assistant TD partially due to the language barrier and partly due to his familiarity with SO rules and processes and race expertise. Both of the pre event meetings were very helpful and productive, but the plans for both meetings were very last minute (travel arrangements made within a week of leaving). Interpretation at the pre event meetings was excellent.

Recommendations: While the meetings were helpful, utilization of a pre games event to test systems and address issues is much preferred.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE GAMES Overall rating 1 2 3 4 5

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Doug Sato – Report

Assessment • Assessment runs for Intermediate and Advanced were conducted from approximately

Start #2 – the Intermediate GS/Advanced Slalom Start. • Start was in the middle of the run and was 400M long. • Gate spacing was 5M offset and 20M between turning gates (5x20) • Gate spacing was consistent though the finish line – this was a mistake as near the finish

line the terrain flattened, thus the riders had to keep their momentum up in order to round the gates.

• Assessment for Novice was conducted from the middle of the Novice course – this was at approximately the GS start – the course was 300M long.

• The gate spacing was 5x20 – again the gate spacing was consistent through the finish and the riders had a bit of a problem making the last few gates as they were offset too much.

Saturday February 2nd • The Novice GS was set at 4x20 for ¾ of the course. The last ¼ of the gates were set at

3x24. • We had 21 riders. • Divisioning

o First run took 36 minutes o Second run took 32 minutes

• Race o First run took 29 minutes o Second run took 31 minutes

• The Novice SG was set at 4x32 for most of the course. The last few gates were set at 3x35.

• Training run – elapsed time 30 minutes • Race run – elapsed time 31 minutes • The day was scheduled to end at 15:25 and actual ending time was 15:00

Sunday February 3rd • The Intermediate/Advanced slalom was set at 5x16 for the most of the course and the

last few gates were set at 6x20 • Advanced Race – 13 athletes

o Run 1 – 23 minutes o Run 2 – 13 minutes

• Intermediate race – 29 athletes o As the course was reset – we had an additional inspection time of 30 minutes o Run 1 – elapsed time 20 minutes o Run 2 – elapsed time 26 minutes

• The day was scheduled to end at 14:40 and actual ending time was 13:55

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Monday February 4th • Novice Slalom was set 6x15 at the top and 4x18 at the bottom.

o Run 1 – elapsed time 27 minutes o Run 2 – elapsed time 26 minutes

• Intermediate/Advanced Super G was set at 5x32 at the top and 4x35 at the bottom. • Advanced

o Training run elapsed time 12 minutes o Race run elapsed time 12 minutes

• Intermediate o Training run elapsed time 32 minutes o Race run elapsed time 27 minutes

• The day was scheduled to end at 16:00 and actual ending time was 15:04

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SNOWSHOEING

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Sport: SNOWSHOEING

COMPETITION VENUE Compliance with international sport federation and Special Olympics technical requirements x Yes No If not, provide detailed explanation in the observation section or attach supplemental report Inspection of field of play conducted by technical delegate prior to competition x Yes No Any safety concerns should be indicated in the observation section or attached supplemental report Venue Flow (athlete staging to competition) 1 2 3 x 4 5 Field of Play Access Control & Enforcement 1 2 3 x 4 5 Field of Play Operations 1 2 3 x 4 5 Quality of Permanent Facilities and Temporary Modifications 1 2 3 4 x 5 Commendations

Observations Because of the venue layout, we had concerns about flow to staging and to awards involving significant stair climbing. These proved not to be a problem, due to helping escorts and what seemed to be a higher general ability level of athlete attending these games. There were still challenges and we had to work very hard with the Sport Manager and GOC to get most of these ironed out at the last minute. We were able to enforce our own security on the field of play with fences and monitors. Security in other areas was non-existant. We never were able to get the Athlete’s lounge large enough (enough tables and chairs) large enough to accommodate all our athletes. This was a concern from the beginning, and the lounge was too crowded on the first couple days of competition (until we got into the part of the schedule on later days that allowed some delegations not to be at the competition venue all day every day)

Recommendations It took a lot of last minute work on our part to get the flow and other details down to where they needed to be. This was due to 1) no pregames at the venue; 2) language barrier and 3) not

This was a very nice venue. I think the proximity to lodging, Olympic town, opening/closing ceremony and other activities made this the best ever overall experience for SO snowshoeing athletes at the winter games.

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actually being able to fully communicate this to the sport manager until we arrived. Suggest having a pre games at the final venue, having translators translate the valuable written information I gave them in advance and having the sport manager be more involved over a couple of years to make this better.

SPORT EQUIPMENT Compliance with international sport federation and Special Olympics technical requirements x Yes No If not, provide detailed explanation in the observation section or attach supplemental report Commendations We did not have any problems with delegations showing up unprepared for cold weather, like we have had in the past.

Observations (List below the names/bib numbers/Program that did not have proper sport equipment or attire) Some of the delegations from warm climates were not prepared for one of the worst forms of winter weather: cold rain. Starting gun did not seem to work at times, or could not be heard. Starter began to yell “GO” also, but it seems like the starting signal was thus not consistent throughout the games.

Recommendations It should be emphasized in registration for future games that delegations should come prepared for all types of weather. Although everyone made it through ok, I think people did not expect rain. We would have liked to have a LYNX or similar photo finish device to better determine close finishes.

COACHES Organization and Administration of 1st Head Coaches Meeting x 1 2 3 4 5 Organization and Administration of Additional Coaches Meetings 1 2 3 x 4 5 Coaches Handbooks 1 2 3 x 4 5

Total Number of Coaches Meeting Conducted 7 List sport specific issues arising at coaches meetings and how were they resolved The #1 very worst thing that happened was cancelling the initial scheduled coaches meeting, which was to be held the day before competition was set to begin. This was not our fault but we paid the price. Coaches were not totally focused at the first actual coaches meeting as they had athletes getting ready for competition that they had to deal with.

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Commendations When the final coaches handbook finally came out, it was very good. The GOC always provided an up to date weather forecast for us to share at the coaches meeting

Observations Postponing the first coaches meeting till the first morning of competition was a major setback. Especially with our inexperienced coaches, this prevented a thorough analysis of issues on their part as they were concerned about their athletes on that first day not the competition procedures. SOI needs to demand that the competition at world games takes precedence over host town and other fun activities. SOI needs to fully emphasize and communicate to the GOC the importance of the first coaches meeting. The games schedule needs to be revised to emphasize the competition. Our next to last coaches meeting only had less than half of the coaches attending. Our final coaches meeting had coaches from only 3 delegations attending. This was expected as many coaches did not have athletes competing prior to the coaches meeting that day or in the competition that followed the next day near the end of the competition. Easy transportation to and from the venue allowed coaches to come and go and not be held captive at the venue all day. This may have hurt attendance at the coaches meetings, but this was a good thing.

Recommendations I gave the administration of the first coaches meeting the lowest possible score as it was cancelled. Games scheduling should be adjusted so Delegations should arrive at their final lodging one day and then proceed to the venue the next day. All or part of this next day could be used for athletes to practice, and everyone to become familiar with the facility. The initial coaches meeting should be held that day also. Opening ceremonies could be held in the late afternoon of that day. And then competition should begin the day after that. Any other fun or cultural activities should occur after the competition. If there are any delays then the non-essential extra activities will be impacted, not the actual competition. This schedule change will solve many problems. Athletes will get to practice before their divisioning rounds, and they will thus perform better and lessen the chance of honest effort DQ. Coaches will have adequate time to understand rules and procedures before competition begins. Games staff can be on had to conduct short mock fun races during the practice day, which will improve athletes and volunteer performance. Coaches can actually do so coaching of their athletes while on snow, so they will not feel the need to illegally do so during the event. Athletes will have 2 nights to settle into their competition lodging before divisioning instead of one, which will help them perform better. Athletes tend to wear down as the week goes on, and this will help ensure they are fresher for competition. The fun, games and celebration should come after competition. Coaches need to get the final coaches manual well in advance of the competition. This should include a link, copy or samples of all the forms. We wanted to distribute hard copies of improved performance forms to all coaches at the initial meeting, but they were not available yet. Forms are the primary way for coaches to communicate with competition management staff, the juries, etc. (even though I stated coaches may approach me at any time with questions.) I had to make up some forms because SOI did not have these. (like a request to participate in a

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final if a divisioning race was missed due to illness, injury or games transportation). The Games Jury needs to provide instructions to the SID for a way to be notified in case a denied protest is appealed or the sport specific jury can not rule on something. Clarification from Venisha: It was very clear that the TD contact the Chair of the Jury on appeals. This is not the first time we have done this.

OFFICIALS Organization and Administration of Officials Meetings 1 2 x 3 4 5 Officials Handbooks 1 2 x 3 4 5 Overall Performance of Officials 1 2 3 x 4 5 Officials Dress Code 1 2 3 x 4 5 Officials Nomination and Selection Process 1 2 3 x 4 5 Officials Performance Evaluation Process 1 2 x 3 4 5 Officials Services (i.e. reception, communication, lounge, etc.) 1 2 3 x 4 5 Commendations There were numerous local officials present and they did a great job with timing, staging, field of play, assistant starting, etc. Local Officials were instructed and trained in advance. We had an outstanding variety of international officials. It was nice to have two assistant starters instead of one. It was nice to have the same key officials working the entire games.

Observations I am still wondering what all the people in pink jackets (officials) actually did. There was a huge language barrier with 2 of our international technical officials. We did not know that they did not speak any English. We held our own training sessions with them but it would have been easier if all referees were on the same page before the games.

Recommendations Interpreters should be provided for international officials. We had to track down our own interpreters when available. We presumed that international officials spoke English because their applications were completed in English. The people that helped officials complete the application did not attend the games to assist these officials. Our planned separation of areas of officiating into local or international went well. Field of play referees (our international group) dealt with their own issues. Timing, staging, awards, course concerns etc. had their own groups. We had to instruct and educate officials during the games. Primarily the starter. Other officials (clerk of race, timers, chief of course, etc) did well.

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DIVISIONING Divisioning Success (evenness of division, competitive division) 1 2 3 x 4 5 What difficulties, if any, scenarios were encountered during divisioning? How were they handled? There were not enough athletes of similar ages or genders to make competitive divisions for each event. We did not know who our GMS person was going to be until we arrived at the games. This forced us to educate them about the snowshoe specific limits and preferences that they needed to apply to events because these were snowshoeing events (for example, we do not like 200 meter races with more than 6 athletes and 4x100 relay races should have only 4 or 5 teams). About 30% of our athletes had no preliminary score submitted for events. It was difficult to deal with the Special Hands athletes. We offered a training session with a time trial, and some did not show up. It was difficult to division these athletes because they missed the divisioning day for the 50 M. We unnecessarily spent time trying to figure out how these athletes might perform, and where they should be placed, in divisions for the final. Some of the SH coaches (Pakistan) were very good and assisted us in this process. Most had no clue about things like the maximum effort rule or divisioning races. We had to explain this to their coaches later. Although most were satisfied with their experience as a whole, it would have been better if these delegations had more education prior to the games.

Commendations GMS staff worked to try to come up with proposed suitable divisioning prior to us reviewing final divisions. This saved time.

Observations By modifying the MER to allow for 25% improvement in the 25 and 50M, SOI further encouraged athletes that are not low ability level to participate in these events. These events are very easy and short for a normal SO athlete, and there is already incentive to want to do these events to avoid real training and participation. And now, even if the athlete does improve, SOI has made it more difficult for them to be DQ’ed for the MER violation. Increasing the MER to 25% rewarded athletes that did not practice these events in advance, rewarded athletes that came to the games having never snowshoed before, and penalized true low ability level athletes trying their very best to incrementally improve. We only had about 7 or less true low ability level athletes in the 25 and 50m events, if you compared the times achieved compared to our time standards. Clarification: In Category 1 level events, we use a higher MER percentage,,,,,,similar to what has been done in Summer Games with aquatics, athletics, rollerskating.

Recommendations (including summary reports that could be added to GMS) We have requested a summary report that shows preliminary time, divisioning time and final time and the % difference between each. All athletes should be required to submit their top two times achieved in each event entered before the games or they should not be allowed to register. This would help prevent athletes from participating in an event (or sport) for the very first time at the games.

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SPORTS RULES Compliance with the typical international protocol for the sport Yes x* No Adherence to Sports Rules 1 2 x 3 4 5

Number of Protests 16**


Number of Protests Upheld 5*** Attached a copy of all protests forms to this report. Copy attached? Yes No Identify trends of type of protests Types of Protests: Coaches did not understand rules and procedures; did not understand or like the max effort rule violation disqualification; Coaches did not like or understand divisioning process; Coaches did not understand, like or were questioning the judgments of officials (regarding interference, coaching during races, pacing); Coaches did not understand why their athlete did not not receive a time in a divisioning race. Trends: the number of protests were fewer than the last world games. The number of certain types of protests declined after we further explained and clarified (again) the rules and how they were being interpreted (maximum effort rule is calculated electronically; it is the coaches responsibility to submit an improved performance form; incidental contact can and does occur; it is the coaches responsibility to make sure athletes can put their snowshoes on properly; it is the coaches responsibility to make sure snowshoes are installed correctly and securely on the feet of athletes that can not do this for themselves; it is the coaches responsibility to instruct their athletes to respond to one of the two official starting signals which consist of the starting gun or the flag movement by the assistant starters; Coaches can not protest divisioning and we follow procedures to make divisioning as fair as possible; The TD trusts the judgement of officials as they are highly skilled, trained, have experience and have the best view of the competition (and the TD investigates all protests involving the judgement of officials). We actually received 16 total protest forms that were completed. This number ** is noted with 2 ** because many of these protests were not actually protests, they were just the form completed and way coaches used to communicate with us. (like the Coach from Djbouti who completed a protest form to let us know that a runner had pushed and injured his runner, or the coaches from France, Vietnam and Finland who protested the lack of results for their runner in divisioning races because they did not understand the rules that their runner did not officially complete the race, but this could be rectified if they completed an improved performance form. For example, the Vietnam coach (a special hand coach) protested that his athlete did not receive a result in divisioning when they lost their snowshoes and finished the race without them. The athlete went back but was unable to put their snowshoes on in 2 minutes. The coach did not understand the rules that an athlete must finish a race with both snowshoes on. We had to educate the coach about the rule and the improved performance form procedure. While there were 5 protests we upheld *** this # was misleading. I consider a protest to be upheld when the competition management team makes an error and this is pointed out in a protest. In Essence, 4 of the 5 protests I upheld involved athletes not getting a score in divisioning because they had difficulty with their race (did not properly finish, did not compete, etc). These protests were filed because the coaches wanted their athlete to compete in the final. In reality, they did not need to file a protest to do this, they only needed to submit an improved performance form (which they did after I explained the situation to them). I

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approved these protest, perhaps in error, because the situation was remedied with the submittal of an improved performance form. I also approved these protests hoping that by doing so the coaches would withdraw the protests. There was one protest I neither denied or upheld, as it did not ask for anything. The only protest that was actually accepted and upheld was the one by Norway, where their athlete received an incorrect place award due to an error on the part of our awards team. I spoke with many other coaches (France, Monaco, US, Usbekistan, Pakistan, Mongolia, Costa Rica, etc) to help explain things to them and educate them and this prevented them from filing official protests.

List the names of the jury and position Tom Sobal, TD, Chair; Silvester Polc, TD; James Tucker, head referee; Ungi Kim, Chief of Race; Yong-chul Choi, Sport Manager.

Were there any decisions made that was not covered in the sport rules, if so, please specify. SOI retroactively modified rules set before the competition regarding the MER and divisioning. Thus I can only give adherence to sport rules * a 3, and we did not always adhere to typical international protocol for snowshoeing, because typically in open snowshoe racing the set rules are not modified during or after the event. It was extremely irregular for athletes to be competing in a final race where they were not actually matched against/did not know the athletes they were actually competing against, as was the case with the 25M where SOI redivisioned/MER was redone for those the races after the finals had already been conducted. The GOC timing/results team reviewed a video from the coach of Uzbekistan which showed her runner #308 in the 25 M finishing divisioning race finishing in a certain time (<20 sec) , whereas the results team and official results had her finishing in another time (31 seconds) which resulted in automatic MER DQ when she ran the final in 14.6 seconds. She did not submit a protest on this or an improved performance score and did not want results changed. She persistently bothered the Technical field judges about this and the TDs. I consulted with the timing people and they produced evidence to me that the official results were correct, so I as the TD took no action on this because the coach was not requesting that we take any official action. Eventually she got in touch with the Sports Manager with an interpreter and when he and his timing/results team reviewed the video they admitted they had made an internal error and gave the athlete an incorrect time in divisioning. Final results were changed and this athlete eventually received a gold medal in a division of one. We had another incident in a 200M final where the starter judged a race to have a false start and gave the signal for this, but the 2 assistant starters did not note the false start signal and allowed the race to proceed to the end. The starter, for some reason, made very little effort to make other people (officials, TDs) aware that the race was judged to be a false start and simply proceeded to start the next races. Other official, TD Polc and the Sport Manager all finally confirmed with the starter after my request that the race was improperly started. I convened the jury to decide what to do. The jury decided to rerun the race, but because the confirmation process had taken so long, we decided to gather the coaches involved together to decide what they would want done (at the suggestion of the Sport Manager). As expected, 3 of the six coaches did not want a rerun of the race (as their athletes were waiting to receive medals) and the other 3 coaches wanted the race rerun hoping that their athletes might improve their position of 4th or lower in a rerun. Finally the coach of an athlete who finished out of the medals decided that they and their athlete were tired, and they wanted to eat lunch. So they changed their vote. The new vote was 4 to 2 with 4 voting to NOT rerun the race. All coaches consented and the race was not rerun and the results stood. Normally in the past I as TD was able to watch every race, and incidents that required a rerun of the race were taken care of immediately because I was able to intervene immediately.

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(I can think of a rerun where 75% of the athletes in a 200M tripped over another snowshoer at the start in AK, and where the entire field completed a 100M in Idaho ignoring the assistant starter’s efforts to stop them). Because of protests, questions from coaches, and continually trying to correct or improve security, conditions, etc at these games, I actually watched fewer races than ever as a TD. Silvestor Polc co-TD was able to watch most races. I as TD had developed a procedure to deal with protests before the games. Technically the sport jury should consider each and every protest. I developed the procedure, where I did the leg work of first investigating each protest alone, in order to expedite the process of dealing with protests (knowing in advance that protests were likely to be numerous, knowing we had an unusually large 5 person jury, knowing that jury members also had other tasks and jobs and assembling the jury could delay competition/awards, knowing not all jury members were intimately familiar with the rules, knowing the language barrier would take extra time in jury meetings and knowing that most protests were not on subjects that could be protested (like MER, divisioning or judgements of an official). After assembling the entire jury a couple times our Korean members of the jury seemed to realize that gathering the entire jury together was not the most efficient way to deal with a protest, so they gave me the ok to pre screen protests using my procedure. I did consult with the majority of the jury for most protests, and the entire jury did assemble for unusual or pertinent protests.

Commendations I investigated every protest individually, and explained decisions on protests in person to most coaches. Coaches became educated during the games about procedures and rules.

Observations (i.e. conformity to athlete uniform rules, illegal commercial messages, etc. – provide specific information, including name of Program) We had way too many unfounded protests. Coaches were using protests to simply communicate with us. Coaches did not understand the protest procedure, games procedure or the rules. Protests were filed for things that are not protestable. Dealing with protests took way too much time. Protests were improperly being filed for the judgments of rules by officials, the maximum effort rule, divisioning, and NOT the interpretation of the snowshoeing rules. Protests were filed in languages other than English, and this took the TD extra time to track down interpreters and figure out what the protest was about. Coaches did not understand snowshoeing or even snow. Coaches were questioning the relative speed of the snow (firmness, depth) between divisioning and the finals. I personally inspected the courses before every days competition, including the 1600 M and 5km courses. Based on 30+ years of snowshoeing experience, I judged the snow to be very similar between divisioning and finals. Snowshoer speed was not significantly improved by snow conditions. We made every effort possible to make snow conditions slower (by having the snow groomed and tilled more deeply) before the finals. If anything, snow conditions were slower during the finals than during divisioning.

Recommendations (may also include recommendation for future Special Olympics sport rule changes) Clarify that the first false start is charged to the entire field in the rules. SOI should not change the rules (regarding divisioning, MER allowed, etc) during the event. By doing so this totally undermined the confidence in the TD and officiating crew during the event in the eyes of some coaches and the GOC. This was inexcusable and put me in a very unpleasant and awkward situation.

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Insert:Venisha’s Clarification: SOI reserves to the right to take the necessary action in extreme situations – the situation here was dealing with divisioning and genders based on Article I guidelines. This issue was also brought up as a concern from the HoD meeting. Rules and the proper application and enforcement of them form the foundation of any sport. To change and modify the rules as you go along, as SOI did, suggests that SOI does not really care about the sport and sport and competition is not the main priority.for the games. This needs to be fully clarified for TDs and others involved before SOI proceeds in the future. Insert: Venisha’s clarification: This was not the case – see clarification from above. To say that SOI does not care is not valid. The period during which an improved performance score may be submitted should be extended to beyond 30 minutes after an event. The 30 minute limit that SOI imposed on its supplied improved performance form does not consider the unique needs of snowshoeing. This is not enough time for busy coaches to properly consider an improved time or even to properly consult with the athlete. Realize with snowshoeing we have many divisions and some races last less than a minute, with a new race starting every 5 minutes. Coaches with multiple athletes in an event (or even a divisioning race) need extra time to be allowed to submit an improved performance score until the end of that days coaches meeting or until the start of the next days competition. We had coaches complaining that their athletes ran faster in the finals than divisioning because their athletes became used to running on snow and in the cold as compared to the sand. While this may be true this is not something the TD can predict or quantify in a % allowed improvement, since the TD does not know how individual athletes react to these situations.. (we did not run any divisioning races on sand and having trained and raced on sand with snowshoes, I can say the difference in speed between sand and snow are minor). There are many factors that influence the speed of snowshoers, including but not limited to, ability to run in cold weather; ability to run in all types of weather including wet, cold or sunny; familiarity with the courses; familiarity with the crowd, good competition and spectators; familiarity with snowshoeing itself; ability to adjust to different sleeping arrangements, travel, and food choices, adjustment to time changes, etc. etc. Every individual will adjust to these psychological variables in a different way. The TD can not predict how well or poorly each athlete will adjust to these variables. It is the coach’s responsibility to know their athletes and evaluate how well or poorly they are adjusting to the variables. It is the coach’s responsibility to submit an improved performance score before the finals if they felt their athlete’s performance in preliminaries was significantly impacted by a variable. The best athletes are machine like in their ability to perform similarly under various conditions. We set up snowshoeing so that the actual physical variables that might significantly influence snowshoeing speed (firmness of the snow, distance of the course, tail winds if a point to point race) were monitored, evaluated and manipulated so the competition would be fair to all and similar for divisioning and final races. I believe that a big problem for snowshoeing is our coaches are not snowshoers, they have never watched snowshoeing, the only snowshoeing that takes place in their country is SO snowshoeing and many are not and have never been athletes. So, while I can not fault some coaches for trying their very best to improve their athletes result after the fact by complaining and submitting protests, I wish some coaches would pay more attention to learning about snowshoeing & athletic competition and training their athletes before the competition actually began. I know coaches are volunteers and I continually remind them that they have the most difficult job in SO, (and thank them for their efforts). I just wish some of the coaches would take their job more seriously. Coaches need to become more familiar with the rules and procedures that we have and we follow before arriving at the games. This would help save time and prevent needless protests

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and misunderstandings. We need to try to make greater efforts to educate coaches in advance of the competition, (We had planned to try to do some of this during the long 2 hour coaches meeting that was cancelled the day before competition began). We had two appeals to the overall games jury. I tried my best to explain the situation to the coaches for these. Especially with Russia, we went well out of our way to try to educate the coach on what they needed to do. Both of these overall games jury appeals took a great deal of time and were unnecessary.

COMPETITION SCHEDULE /RESULTS Adherence to Schedule 1 2 3 4 x 5 Timeliness of Distribution of Schedule 1 2 3 x 4 5 Timeliness of Distribution of Posting of Results 1 2 3 x 4 5 Evaluation of Competition Format 1 2 3 x 4 5

Competition Format Used MASS START RACES UP TO 8 AT A TIME List and explain any delays, postponements, cancellations in the competition none

Commendations Coaches and athletes competed in the rain when all other sports cancelled and postponed. I spent a lot of time fine tuning the schedule to accommodate who was entering what events. This paid off. Especially on our rainy day we only had 3 athetes that competed more than twice that day. Almost all athletes were able to do their one event and they were finished for the day. The only time we had scheduling issues was when transportation and HODs decided to incorrectly assume we cancelled/postponed snowshoeing because of the rain. Awards were able to keep up with our hectic and rapid competition schedule.

Observations It caused problems because someone “ASSUMED” snowshoeing would cancel/postpone also due to the rain. We never ever gave the impression that we would cancel/postpone that day, despite what seemed like repeated attempts by Venisha to keep calling us about this. We knew about the pending rain the day before, and announced at our coaches meeting that we would plan on proceeding as scheduled despite the rain. Coaches never heard anything from snowshoeing competition management that we might cancel/postpone because of the rain. There were some athletes that simply did not show up to compete on the rainy day of divisioning. Their coaches made no attempt to submit an improved performance score to get them into the final.

Recommendations (i.e. include types of reports) It was nice to have an extra day of competition (7 days instead of 6 as in Idaho) as this allowed the athletes more rest between divisioning and finals and allowed finals to get the

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attention they deserved. This format should be retained.

PAPER FLOW Commendations We eventually got it all figured out and it went smoothly. We eventually had all the forms and the SID figured out what forms were for what.

Observations Instead of digitally sending results to the SID and the Awards area, it seemed as though results were all generated in the GMS room and GMS would then distribute hard copies. This was both good and bad, as it allowed one central place to inspect results and make sure they were correct. It also required runners going up and down steps many times.

Recommendations As I suggested, we need all the forms in advance. SID needs to have these and understand these in advance. There is an entire procedure that needs to be followed for proper paper flow. I incorrectly assumed that GMS and the SID and even awards would know what to do and how to do things with regards to paper flow. I did this because I had been spoiled by having an experienced GMS person at the last 2 games who did this for me. Thus I had to do a lot of education at the last minute after competition began to get make sure paper flow was correct, to make sure we had the correct forms, etc. Too much responsibility is being placed on the TD to train and educate everyone (GMS,

SID, awards, coaches, etc) on all the aspects of the competition. Although I had written down procedures and supplied the GOC with these in advance for much of this, it appears much of this information did not get into the hands of the correct people.This might have been ok if it was taking place during a pre games, but the actual competition was compromised slightly because there were just too many things for the TDs to do at the last minute.

SPORTS TECHNOLOGY Timing and Scoring Operations 1 2 3 x 4 5 Use of Scoreboard/Video board/Sound Production 1 2 3 x 4 5 Bracketing Software, if applicable 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations Although it would have been nice to have a photo finish timing system, the timing crew made up for this with large numbers of volunteers. Every time I went through the routine procedure of inspecting a time because a coach questioned it, the timing people were able to easily produce numerous documented recordings for that time kept in a well organized and accessible folder.

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Observations I wish our electronic scoreboard could have kept up with the rapid pace of our competition. I do not think our scoreboard was always fully tied into timing and GMS. There were many times when athletes would finish and their finishing time would not be displayed quickly or at all.

Recommendations (i.e., what enhancements (including reports) can be made to GMS to administer the sport) I liked not having a PA announcer and music for much of the competition. We had enough fans making noise that this was not necessary. Any announcements that were made were thus very important and paid attention to.

AWARDS Awards Presentation 1 2 3 x 4 5 Adherence to Schedule 1 2 3 x 4 5 Awards Staging 1 2 3 x 4 5 Competition to Awards Flow of Traffic 1 2 x 3 x 4 5 Commendations Awards kept up with our hectic fast paced schedule. I did not have enough time to oversee awards, and they were organized enough so that this was not necessary

Observations As mentioned previously, our final awards flow worked well. It was good to get the athletes indoors in a real building to be sat down and allowed to recover before they made the stair climb and walk to awards staging. Awards even had refreshments available for these athletes at this pre staging indoor point also. It was nice to have the medical room right there indoors next to the pre staging point, just in case. I also liked the flow of athletes from the finish line directly in front of the main grandstand to get to awards staging. This allows athletes to get recognized by spectators immediately after finishing.

Recommendations Having athletes go indoors asap after their race should be retained. It would be nice to have final awards flow decided upon before the day before awards begin.

EVENT REGISTRATION/QUOTA List event(s) that should be deleted for the next World Games. State reason(s) Athletes that are not low ability level competing in the 25 and 50 meter. If we can not

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get true low ability level athletes at the world games, the 25 and 50 meter should be eliminated. It appears that the special quota for the 1600 meter did not attract appreciably more athletes to this event than normal.


If applicable, was the categorizing of events within the sport useful? What would you change differently? yes

What is the maximum number of teams/athletes that should be accommodated for a World Games, using the same number of field of plays. We could easily accommodate 400 or more athletes in the competition.


Information that should be added to athlete registration form A poll of coaches showed that only one of 60+ knew about our definition of low ability level events (time standards of 12 seconds or more in the 25M and 25 seconds or more to be eligiable to compete in the 50 meter). We had requested this be included in registration materials, this was confirmed in 2011, but somehow this was not included and it seemed to be an SOI error. The vast majority of the athletes entered in the 25 and 50 M were NOT low ability level. We only had about 5 athletes that were truly low ability level. Athletes should be required to submit at least their two best preliminary times for each event they are entered in. This would prevent athletes from entering their events at the world games having never competed in them before.

Comments on final declaration process We should not be dealing with final declarations at the very last minute, just moments before the competition is set to begin. Although much improved from before, the changes that should be allowed in final declarations after arriving at the games should be very minimal.

COMPETITION MANAGEMENT TEAM Competition Management Team Performance 1 2 3 x 4 5 Sufficient number of Team Members 1 2 3 x 4 5

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Commendations Although communication with the actual competition management people was sketchy before the games, we were able to work things out once we arrived and they were able to adapt and get it done.

Observations In reality we asked competition management to make a number of huge changes to their plan and their idea about the way things should be done. (starting with location of awards). To their credit, they were able to trust our experience and modify things so that the competition went off fairly well. Trusting outsiders is not easy to do, it was a struggle at times, but we did it.

Recommendations TDs should be working directly with the actual sport manager and people that are calling the shots from the beginning. Ms. Koo and Ms Kwon I am sure had their roles and responsibilities and performed them well, but it did not seem like they were the people we needed to be communicating with in prior visits to the games. We needed to be dealing with the people responsible for the nuts and bolts of competition from the beginning.

ROLE AS TECHNICAL DELEGATE Readiness in role as Technical Delegate prior to Games Time 1 2 3 x 4 5 Readiness in role as Technical Delegate during Games Time 1 2 3 x 4 5 Communication with GOC counterpart 1 2 x 3 4 5 Technical Delegate Services 1 2 3 x 4 5 (travel arrangements, housing accommodations, uniform,etc.) Provide listing of site visits prior to the Games (all visits made between the time of your appointment up to Games) Snowshoeing biathlon venue: Fall of 2011 and 2012

What specific duties did you perform as a technical delegate during Games time? Security, monitoring, educator, jury, inspector, marking field of play, official training, shoveling snow, setting up fences, measuring the course, preparing the course, dealing with coaches, conducting coaches meetings, investigating and dealing with protests, divisioning, making sure we had and creating needed forms, inspecting course conditions, etc.

Commendations: People were able to adapt to and change their thinking in response to my experienced requests to change procedures.

Observations:

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too much is being asked of TD’s. TD responsibility should primarily be focused on the field of play and the competition. TDs should not have to worry about venue security, registration, awards staging, where athlete lunches will be, when and if athletes will be transported to the venue, helping people with lost credentials, general safety issues in the venue (ice and snow removal, hazardous spectator seating). This was the most difficult time I have ever had being a TD. There was always something to try to improve or correct or deal with. I felt like we were playing catch up the entire time, and we never really caught up.

Recommendations: Due to illness contracted during the game, lack of sleep, not enough nutrient dense food, a high work load and overall stress from being yelled at by coaches and all this, I lost 10 lbs during these games. I do not have this weight to lose and this is not normal. I needed more food for lunch and dinner, and wish I could have eaten with the athletes. (who seemed to have better food choices for lunch and dinner, as they should). The breakfast was outstanding but they would not let me get a vegetarian lunch from the athlete tent as I did not sign up for it. The dinner was nice and formal, but lacked variety and calories. I am a modest person but I just can not see anyone else who could have did what I did as a TD at these games and survived (or would have wanted to). I needed to be very strong to intelligently and respectfully endure the prolonged assaults by coaches. (we had more coaches at these games and many inexperienced coaches so it was the worst it has ever been). It got to be where I would just wait in the SID for protests or complaints to come in. Something needs to be done about this to correct this. In most sports, there is some type of penalty for coaches who make frivolous challenges. In special Olympics there is no penalty for the coach. Each coach in and of themselves may not realize the time they take, but multiply this by about 32 and it adds up. It was very fantastic to have the TDs, athletes and officials housed so close to the competition venue to minimize transportation time.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS I was really fortunate to have Silvestor Polc and Jim Tucker and Chrisa Karra at the games in advance of the first day of competition. As members of the Snowshoeing SRT, and TD/officials, I was able to delegate duties to them in the last couple days and even during the competition that helped ensure things ran smoothly. These were duties (for Jim and Chrisa especially) that went well beyond their role as an official. For example, Chrisa was able to instruct the staging volunteers/clerk of course on how they should set things up. These games could have been the very best ever for snowshoeing at a SOWWG. They were very close, and I set very high standards and expectations, but these were not fully met. Thus I rank these games as a tie for best with Nozawa. Additional comments on the USE event. I put a lot of time into this: time that I did not have and that could have been better spent improving the competition for our athletes. The GOC and competition management team (staging, timing) must have been very frustrated with the delays in getting this going and they left. This event, although I am sure was ok for sponsors, was scheduled for the worst time and delayed our coaches meeting tremendously. Past exhibitions and fun relay events we conducted at snowshoeing were well attended, fun and enjoyable. This USE event ended up being a burden, and detracted from and delayed our competition.

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We had the best and most spectators and most media ever attending SOWWG snowshoeing. This was outstanding support. OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE GAMES Overall rating 1 2 3 x 4 5

SNOWSHOEING (PART 2)

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Sport: SNOWSHOEING


Observations At the beginning of the competition (especially first competition day) the Access Control at venue did not function. After the intervention by the TD was observed more access control and enforcement.

Recommendations

SPORT EQUIPMENT Compliance with international sport federation and Special Olympics technical requirements Yes No If not, provide detailed explanation in the observation section or attach supplemental report Commendations In most cases, athletes had adequate equipment and clothing. For few teams who did not have properly equipment (Special Hand Program) was provided by the organizing committee.

Location of venue was excellent. There were perfect conditions for organization snowshoeing competitions on the highest level. Short distance between venue and accommodation place was also very positive element on this games.

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Observations (List below the names/bib numbers/Program that did not have proper sport equipment or attire) We noticed that athletes who come from countries where is no snow or do not have cold climate did not have enough warm clothes for case of bad weather. (Bolivia, Lebanon, Palestine..)

Recommendations In future all programs from warmer places repeatedly to draw attention to appropriate attire. Countries with no traditions in snowshoeing should receive some help and advice in buying equipment and attire.


Total Number of Coaches Meeting Conducted 6 List sport specific issues arising at coaches meetings and how were they resolved Questions about divisions, rules, improvement changes, substitutions relay members

Commendations Cooperation with coaches was very good. In general coaches meetings started and finished on time.

Observations On every coaches meeting we were underlining Max. honest effort rule, especially after the preliminary round , if coach feels that score time does not reflect the athletes best ability. Coach may make an adjustment use the Improved Performance Request Form at Sport Information Desk. After each coaches meeting coaches received information on paper.

Recommendations The first coaches meeting should be held one day before first competition day!! Coaches have a time to see venue, recognize how flow will go on and athletes have a time for practice.

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OFFICIALS Organization and Administration of Officials Meetings 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Handbooks 1 2 3 4 5 Overall Performance of Officials 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Dress Code 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Nomination and Selection Process 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Performance Evaluation Process 1 2 3 4 5 Officials Services (i.e. reception, communication, lounge, etc.) 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations All officials are during the competitions showed a high degree of professionalism and specific sports knowledge. They also showed a very suitable relationship to the persons with intellectual disabilities.

Observations The biggest problem in communication was the language. We spent a lot of time for translation.

Recommendations Try to find and include experienced officials from track and field and educate them for officials in snowshoeing.

DIVISIONING Divisioning Success (evenness of division, competitive division) 1 2 3 4 5 What difficulties, if any, scenarios were encountered during divisioning? How were they handled? Divisioning were conducted according to the Special Olympics rules. Many athletes came on Games without Preliminary score.

Commendations Cooperation with GMS operator was very good We had a big number athletes who competed in two individual events and relay race but there were only 12 divisions with less than 3 athletes. Big success is participation 42 teams in raley race 4x100m

Observations On 25m and 50 m events competed athletes with not low ability. There were only few athletes who run 25m slower than 12s and 50m slower than 25s. 25M 41ath.(7div.), 50M 42ath. (11div.), 100M 186ath. (26div.), 200M 199ath. (34div.), 400M 67ath.(14div.), 800M 32ath.(6div), 1600M 13ath.(4div.), 5KM 6ath. (3div),

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4x100M 42 relay teams (10div.), 4x400M 6 relay teams (2div.)

Recommendations (including summary reports that could be added to GMS) All coaches must entered athletes preliminary scores in registration form. Without Preliminary score athlete can not compete on World games. In events 25m and 50m can compete only athletes with low ability. Coaches must respect limit 12 s on 25m and 25 s on 50m.

SPORTS RULES Compliance with the typical international protocol for the sport Yes No We used a protocol according with Snowshoeing sport rules! Adherence to Sports Rules 1 2 3 4 5



Number of Protests Upheld 6 Attached a copy of all protests forms to this report. Copy attached? Yes No Identify trends of type of protests

- questions about max. Honest effort rule - questions about divisioning, questioning judgements made by officials (pacing,

interference, coaching..) List the names of the jury and position GOC-Venue and Sport Manager- Young-chul Choi Chief of Race- Ungi Kim Chief of referees- James Tucker SOI Technical Delegate-Tom Sobal SOI Assistant Technical Delegate-Silvester Polc

Were there any decisions made that was not covered in the sport rules, if so, please specify. No

Commendations

Observations (i.e. conformity to athlete uniform rules, illegal commercial messages, etc. – provide specific information, including name of Program) We had total DQ 71! DQ Max. Honest Effort 61 Technical DQ 9 Unsportmanlike conduct DQ 1

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25M:41 ath. (5HE),(2 Tech.DQ) 50M:42 ath. (5HE), (1unsportmanlike DQ) 100M:186 ath. (29HE), (4 Tech.DQ) 200M:199 ath. (10HE) 400M:67ath. (7HE) 800M:32ath. (3HE) 1600M:13ath (0HE) 5KM:6ath. (1HE) 4X100M 42 relay team (2HE), (2Tech.DQ) 4X400M :6 relay teams (1Tech.DQ)

Recommendations (may also include recommendation for future Special Olympics sport rule changes) More educations of coaches about Max. Honest Effort Rule!!!


Competition Format Used List and explain any delays, postponements, cancellations in the competition We did not have any delays, postponements or cancellations except first day of competition when was organized first coach meeting. It was decision by GOC and SOI.

Commendations The Competition and award ceremony took place at the same time.

Observations It is not easy to make a precise schedule few months ahead with not knowing how many athletes will compete in each event.


PAPER FLOW Commendations Paper flow was excellent. All results and announcements were delivered in time.

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Observations

Recommendations

SPORTS TECHNOLOGY Timing and Scoring Operations 1 2 3 4 5 Use of Scoreboard/Video board/Sound Production 1 2 3 4 5 Bracketing Software, if applicable 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations All results appeared immediately on large highly visible electronic scoreboard

Observations There were used GMS system with electronic timing and manual timing.


AWARDS Awards Presentation 1 2 3 4 5 Adherence to Schedule 1 2 3 4 5 Awards Staging 1 2 3 4 5 Competition to Awards Flow of Traffic 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations Simply and efficient ceremony awards.

Observations One award ceremony was not compliant with rules because the athlete received wrong medal, after that we made correction and gave the athlete right medal. We made 3 rewards on 25m event after decision SOI.

Recommendations

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EVENT REGISTRATION/QUOTA List event(s) that should be deleted for the next World Games. State reason(s)


If applicable, was the categorizing of events within the sport useful? What would you change differently? In generally categorizing was good, but we must to determine more clear limit who can compete on the lower level.

What is the maximum number of teams/athletes that should be accommodated for a World Games, using the same number of field of plays.


Information that should be added to athlete registration form Registration form for the next games must included scores which allow athletes compete at the lower level (25m=12s and slower), (50m=25s and slower)


COMPETITION MANAGEMENT TEAM Competition Management Team Performance 1 2 3 4 5 Sufficient number of Team Members 1 2 3 4 5 Commendations

Observations

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Recommendations

ROLE AS TECHNICAL DELEGATE Readiness in role as Technical Delegate prior to Games Time 1 2 3 4 5 Readiness in role as Technical Delegate during Games Time 1 2 3 4 5 Communication with GOC counterpart 1 2 3 4 5 Technical Delegate Services 1 2 3 4 5 (travel arrangements, housing accommodations, uniform,etc.) Provide listing of site visits prior to the Games (all visits made between the time of your appointment up to Games) I was there twice before the games

What specific duties did you perform as a technical delegate during Games time? Inspected the warm up and competition site with GOC to ensure the technical facilities, requirements were in accordance with rules Worked with teams to resolved any problems, helped with compilation of any disqualification report, served as the expert regarding the enforcement of the Special Olympics sport specific rules, as well as overseeing the divisioning process, participated in all coaches meetings and officials meetings…

Commendations: Good cooperation with SOI and GOC Very good work of Sport Manager

Observations: All days of competitions the atmosphere was fantastic. Spectators in big number with drums and music did great job. Also volunteers were perfect.

Recommendations: I think that in the future Test Event before the Games should be organized!

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ADDITIONAL COMMENTS OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE GAMES

Overall rating 1 2

Documents

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