PC, Coach & Family Roles - Special Olympics Vermont

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1 Special Olympics Vermont

2013 Conference

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Volunteer & Family Support

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Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteer Leadership

The School or Local Program is managed by the Program Coordinator(s) with help from Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Program Support

Athletes & FamiliesAthletes, Unified Partners,

families and caregivers agree to a Code of

Conduct and play a vital role in volunteering and

fundraising for the Program

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Program Leadership

Coordinators & Coaches have a full time

job!


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Program Coordinators wear

multiple hats!

Position: Program Coordinator

The Program Coordinator leads and manages overall development of the local program, ensuring Special Olympics athletes train and compete in a high-quality and safe environment.

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Program Coordinator responsibilities

General Management

• To lead the process of defining annual developmental objectives for the local program

• To spearhead development of annual local program budget and submit it to the state office for review and approval

• To oversee all programs, services, activities and facilities, ensuring they lead to achievement of local program objectives

• To recruit, in consultation with the local program coaches, support staff & volunteers for organization of training sessions, sports competitions and non-sports Special Olympics events

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PC Responsibilities, continued

General Management

To prepare annual development reports and statement of local program income and expenses

To proactively identify external and internal risks that might affect quality and safe functioning of the local program and bring identified risks in a timely manner to the attention of appropriate local program participants and program leadership


And there’s more…

Fundraising

To submit appropriate timely applications for funding from external sources

To plan, organize and provide appropriate resources for organization of the local program’s fundraising events and activities

To research potential new sources of funding for local program activities and events

To ensure timely and appropriate application of available resources while adhering to the overall program and state level guidelines and policies

• .


We’re not done yet!

Public Relations

To work with local state office and local program volunteers, families and athletes to assure presentation of a consistent, comprehensive and positive local program image

To ensure local program information materials and resources adhere Special Olympics standards and requirements


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Position: Coach

Coaches are responsible for Special Olympics sports program implementation in a particular sport by providing Special Olympics athletes with comprehensive sports training and preparation by providing appropriate guidance, consultations and training to Special Olympics family members and other coaches.

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Coaching Responsibilities

To know, accept and abide by the Special Olympics General Rules, Special Olympics Official Sports Rules and other Uniform Standards.

To know and understand the sport being coached, including knowledge and understanding of the National /International Governing Body Rules for that sport.

To determine current levels of Special Olympics athletes’ abilities, types and levels of interest.

To train Special Olympics athletes and ensure they are capable of competing according to the standards of the sport.

To monitor each athletes’ progress and provide appropriate feedback.


Coaches also:

Guide athletes, promoting appropriate and safe behavior during training sessions, competitions, trips, team social events. etc.

Provide orientation to parents/guardians of the athletes prior to the start of each sport session and explain rules, potential implications of participation, expectations, etc.

Provide preliminary orientation before the start of the season and designate specific assignments and responsibilities to assistant coaches, volunteers and support staff before each training session and/or competition event.

Support training and education of other Special Olympics Coaches.


Additional Coaching duties:

‣ Provide a safe training and competitive environment

‣ Evaluating athletes for injury

‣ Providing for adequate equipment

‣ Indentifying emergency plans

‣ Keeping adequate records

‣ Completing appropriate paperwork in a timely manner


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Athletes & Families

We need family and caregiver

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Volunteer

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Ask your program’s Coordinator or Coach what is needed

Stick around during practice if your athlete needs extra help or supervision

Sign on through the SOVT website for State Game opportunities

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Fundraise

Athletes do not pay a fee to participate in Special Olympics, so all expenses are paid through fundraising efforts.

Consider hosting or participating in a fundraising event

Make a donation

Recruit a sponsor

Help promote Special Olympics Vermont whenever

you can!

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Enforce the Codes of Conduct

Athlete Code of Conduct

Special Olympics is committed to the highest ideals of sport and expects all athletes to honor sports and Special Olympics. All Special Olympics athletes and Unified Sports Partners agree to the following code:

Sportsmanship

I will practice good sportsmanship.

I will act in ways that bring respect to me, my coaches, my team and Special Olympics.

I will not use bad language, swear or insult other persons.

I will not fight with other athletes, coaches, volunteers or staff.


Training and Competition

I will train regularly.

I will learn and follow the rules of my sport.

I will listen to my coaches and the officials and ask questions when I do not understand.

I will always try my best during training, divisioning and competitions.

I will not “hold back” in preliminaries just to get into an easier final heat.

Responsibility for My Actions

I will not make inappropriate or unwanted physical, verbal or sexual advances on others.

I will not drink alcohol, smoke or take illegal drugs while representing Special Olympics at training sessions, competition or during Games.

I will not take drugs for the purpose of improving my performance.

I will obey all laws and Special Olympics rules.


Family Code of Conduct

The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.

We hope as family members you will embrace the spirit of Special Olympics and help us provide a competition and training environment that enhances athlete character and skill development.

The following Family code of Conduct should be emphasized during training, competition and special events at any level (County, Area, State, USA and World).


Key Points

Let the athletes choose have fun up-to-date medical forms

learn the rules before complaining or protesting

be a positive role model provide for the health & safety of all

Be a good sport play by the rules treat all others with respect

doing one’s best is more important than

winning Praise! emphasize skill development

promote the emotional and physical well being of the athletes

Pitch in when you can


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Cheer them on!

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Sports Teaches Us!

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Thank you.