Special Olympics Ontario School Programs Code of Conduct

Note: All Special Olympics Ontario school program events, including but not limited to school qualifiers and championships, are subject to the following codes of conduct.

B. Coach Code of Conduct

Note a Coach: A coach is defined as any school representative who is affiliated with the team, including but not limited to other teachers, educational assistants, and support staff.

The Code of Conduct is designed to assist each coach in abiding by the mission and philosophy of Special Olympics Ontario. Each teacher-coach is responsible for preparing their athletes for the conduct expected of them during participation in Special Olympics events. For the duration of their absence from home or school, the teacher-coach is in charge of their students’ conduct, safety, support and supervision. The procedures outlined in this code of conduct will also ensure coaches/teachers/educational assistants will be treated with respect and openness. Any teacher or coach who does not follow this Code of Conduct can be prohibited from participating in any Special Olympics training or competition event.

Each Coach, Teacher or Support Staff Member will adhere to the following:

1. During play, coaches and support staff cannot participate in the competition in any way beyond physically supporting individuals who need one-on-one support or guidance to compete (cannot participate in active play).

2. Ensure that accurate skill assessment scores and competition stream classifications are provided for the entry of a team or athlete into any event.

3. Ensuring the meaningful involvement of all players in the game.

4. Ensuring that unified partners do not dominate games.

5. Review and know each athlete’s medical forms, possible accommodations, and medications, and be aware of any limitations on that athlete’s participation.

6. Ensure each athlete performs to the best of their ability at all qualifiers and championships in accordance with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules.

7. Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved in the sport (athletes, coaches, opponents, officials, administrators, parents, spectators, media, etc.).

8. Treat everyone equally regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion or ability.

9. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of athletes, coaches, other volunteers, friends and spectators in Special Olympics.

10. Be a positive role model for the athletes

11. Respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each athlete.

12. Ensure each athlete competes in events that challenge that athlete’s potential and are appropriate to that athlete’s ability.

13. Ensure athletes seek medical attention when required.

14. Alert to any form of abuse from other sources directed toward your athletes.

15. Not drinking alcohol, smoking or taking illegal drugs while representing Special Olympics at any time during team functions, practises, overnight trips and competitions. This includes in residence or accommodation budlings at all times.

16. Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards athletes and others, including inappropriate or unwanted sexual advances on others and verbal, physical and emotional abuse.

In Addition to the Above Policies, Each Adult School Representative Shall Adhere to the Following on Overnight Special Olympics Events:

1. The teacher-coach bears the responsibility for supervising his or her athletes for the entire period during which they are absent from school or home.

2. Must be available and present at the event and accommodation site for the duration of their athlete’s time in that event or accommodation.

Infractions/Discipline/ Consequences

Special Olympics Ontario has sole and absolute discretion as to any disciplinary actions to be taken if a person violates the Coach Code of Conduct. Any action taken is predicated on the good faith belief of Special Olympics Ontario that the disciplinary action is appropriate. The following disciplinary actions may be taken:

a) Ejection from a game or event

b) Suspension from School Championships or Qualifiers

c) Prohibited from coaching or participating in any Special Olympics event in any form or fashion

d) Notification to appropriate governing bodies e) Requiring written letter of apology and requiring appropriate restitution.

The personal information you are providing to Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) is treated as strictly confidential by SOO and its partners. The collection and use of personal information by SOO is in accordance with the Ontario Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1980, CHAPTER M.58 and will be used for the purposes of identification and registration for the Games.

Before proceeding, please review the Special Olympics Participation Waiver & Media Opt-Out:

Read the Participation Waiver

By checking the box below, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the contents of the document.

A one-way texting platform will be used during the Games as the official system for communication and updates. By checking the box below you consent to all your coaches cell phone numbers provided being used for this system.