All coaches are required to uphold the mission and philosophy of Special Olympics Ontario, maintain high standards of conduct and avoid profane or abusive language. Coaches must abstain from the use or consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, marijuana and/or illegal substances while participating in any Special Olympics sponsored/sanctioned activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, training/practice sessions and competition events. Coaches are required to abstain from all illegal activity.
As a Special Olympics Volunteer or Coach, I pledge that:
I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of athletes, coaches, other volunteers, friends and spectators in Special Olympics; I will treat everyone equally regardless of gender, ethnic origin, religion or ability; I will dress and act at all times in a manner which will be appropriate to my assigned responsibilities and a credit to myself, the athletes and Special Olympics Ontario; I will display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved including athletes, coaches, opponents, officials, administrators, parents, spectators and media.
I will provide for the general welfare, health, and safety of any Special Olympics Ontario athlete(s) in my charge during the course of my assigned duties; I will report any emergencies to the appropriate authorities after first taking immediate action to ensure the health and safety of the participants; I will not take part in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, marijuana and/or controlled substances or be under the influence of alcohol, marijuana and/or controlled substances during any Special Olympics training or competition, or any time I am acting as a chaperone for Special Olympics athletes from the time I commence my role as chaperone until the athletes have been released to parents or guardians; I will not take part in smoking or chewing tobacco at any Special Olympics training or competition site except in designated areas; I will not engage in any type of inappropriate behavior, use of profanity, sexual activity, and/or verbal or physical abuse with Special Olympics athletes, staff, officials or other volunteers; I will be alert to and will report to the provincial office any form of abuse from other sources directed toward athletes, volunteers and staff.
Special Olympics Ontario has sole and absolute discretion as to any disciplinary actions to be taken if a person violates the Athlete and/or Coach Code of Conduct. Any action taken is predicated with the good faith belief of Special Olympics Ontario that the disciplinary action is appropriate. Any disciplinary action that is taken can be appealed as per the Disciplinary and Corrective Action Policy and Procedures provided by the Provincial Office. Immediate disciplinary action, including suspension from the 2019 SOO Invitational Youth Games in which the coach will be sent home immediately at their own expense, may be imposed for any of the following:
Engaging in any illegal or criminal activity when the Special Olympics Provincial office has a good faith belief that there has been illegal activity, whether or not there has been a formal charge made; Any person behaving in a manner that is inherently dangerous to him/herself or others. This includes any violent acts, harassment, or any behaviour which impacts the integrity of Special Olympics programs; The use or consumption of alcohol, marijuana or illegal substances that may affect the safety and well being of other athletes. This includes but is not limited to all training/practice sessions, the duration of competition events, or any other Special Olympics sponsored or sanctioned activity where athletes are present; Any person accused or suspected of abusing (physical or sexual), molesting, assaulting, or harassing another person.
In consideration of my participation in events organized in anticipation of the Special Olympics Ontario School Championships, I represent that I understand the nature of the event and that I and/or my minor child am/are qualified, in good health and in proper physical condition to participate in such event(s).
I acknowledge that my attendance at an event for the Special Olympics Ontario School Championships, or my use of the facilities, is done at my own risk, and I hereby release, discharge, and covenant not to sue Special Olympics Ontario, Special Olympics Canada Inc., their respective administrators, directors, agents, officers, volunteers, and employees, emergency personnel, other participants, any sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners, and lessors of premises on which the events organized in anticipation of the Special Olympics Ontario School Championships takes place, (each considered on the “RELEASEE’s herein) from all liabilities, claims, demands, losses, or damages on my account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the “releasees” or otherwise, including negligent rescue operations; and I further agree that if, despite the release, waiver or liability, and assumption of risk I, or anyone on my behalf and/or on behalf of my minor child, make a claim against any of the releasee, I will indemnify, save, and hold harmless each of the releasees from any such loss, liability, damage, of cost which each of the releasees may incur as the result of such claim.
I agree to abide by the Special Olympics Canada Inc. rules, policies, procedures and Code of Behavior. If I am unable to be consulted in case of necessity, Special Olympics Canada Inc. is authorized at my account to take such measures and arrange for such medical and hospital treatment as is deemed advisable for my health and well-being. Any and all references to Special Olympics Canada Inc. include and apply equally to Special Olympics Ontario Inc.
AUTHORIZATION TO USE NAME AND LIKENESS
I hereby authorize Special Olympics Canada Inc. and/or their partners to use my name, likeness, statements and other identifying information, including in photographs, video and recordings for the purposes of publicizing and promoting Special Olympics, and to raise funds for Special Olympics, worldwide, in perpetuity. This authorization includes use in any media now known or hereinafter devised throughout the universe, including but not limited to print and on the World Wide Web. I understand that I will not be compensated for such use and that Special Olympics is not obligated to use my name, likeness or statements or other identifying information.
All participants under the age of 18 must have this release/waiver signed by a parent/guardian 18 years or older.
By signing this release/waiver of liability, I acknowledge the assumption of risk, and indemnity and fully understand it.
