Unified Programs integrate athletes with and without intellectual disabilities in training and competition programs as well as social activities. There are three Unified Programs to choose from:
Unified Recreation | Unified Player Development | Unified Sports® |
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Unified Recreation consists of recreational sport-related enrichment opportunities for promoting social inclusion and increasing sports skills and knowledge, which takes place in schools, the community and private or public organizations. | Unified Player Development refers to the level in which players of higher ability assist teammates in developing sports skills and tactics, and in successfully participating in a team environment. | Unified Sports® is a program that combines Special Olympics athletes and athletes without intellectual disabilities (Partners) on sports teams for training and competition. All players on a Unified Sports team must have attained the requisite sports skills and play without modifi cation from the current Special Olympics Official Rules.
As an inclusive program, there must be a proportionate number of athletes without disabilities represented on all Unifi ed Sports® teams. Statement of Fair Play: Fair Play is designed to optimize participation by all team members (athletes and partners) based on the principle that every player should contribute to the success of the team. To ensure Fair Play, all team members must have the requisite sports skills. Teams should not include players who dominate play, exclude other teammates from contributing to the success of the team, or present a health and safety risk on the fi eld of play. By permitting any team member to dominate play, the result is reduced opportunities and limited roles for other team members. This violates the spirit and intent of the Unifi ed Sports® rules and philosophy, and will be addressed according to the standards set forth by each sport's rules and governing ordinances. |
Activities:
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Activities:
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Activities:
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Coach Certification Requirement:
Coaches are not required to be certified. |
Coach Certification Requirement:
Coaches will receive modified training. Can take Unified Sports Coach Training online. |
Coach Certification Requirement:
Unified Sports Coach Certification is required. |
Counting Criteria
Coaches should list the athletes on a roster and turn the information into their area office. Athletes can be tracked as Athletes in Training (AITs). |
Counting Criteria
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Counting Criteria
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Recognition/Awards
Participation recognition such as a certificate would be appropriate. |
Recognition/Awards
Participation recognition such as a certificate or award (provided by SOTX). |
Recognition/Awards
Participation will be awarded Unified Sports medals based on place of finish. |
Level of Competition
Local only |
Level of Competition
Local only |
Level of Competition
Local, area, state, national, regional, world |
Refer to Unified Champion Schools (Section J) for more information.
For more information, please contact your area office.
In addition to the information above, the following information is required for the Unified Player Development:
It is the goal of Unified Sports to integrate into community leagues those athletes with intellectual disabilities who, because of their higher skill level, are ready to move themselves from traditional Special Olympics teams into mainstream athletic programs. Involvement improves skills, self-esteem and self-image for athletes of all ability levels.
In addition to the information listed in Unified Recreation and Unified Player Development, the following information is required for the Unified Sports: