Section P:
Summer Games

What began in 1969 as a track and field event for 350 people with intellectual disabilities continues for the 48th consecutive year as Special Olympics Texas presents its annual Summer Games, May 24-27. The 2018 Summer Games will be hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington.

During this season, athletes around the state will be training and competing in seven different sports: Athletics, Basketball, Cycling, Equestrian, Gymnastics, Soccer and Tennis. Check with your area office for entries deadlines and competition dates.

Resource Information

To request specific information on individual sports and competitions, consult the sport’s National Governing Body Rules and the Official Special Olympics Summer Sports Rules, which may be obtained through the area office or at www.specialolympics.org. Below are SOTX Sport Directors and their contact information. Please use these contacts for rule-specific questions and information.

Chapter Summer Games

This year's Summer Games features six sports (athletics, basketball, cycling, gymnastics, soccer and tennis). Additionally, events including Opening Ceremonies, Victory Dance, Closing Ceremonies, Athlete Village, Healthy Athletes, various sports clinics and demonstrations offer unparalleled variety for all Games attendees. Entry fees will be $30 for each competing athlete and Unified Sports® partner. Scratches made at games registration and during the weekend of games will result in a $15.00 administration fee per athlete and Unified Partner. Registration will be held on Thursday, May 24.

Equestrian is considered a stand-alone competition. Athletes do have the option to participate in Equestrian and one Summer Games sport at the Chapter competition. The Chapter Equestrian competition will be held in Bryan at the Brazos County Expo Complex, May 18-20. Entry fees will be $30 for each competing athlete and Unified Sports® partner. Registration will be held on Friday, May 18. Scratches made at games registration and during the weekend of games will result in a $15.00 administration fee per athlete and Unified Partner.

Check your area office for entry deadline. No late entries will be accepted. Coaches must submit their entries to their area office.

To qualify for participation at the 2018 Summer Games in athletics, basketball, cycling, equestrian, gymnastics, soccer or tennis, all athletes must have competed in their sport of choice in the sanctioned area competition. In addition, they must have a current Athlete Enrollment/Medical Release Form on file, and correct and complete athlete entry forms. All forms must be submitted by the established deadlines for entries for Summer Games. Athletes in the above sports are not required to place third or better at area competitions in order to qualify for participation in Summer Games. Basketball is the only sport with a quota. The quota is distributed to areas based on area participation.

It is recommended, however, that placing third or better at local or area competition be considered strongly when selecting Summer Games participants. A maximum number of entries for these sports will be established, if necessary, to preserve the safety and integrity of the event.

In athletics and basketball, an allocation system exists. Due to safety, scheduling and logistical considerations, each region receives an allotment for athletics (track and field) events. Time constraints and facility availability determine the number of basketball teams that are able to compete at Summer Games.

Coaches are encouraged to enter their athletes in sports other than athletics (track and field) at Summer Games. There are many advantages to entering other sports, including additional competition time, no allocation quotas, easier supervision of athletes, scheduling that permits a team to know more precisely when and where it will compete, and increased opportunity for scholarships.

For all team competitions in which there are individual skills, SOTX will require a minimum of 8 participants to offer the skills event at Chapter Games. This will be determined at the time entries are due to the Chapter office.

2017 Chapter Games Sport Maximums

Basketball – 125 teams (traditional and Unified)

Athletics – 2,600 athletes participants

2017 Chapter Games Sport Minimums

In order to host these events at Chapter Games, the following minimum entries numbers must be met. If not met at the time of entries, these events will not be held at Chapter Summer Games. If minimums are not met, delegations will be notified and athletes scratched.

• Individual Basketball Skills - must have a minimum of 8 athletes entered to host event.
• Individual Soccer Skills - must have a minimum of 8 athletes entered to host event.
• Traditional 3-on-3 Half Court Team - must have a minimum of 9 teams in each hoop height to host event.

Athletics

Advancement in Athletics is Based on:

• Allocations applied to specific events within a sport.
• Preliminary and final competitions are held in designated events during Summer Games. Events and divisions selected for preliminaries include the 50 meter dash (male and female), 100 meter dash (male and female), 200 meter dash (male), 4x100 meter relays (male and female) as well as all field events (male and female).

Certain events within athletics have a quota (50 meter dash, 100 meter dash, softball throw, shot put and standing long jump). The number per event is the maximum number an area may enter in those events – an area is not required to enter anyone in the quota events.

For example, if an area has trained all its athletes to compete in the running long jump, they are not required to enter anyone in the standing long jump.

The quota system for specific events is determined on a percentage basis of the total athletic allocation. The percentages are as follows:

• Track Events

  • 50m – 43 percent
  • 100m – 33 percent
  • All other track events – open

• Field Events

  • High Jump – open
  • Softball Throw – 48 percent
  • Running Long Jump – open
  • Standing Long Jump – 26 percent
  • Shot Put – 20 percent

For example, Area 29 has a total athletics allocation of 230. Of those 230, no more than 43 percent (99) may be entered in the 50 meter dash and 33 percent (76) in the 100 meter dash. The other 55 must enter other running events – the 200 meter dash, 400 meter run, 800 meter run, etc. 99 + 76 + 55 = 230. If, however, only 60 enter in the 50 meter dash and 25 enter the 100 meter dash, then 145 may enter in other running events, 60 + 25 + 145 = 230.

The same method applies in field events. The same 230 people may also enter one field event each, and one relay each. In this example, Area 29 can bring no more than 26 percent (60) of its total track and field athletes to compete in the standing long jump or 48 percent (110) athletes in the softball throw. If Area 29 maxes out on its shot put entries (20 percent = 46 athletes), standing long jump entries and softball throw entries, then that leaves 14 athletes to compete in the high jump and running long jump. It is best to allow athletes to compete in their best event as the numbers allow.

Athletics Events Offered

The following events are sanctioned by Special Olympics Texas and are to be offered at all local, area and chapter competitions. The actual events scheduled and conducted at local, area and chapter competitions will be determined by a minimum number of entries in each event.

The Chapter Sports Management Team has determined that to increase quality of competition that Chapter will make the determination if the 1500M walk has enough participation to make this event competitive. The decision will be made after Chapter receives entries for Summer Games.

Pentathlon and Unified Sports® Events

• Includes the 100m, 400m, Shot Put, High Jump and Running Long Jump.
• Unified Pentathlon will be offered in a coed format. This will be structured with a pair made up of one athlete and one Unified Partner, each competing in all 5 events. Scoring will result by combining both the athlete and Unified Partner's scores for a total.

Field Events

• Standing Long Jump
• Running Long Jump
• High Jump
• Tennis Ball Throw
• Softball Throw
• Mini-Javelin 300g and 400g
• Shot Put
• Wheelchair Shot Put

Track Events Information

• An athlete may enter one track event, one field event and one relay event, or the athlete may enter the pentathlon and one relay event.
• An athlete competing with a wheelchair or assisted device may enter  into two track events and one field event. For track - either two wheelchair events, or one wheelchair event and one assisted event, or two assisted events. For field - one field event.
• Unified Partners will allowed to participate in up to two Unified Sports relays in Athletics.
• The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all Special Olympics athletics competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon United States Track & Field Association rules for athletics. United States Track & Field Association rules shall be implemented except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply.
• Long distance runners may enter two distance races (800m and longer), plus one relay race. Athletes who choose this option will not have the option to participate in a field event.
• An athlete who uses a wheelchair may enter two track events and one field event.
• Assisted walks are for those athletes who need a mechanical or adaptive device (crutches, cane, walker, pushing a wheelchair) to maintain an upright position. (Shoe inserts are not considered a mechanical or adaptive device.) Another person may not physically assist athletes. A guide rope for visually-impaired athletes is not considered a mechanical device and thus these athletes will be heated with sighted runners of equal ability.
• Please obtain a copy of the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for detailed information regarding wheelchair events, motorized wheelchair events, assisted walks, other modified events and pentathlon scoring tables.
• In wheelchair races, competition management has the option to space athletes out, using more than one lane.

Qualifying Times

Qualifying times are required for entries at the area and chapter games in the following events

Qualifying times do not apply for local competition.

Athletes whose entry scores exceed qualifying times will be deleted from that event.

Spiked Track Shoes

• Spiked track and field shoes are allowed in Special Olympics Texas athletics competition.
• Guidelines are established in the USA Track & Field Association rules, but the exact maximum length of spikes allowed varies from meet to meet since it is determined by the specifications of the venue where the meet is being held (different track surfaces allow for different sized spikes).
• Organizers should share information about spike specifications with coaches well in advance of competition. If uncertain, coaches should always contact SOTX staff or competition organizers for clarification.

Pentathlon

• The SOI Sports Rules state that the events must be conducted in the following order 100 meter run, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400 meter run.
  Modification: competition directors have the option to alter the order of the events (with proper justification such as weather, schedule conflicts within the meet and equipment challenges/availability).
• Pentathlon high jumpers are allowed to jump at every centimeter increment and are allowed to jump at a minimum starting height that is below that of the standard high jump minimum.
• Modifications: All high jumpers (pentathlon athletes included) must start at the minimum high jump height listed in the SOI Sports Rules (which will be 1 meter). Each increment will be raised 3 centimeters after that. Each competitor will be allowed two minutes between consecutive jumps. So, pentathlon scoring in the high jump will begin at 1.
• Any jump below 1 meter is not permitted and will not be used in scoring. This same criteria applies to athletes who are entered in the high jump, but not the pentathlon.
• SOTX recommends but does not require that competition directors post the schedule for each of the five pentathlon events before the meet so that participants can plan accordingly. There must be a minimum of 30 minutes between the time one event ends and the next event begins for any athlete.
• All pentathlon athletes will be allowed to also compete in one relay event in an athletics competition provided there is not a scheduling conflict.
• Pentathletes will be recognized at competitions with a different colored lanyard on their medal to distinguish them from traditional event awards.

Athletics Rabbit Percentages

Track Events

All track events will utilize a 25 percent rabbit percentage.

Field Events

• All throws will utilize a 35 percent rabbit percentage.
• All jumps will utilize a 20 percent rabbit percentage.
• The pentathlon will utilize a 20 percent rabbit percentage.

Relay Information

• 400m (4 x 100), 1600m (4 x 400), Unified Sports® relays and wheelchair relay
  • Relay teams will be placed in divisions by age groups: junior, senior and masters. Athletes in different age divisions may participate on the same team if necessary. In this case, the team must be entered in the oldest age division represented. Alternates are considered team members and their ages will also be considered in determining the age division the team will enter.
    • Team members and alternates may not be listed as team members or alternates on any other team.
    • Team member rosters must be finalized during registration. Teams not meeting the 4 member minimum will be scratched following registration.
    • Team members must remain the same for both prelims and finals.

Mixed-Gender Relays

• Mixed-gender (a team consisting of any combination of males and females) relays will be offered at the chapter level at the Summer Games.
• Area athletics competition committees will have the option to offer mixed-gender relays at their area competition should their facilities and schedule allow.
• NOTE: All mixed-gender relays will be run in the male division, regardless of the number of females (1, 2 or 3) on the four person relay team.

25m & 50m Assisted Race

This event provides athletes the opportunity to run, jog and/or walk without being disqualified for running or jogging in a walking event.

4 x 25m Wheelchair Shuttle Relay

• Each competitor will complete 25 meters of the relay.
• Verbal prompts will be allowed while walking in front of an impaired athlete using a wheelchair, provided that no physical assistance is given and it is not impeding the athlete.

Field Events Information

Standing Long Jump

Weather and facilities permitting, the Standing Long Jump with take place where athletes jump into a sand pit, usually at the Running Long Jump venue.

Running Long Jump

A minimum of one meter is required  for this event. Coaches may request from an official the opportunity to place  a take-off mark.

High Jump

The minimum opening height for High Jump is one meter. The bar will be raised in three cm increments for each successful jump after that.

Pentathlon High Jump

The same procedures apply from High Jump to Pentathlon High Jump. However, since these athletes are working for POINTS, should  a coach request it, their athlete may attempt to gain more points by jumping in one cm increments. This accommodation is made only if requested and only after the official event is finished.

Tennis Ball Throw

The maximum distance allowed for the Tennis Ball Throw is 10 meters. Should your athlete throw beyond 10 meters, that throw will be marked as a scratch and will not be used in scoring. Should they do this on all three attempts, it will result in a disqualification and a Participant ribbon awarded. In this event, we do allow competitors to throw three consecutive times in the spirit of efficiency and athlete safety.

Softball Throw

The maximum distance alloed for the Softball Throw is 35 meters. Should your athlete throw beyond 35 meters, that throw will be marked as a scratch and will not be used in scoring. Should they do this on all three attempts in the Pre-Lim round, it will result in a disqualification and they will not go to Finals. Should they do this in Finals, it will result in a disqualification and they will receive a Participant ribbon.

Mini Jav

Female (all age groups): 300g

Male (ages 8-15): 300g

Male (16 and older): 400g

Necessary equipment found at www.turbojav.com and www.gophersports.com.

Shot Put

Female (8-11): 2kg

Male (8-11): 3kg

Female (12 & older): 3kg

Male (12 and older): 4kg

A Wheelchair Shot Put division will be allowed for athletes using a wheelchair. Both Male and Female competitors will use the 2kg shot. If an athlete chooses, they are allowed to compete in the regular division of Shot Put, but the weight of the shot must match the competitors in this group.

Pentathlon Procedures at Chapter Summer Games

A detailed schedule of events will be given prior to competition. There is no longer an official Pentathlon Coordinator at Chapter Summer Games. Each Coach is responsible for getting their athlete to the appropriate staging time for their events. Please have your schedule and your map and be prepared to have your athlete ready. All scoring will be completed by the Officials running each individual event. Awarding will follow competition on the second day as soon as the scores can be tallied.

Basketball

Events Offered

The following events are sanctioned by Special Olympics Texas and are to be offered at all local, area and chapter competitions. The actual events scheduled and conducted at local, area and chapter competitions will be determined by a minimum number of entries in each event.

• Unified Sports® Team Competition 5-on-5
• Traditional 5-on-5 Team Competition
• Traditional 3-on-3 Team Competition
  • 8 foot and 10 foot goal divisions
• Individual Skills
• Team Skills

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all Special Olympics basketball competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon National Federation of High School Coaches Association (NFHSA) rules for basketball. National Federation of High School Coaches Association (NFHSA) rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply.

Individual Skills Competition

The individual skills contest is a developmental opportunity.

Basketball Skills will consist of three events: Target Pass, 10M Dribble and Spot Shot. Speed Dribble may be substituted for 10M Dribble. Entrants who want to substitute Speed Dribble for the 10M Dribble, must register to participate in Basketball Skills and the Speed Dribble (event code: BBSPDR).

Team Skills Competition

Each team for Team Skills wil have a maximum roster size of 8 athletes.

Download the Basketball Team Evaluation Questionnaire

Team Competition

These are modifications of FIBA and NFHSA rules which may be used when conducting Special Olympics basketball team competitions.

• A SOTX Basketball Team Evaluation Questionnaire (TEQ) Form must be completed and submitted with athlete entries prior to every area, regional and chapter competition.
• Roster maximum is 12, and minimum is five.
• A smaller basketball (28 inches in circumference and between 18 - 20 ounces in weight) may be used for women’s and junior's division competition.
• Due to safety risks, the use of assisted devices such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs and service dogs are prohibited in team sports. Athletes who require assisted devices may compete in Individual Skills contests should they meet the performance requirements.
• SOTX recommends, for lower level basketball teams, a minimum number of 7 participants on a roster.

Timing

Chapter basketball competition at Summer Games will not have a running clock. All games will be conducted as per National Governing Body rules in regards to time clock stoppages. Reminders:

2-9-1 . . . When a foul occurs, an official shall signal the timer to stop the clock.
The official shall then designate the offender to the scorers and indicate with finger(s) the number of free throws.

2-9-2 . . . When a team is entitled to a throw-in, an official shall clearly signal:

• The act which caused the ball to become dead (foul or violation).
• The throw-in spot unless it followed a successful goal or an awarded goal.
• The team entitled to the throw-in.

2-12-5 . . . Establishes a warning signal at 20 seconds before the expiration of the 30 second interval permitted for replacing a disqualified or injured player.
Rationale: The warning horn will be consistent with other timing situations and will communicate to the coach that the substitution interval is about to end.

8-1-3 . . . Reduces the number of players permitted on marked lane spaces during free throws (not including the free thrower) to four defensive and two offensive players with the lane spaces closest to the free-throw line (and the shooter) remaining vacant.
Rationale: This change will help reduce the amount of rough play during free throws and may provide the defense a rebounding advantage. Fewer players on the lane should make the free throw situation easier to officiate.

• All traditional games within Special Olympics Texas will consist of four periods, each six minutes long.
• In overtime games, the length of the overtime is half of the time of a regular quarter.
  For a six minute quarter, the overtime is three minutes.
• Coaches may call timeouts. Refer to NGB rule book for guidelines.

Competition

• A player may be allowed to shuffle his/her feet while holding the ball without changing position on the court.
• A player may be allowed to take one extra step when gaining possession of the ball from a dribble or a pass.
• Two (2) free throws begins on the seventh team foul in each half.
• Players occupying a marked lane space are restricted from moving until the ball touches the ring or backboard or until the free throw ends.

Uniform/Apparel

• Uniform shirts should have numbers on the front (four inch) and back (six inch). These numbers must comply with National Governing Body rules.
• If the shirt is designed to be worn inside the shorts, it shall be tucked in.
• Pockets on shorts must be secured (closed) to prevent injury to another player.
• Undershirts (T-shirts), if worn, should all be of the same solid color (can be different color than uniform), but all undershirts must be same color and shall not have frayed or ragged edges

Full Court Press Restrictions – An Option in Lower Divisions of Basketball

The Chapter Sports Management Team has determined that to increase the quality of competition divisioning and the opportunity for athlete skill development in lower divisions, that a full court press restriction can be imposed. The classification team at area and chapter competitions can now determine whether a full court press will be allowed in certain lower divisions during competition.

• A full court press is defined as: defensive pressure in the backcourt on a change of possession.
• Note: Teams that wish to full court press at any time during the tournament MUST show the full court press during classification.

Consequences for teams using the full court press in a non-press division are:

• First Offense: Team warning issued by official.
• Second Offense and Thereafter: Personal technical foul issued each time to offending player by official.

The Chapter SMT feels that Special Olympics Texas basketball will benefit from this rule implementation at the lower levels where basketball team and individual player skills are still developing.

3 on 3 Basketball

• The roster maximum in 3-on-3 basketball is six players.

Unified Sports® Basketball

Teams follow NFHS and Special Olympics rules.

• Partners, people without intellectual disabilities, must be identified on lineups and lineups must be exchanged between coaches.
• Teams must have three athletes and two partners on the court at all times. If the ratio is not maintained at any time, the team not in compliance must forfeit.
• A non-playing, dual-certified bench coach must be designated at the beginning of the match. The coach may not be listed as a player for that game or enter the game as a player.
• Dominant play: will be a judgment call determined by the officials on the court. Penalty will be a verbal warning and subsequent calls will result in a technical foul on the offending player.
• In Unified Sports® games, partners must not score more than 75 percent of the total points and the athletes must not score more than 75 percent of the team’s total points.
• Unified Sports® games will consist of four periods, each eight minutes long (except when a classification team identifies a lower level division of Unified Sports® that needs to play only six minutes).

Dominant play is defined as: an action or play by a player that does not allow another teammate to play their position. All players shall be allowed meaningful involvement and play.

Additional information on Unified Sports® can be found in the Unified Sports (Section K) section.

Unified Sports® Basketball Scoring Aid

Cycling

Events Offered

The following events are sanctioned by Special Olympics Texas and are to be offered at all local, area and chapter competitions. The actual events scheduled and conducted at local, area and chapter competitions will be determined by a minimum number of entries in each event.

• 500 meter and modified time trials
• 1 kilometer and modified time trials
• 5 kilometer and modified time trials
• 10 kilometer (time trials and/or road race)
• 15 kilometer (road race)
• 25 kilometer (road race)
• Level 1 – choice of bicycle or modified bicycle shall be left to the discretion of the event director.
• Level 2 – racing/touring model bike (lightweight, multi-speed)
• Unified Sports® - 5 kilometer and 10 kilometer tandem time trial
• Level 3 – racing touring model bike (lightweight, multi-speed)

General Information

• The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all Special Olympics cycling competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics created these rules based upon United States Cycling Federation (USCF) rules for cycling. United States Cycling Federation (USCF) rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply.
• Individual time trial qualifying times are required for all events.
• Modified bicycles (three-wheel) should only participate in the 500 meter and the 1 kilometer and 5 kilometer time trials.
• A 35-minute or faster qualifying time has been established for 5 kilometer modified time trial.
• Two wheel and three wheel bikes should be run separately during all time trials.
• An athlete may enter a maximum of two events.
• The following modifications will be in effect for Special Olympics Texas competition:
  • All races will be on a totally closed course.
  • Modified bikes are acceptable.
  • Approved helmets are required during training and competition.
  • All bikes must be inspected prior to training and competition.
  • A standby repair truck should be available.
  • An ambulance must be on the race route at all times during competition.
  • In the event of a mechanical failure, cyclists are permitted to change bikes during a race.
• All UCI rules and regulations must be adhered to.
• Time trials and competitions shall be divided into competition divisions based upon age, sex and ability.
• At the local level, time trials should be used for divisioning.
• At the area and chapter competitions, official times at the most recent competition will be used for divisioning.
• All time trials will be done on a designated course.
• Time trials will be run in thirty second intervals.

Certified Rabbit Percentages

The Chapter Sports Management Team has approved the following rule revision for cycling competition.

Rabbit Rule will be in place for cycling with two different percentages depending on the type of competition taking place:

1. A 35 percent rabbit percentage will be applied when no preliminaries are conducted at a competition.
2. OR
3. A 20 percent rabbit percentage will be applied when preliminaries AND finals are conducted at a competition.

Equestrian

Events Offered

Equestrian athletes can enter no more than five events. The following events are sanctioned by Special Olympics Texas and are to be offered at all local, area and chapter competitions. The actual events scheduled and conducted at local, area and chapter competitions will be determined by a minimum number of entries in each event and adequate accommodations. C-SP is lowest ability level. A is highest. All entry forms must include class/division level.

2017 Equestrian Competition Patterns

Brief Description of SOTX Levels:

• Level CSP- supported riders (these riders are typically very physically involved, requiring 2 Sidewalkers for physical support and a Horse Handler to guide the horse, may or may not be able to hold reins, these riders will most likely have to work on their ‘midline’ position).
• Level CS- supported riders (working on basic horsemanship, stop, start, steer, but not ready to be in the arena independently without some support/helper nearby, may or may not have Sidewalkers, but will have a Horse Handler with them. The lead rope may be tied up or unclipped with helpers close enough to assist if needed)
• Level CI- independent riders (these riders are able to follow all verbal/signal directions from the judge independently, without the need for assistance at the walk. These riders should be able to bring the horse back to the walk if the horse gets quick or beings to trot/jog)
• Level BSP- supported riders will typically have a physical disability prohibiting them from posting the trot or sitting the jog. (This is not due to coordination difficulty, but a true physical involvement).
• Level BS- supported riders, can physically perform any class requirements (riders are focusing on trotting/jogging skills, but not ready to trot/jog without assistance in the arena, they may or may not have Sidewalkers but will have a Horse Handler with them; the lead rope may be tied up or unclipped with the Horse Handler close enough to assist if needed).
• Level BI- independent riders, can perform any class requirements (these riders are able to follow all verbal/signal directions from the judge independently, without the need for assistance at the walk and trot/jog. Each rider should have a Horse Handler present who may be asked to stand in the center of the arena or in corners at the judge’s discretion).
• Level A- Walk, Trot/Jog, Canter/Lope. Independent only. Rider is expected to compete with no modifications to NGB rules. Each rider should have a Horse Handler present who may be asked to stand in the center of the arena or in corners at the judge’s discretion).

General Information

All equestrian coaches must obtain a copy of the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for complete details regarding classes, competition and safety requirements. Rules can also be obtained from the American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).

Equestrian Rule Changes/Clarifications

The following are all SOTX approved modifications of the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules.

• Section A - Gymkhana, 5.a.7 & 8 Team Relays
  • If horse handlers are being used, they must walk behind the horse’s nose. If a horse handler passes the horse’s nose at any time then a 30 second penalty will be added to that team's time.
• Section C - Attire, 2.b1.English Tack
  • Quick out stirrups are now accepted along with the previously accepted stirrups: peacock safety stirrups, S-shaped stirrups, Devonshire boots or regular irons if riders are in hard-sole boots with heels.
• Section D - Tack, 1.c. Prohibited Equipment
  • Hackamores and side pull bridles are allowed in dressage, English equitation and trails, stock seat equitation, western riding, and western working trail.
• Section D - Tack, 1.b. General Equipment
  • Halters are not required under bridles in supported classes. In all supported classes, lead lines may not be attached to the bit, but may be attached to the cavesson, noseband, sidepull or halter under the bridle.
• Section D - Tack, 1.d. Adaptive Equipment
  • Break away rubber bands no larger than 3/8 inch thickness may be worn by riders to help them keep their feet in the stirrup (one per foot).
• Section F - Patterns and Test
  • Working Trail – Two trail patterns per level are being devised and will be mailed to equestrian coaches, competition directors, and area directors. One test pattern will fit a large pen and the other a small pen. One of the tests from each level will be used at state Games.
  • Area directors and competition directors are not required to use one of these patterns at area or regional competitions. They have the option to use their own patterns or one of these patterns for their competition.
• Section G - Side Pass 5.b.3.g.iii. Facilities and Elements Working Trail
  • Side pass maneuver is removed as an option for working trail.
• The Sports Management Team has approved to reinstate Showmanship at Halter for levels C-S and B-S with the following restrictions:
  1. All athletes must be able to walk on their own (without canes, crutches, wheelchairs or walkers).
  2. All athletes will be accompanied by a “spotter” who may assist with control of the horse and may walk on the off side with or without a second lead rope attached.
  3. Both C-S and B-S patterns will be walk only.

SOTX added an event for Western riders. The CI Western Riding pattern will be a B-level pattern, but walk only. Riders must use a Western saddle. With this addition, English and Western riders will have the same number of events available to them.

The Team Relay event will be offered for supported riders only: levels CSP, CS, CI, BSP, BS and Unified Supported. The Relay will be a weaving pattern of 3 cones, poles or barrels, each 25 feet apart, down and back. A Team Relay must have 2-4 riders from the same team. The Team Relay may consist of CSP-CS or BSP-BS, mixing of C and B level is not allowed. CI's must compete as a CI team. Limiting the event to supported riders and making it a weaving pattern event will create an event that is similar and progressive to the speed events (barrels, poles and figure 8) in which the BI and A level riders currently have the opportunity to compete.

Riders may share horses, but horses are limited to working six classes per day. Just as the welfare of the athletes is a top priority, so should be the care of the partner horse. This limit will ensure the horses receive proper rest and are not overused.

Drill Team has a maximum time limit  of 5 minutes to complete their routine. Any team that exceeds this 5-minute maximum time allowance will be disqualified from this event.

Equipment General Guidelines

• Competitors are encouraged to wear the correct riding apparel. However, the attire should be appropriate for the class entered. For example, jeans are appropriate for western tack style classes and conservatively-colored long pants with hard-soled shoes or boots with a heel are appropriate for English tack style classes.
• Riders who must wear other footwear as the result of a physical disability must use a safety stirrup.
• All riders must wear protective, SEI-ASTM-approved helmets with full harness. The chin strap must be appropriately fastened at all times when rider is mounted; this includes coaches and schoolers/trainers. Helmets must be replaced if ever involved in a fall and most manufacturers suggest that helmets more then five years should be replaced.
• Riders may use adaptive equipment without penalty, but must in no way be attached to the horse or saddle. Examples are thin rubberbands on feet, laces on leathers to girth and "lil dude" stirrups.
• Coaches are encouraged to use the Sports Skills Assessment Form found in their sports skill guide.
• Rider profiles are no longer required for Summer Games.

Saddlery and Equipment

• Saddles must fit horse and rider.
• Bridles must be appropriate to the class entered.
• Specially adapted saddles must be approved by the event director prior to any competition.
• In jumping classes, an English saddle must be used.

Equestrian Risks

Equestrian sports are becoming more and more popular at Special Olympics, but they bring with them multiple insurance risks. It is not possible for Special Olympics to assume all of the insurance risks associated with equestrian sports, because many of those risks have to be managed by specialty insurance coverage bought by the owners, stables or grounds. Therefore, it is important when working with equestrian sports to pay attention to these insurance requirements:

• Each horse must have a current (less than one year old) Negative Coggins Form from the veterinarian. Each rider or team must provide a copy of the form for each horse used/brought to the venue.
• Each team must have a Release of Liability Form on file for each rider and a copy of that form must be brought to each competition/venue.
• Make sure that the owner of the horse has insurance for injury to the horse as well as animal mortality coverage. Special Olympics’ general liability insurance policy is designed to respond if, for example, a third party is hurt at an equestrian event. But it would not respond to a claim for injury to the horse, unless negligence on the part of SOI was proven. This is why it is important to make sure that direct, or first party coverage for the horse is in place.
• Make sure that the owner of the stables, facilities or field in which the event is taking place is properly insured. This is an unusual exposure for SOI because it is possible that the facilities could cause damage to the horse, or vice versa. Again, these could result in damage claims that may not have been directly caused by SOI at all, but for which SOI could be held responsible if there is not adequate specialty insurance available.

In summary, damage done to a horse or grounds should be insured by the appropriate owners. Otherwise, SOI can too easily face a lawsuit alleging that it must be responsible for the valuable property of others.

Owners of horses cannot be added as an additional insured under the Special Olympics’ general liability policy.

Gymnastics

Events Offered

The following events are sanctioned by Special Olympics Texas and are to be offered at all local, area and chapter competitions. The actual events scheduled and conducted at local, area and chapter competitions will be determined by a minimum number of entries in each event. The following events may be offered in artistic and rhythmic gymnastics competition.

Artistic

New routines were established in 2004. Contact your area office for more information to ensure that you have the most updated gymnastics information.

Mixed Gender Events (Level A Only)

1. Vaulting
2. Wide Beam
3. Floor Exercise
4. Tumbling
5. Single Bar
6. All-round (combination of all five event scores)

Men’s Events (Levels 1, 2 and 3)

1. Floor Exercise
2. Pommel Horse
3. Rings
4. Vaulting
5. Parallel Bars
6. Horizontal Bar
7. All-round (combination of all six event scores)

Women’s Events (Levels 1, 2 and 3)

1. Vaulting
2. Uneven Bars
3. Balance Beam
4. Floor Exercise
5. All-round (combination of all four event scores)

Rhythmic

1. Rules and routines used at all levels of SOTX Rhythmic Gymnastics events will be the SOI Rules dated 2016-2023.
2. Rhythmic Ball, Hoop, Ribbon, Rope, and Floor
3. Level A, B, 1, 2 and 3 Optional routines

Rhythmic Group Routines

1. Hoop - Level 1
2. Ball - Level 2
3. Ribbons - Level 3

General Information

• All gymnastics coaches must obtain a copy of the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for complete details regarding classes, competition and safety requirements. Rules can also be obtained from the Federation Internationale de Gymnastics (FIG).
• SOTX events will utilize the 2016-2023 SOI Rythmic Gymnastics rules.

Attire:

• Male gymnasts shall wear tank tops (leotards) and long white gymnastic pants, or T-shirts that are tucked in and gymnastics shorts. For either set of attire, the gymnast may compete in gymnastic slippers or bare feet.
• Female gymnasts shall wear a leotard, have bare legs, and have bare feet, white peds or gymnastic slippers. Flesh colored tights with bare feet are permitted, but not recommended.
• Qualifying scores from area competition will be used to determine ability grouping, within age groups at Summer Games. Entry forms must include scores and/or levels.
• The official entry form appears on pages P-20 to P-21.

Levels:

• Age group divisions will be followed.
• There are five levels of competition:
  • Level A – compulsory (male and female)
  • Level B (beginner) – compulsory (male and female)
  • Level 1 (beginner) – compulsory (female)
  • Level 2 (intermediate) – compulsory (female)
  • Level 3 (advanced) – compulsory (female)
• Coaches will determine in which level of competition to place their athletes. The athletes must be able to safely perform all of the skills in that level.
• In all-round competition, athletes must compete at the same level in all events.
• In artistic gymnastics events at the chapter level, a gymnast specializing in particular events may compete on two different levels, with a one level difference between them.
  In rhythmic events, athletes must compete in all events at the same level.

Required Routine Specifications:

• Compulsory routines will be followed in all levels.
• Female gymnasts may specialize by competing in one or more events, up to a maximum of five events. Male gymnasts may specialize by competing in one or more events, up to a maximum of seven events.
• Gymnasts competing for all-round awards will compete in all events offered at their competition level.
• Female gymnasts that compete in artistic gymnastics may not compete in rhythmic gymnastics.

Soccer

In 2017, team soccer events (Traditional and Unified) at the Chapter Games level will be offered as an indoor soccer event only. This will be the second year that SOTX will be offering indoor soccer at Summer Games, and this is a trial to see if indoor soccer should become the permanent and only soccer option offered at the Chapter level. The Chapter SMT will reevaluate for the 2018 season after collecting survey results and feedback following the 2017 event.

Events Offered

The following events are sanctioned by Special Olympics Texas and are to be offered at all local, area and chapter competitions. The actual events scheduled and conducted at local, area and chapter competitions will be determined by a minimum number of entries in each event.

An athlete may participate in one of the following events:

• 11-a-side team competition and Unified Sports® team
• 5-a-side (modified) team competition and Unified Sports® team
• Individual skills - dribble, shoot, control and pass

General Information

• All soccer coaches must obtain a copy of the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for complete details regarding classes, competition and safety requirements. Rules can also be obtained from the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
• In general, Special Olympics soccer competition is conducted according to the governing body rules. Modified (5-a-side) soccer has been endorsed by Special Olympics Texas as a means of stimulating growth in the sport of soccer.

Entries

• The Soccer Team Evaluation Questionnaire Form (TEQ) must be submitted with athlete entries prior to every area, regional, and chapter competition.
• The roster maximum for 11-a-side is 20.
• The roster maximum for 5-a-side is 10.

Attire

• Thermal shorts must be the same as the predominant color of shorts.
• Soccer footwear shall consist of turf shoes, soccer cleats with rubber cleats or tennis shoes. Players may not wear anything that may be dangerous or cause injury to another player.
• Due to safety risks, assisted devices such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs and service dogs are prohibited from use in team sports. Athletes who require assisted devices may compete in Individual Skills contests if they meet the performance requirements.

Game

• Players with a bleeding wound must leave the field. They may not return until the bleeding is stopped.
• The team winning the coin toss chooses ends. The other team kicks off.
• A goal may be scored from kickoff or a goal kick directly.
• The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward on kickoffs; also, when it is kicked and moves on free kicks.
• If a keeper handles a ball after receiving it on a kick-in or throw-in from his team, an indirect free kick will be awarded at that spot. Please note that the keeper may not control the kick-in or throw-in with his/her feet, then pick it up.
• Failing to respect the required distance on restarts is a cautionable offense.
• Delaying the restart is a cautionable offense. This includes such actions as kicking the ball away and excessive celebration.
• Offensive, insulting and abusive language replaces foul and abusive language. This may lead to ejection from the game.
• The keeper may now move on his line at the taking of penalty kicks.
• In 5-a-side play, throws-ins are allowed as an alternative option to kick-ins when the ball crosses the sideline.
• A keeper may not hold the ball more than five to six seconds without being subject to penalties for time wasting.
• On an indirect free kick, the ball only needs to move before the second touch; it does not need to roll full circumference.
• The referee must be told if the goalie is substituted/changed.
• Athletes and Unified Partners younger than 11 years old shall not engage in heading, either in practices or in games.

Soccer Overtime

Effective immediately, Special Olympics Texas will utilize overtime (as written in the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules) for all area and chapter level soccer competitions; therefore, no soccer game shall end in a tie.

Unified Sports® Soccer

• A team is allowed to play with a maximum of five and a minimum of three during competition. Only the following line-ups are allowed-3 athletes and 2 partners, 2 athletes and 2 partners, 2 athletes and 1 partner.
• Teams follow FIFA and Special Olympics rules.
• Partners, people without intellectual disabilities, must be identified on lineups and lineups must be exchanged between coaches.
• Teams must have three athletes and two partners on the field at all times. If the ratio is not maintained at anytime, the team not in compliance must forfeit.
• A non-playing, dual-certified bench coach must be designated at the beginning of the match. The coach may not be listed as a player for that game or enter the game as a player.
• Dominant play will be a judgment call determined by the officials on the field. Penalty will be a verbal warning and subsequent calls will result in a yellow card on the offending player.

Dominant play is defined as: an action or play by a player that does not allow another teammate to play their position. All players shall be allowed meaningful involvement and play.

Additional information on Unified Sports® can be found in the Unified Sports section.

Tennis

General Information

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) rules shall govern all Special Olympics tennis competitions. USTA rules shall be employed except when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Summer Sports Rules shall apply.

Divisions Offered

The following events are sanctioned by Special Olympics Texas and are to be offered at all levels. The actual events scheduled and conducted at local, area and chapter competitions will be determined by a minimum number of entries in each event.

Individual Skills

Level 1

• One skill level with red ball
• Court size: 42' x 27'

Match Play (men and women for each division)

Level 2

• Red Ball
  • Singles
  • Doubles
  • Unified Sports®
  • Court Size: 42' x 27' (Singles)
  • Court Size: 42' x 27' (Doubles)

Level 3

• Orange Ball
  • Singles
  • Doubles
  • Unified Sports®
  • Court Size: 78' x 27' (Singles)
  • Court Size: 78' x 27' (Doubles)

Level 4

• Green Ball
  • Singles
  • Doubles
  • Unified Sports®
  • Court Size: 78' x 27' (Singles)
  • Court Size: 78' x 36' (Doubles)

Level 5

• Yellow Ball
  • Singles
  • Doubles
  • Unified Sports®
  • Court Size: 78' x 27' (Singles)
  • Court Size: 78' x 36' (Doubles)

Event entry limits: A participant may enter Individual Skills OR one singles and/or one doubles event. Clarification: A participant may NOT enter both doubles and Unified Sports® doubles.

Format

Individual Skills for Short Court with Red Ball

Note: Only the feeder can call a misfeed. This call must be made prior to the athlete's attempt to hit the ball.

Recommend two practice balls prior to scoring the athlete.

EXPLANATION OF EACH SKILL STATION

SKILL #1 - Forehand Volley: Athlete stands 3-4 feet from the net in the middle of the court.The feeder stands across the net and underhand tosses to the athlete’s forehand side. The athlete scores 5 points for hitting the ball over the net and into either service box. Each athlete is given five attempts

SKILL #2 Backhand Volley: Same as forehand volley except feeder underhand tosses five balls to the athlete’s backhand side.

NOTE: Keep athlete on court to do both forehand and backhand volley before changing athletes

SKILL #3 Forehand Groundstroke: Athlete stands on or behind the service line in the middle of the court. The feeder stands where most comfortable for successful feeds and underhand tosses the ball so it bounces once before reaching the athlete’s forehand side. The athlete scores 5 points for hitting the ball over the net and into either service box. Each athlete is given five attempts.

SKILL #4 Backhand Groundstroke: Same as forehand groundstroke except feeder feeds five balls to the athlete’s backhand side.

NOTE: Keep athlete on court to do both forehand and backhand groundstroke before changing athletes

SKILL #5 Alternating Groundstrokes with Movement: Athlete stands on or behind the service line in the middle of the court. The feeder stands where most comfortable for successful feeds and underhand tosses alternating to the athlete’s forehand and backhand. Each feed should land at a point which is halfway between the center service mark and the singles sideline to make the athlete move at least one step. The athlete must be allowed to return to the center mark before feeding the next ball. The athlete scores 5 points for hitting the ball over the net into either service box. Each athlete is given ten attempts.

SKILL #6 Serve-Deuce: The athlete is positioned behind the service line and hits a serve from the right court to the deuce service box. A ball landing in the correct service box will count 10 points. Each athlete is given five attempts.

Legal serve: Athlete may hit the ball overhanded or underhanded (preferably without a bounce).

SKILL #7 Serve-Ad: Same as deuce but from the left court to the ad service box.

NOTE: Have 2 athletes serving at the same time in the appropriate box and than changing sides to serve to the other box

Final Score - Scoring is cumulative.This means that a player’s final score is determined by adding together the scores achieved in each of the seven events which comprise the Individual Skills Contest.

Match Play

• A match will consist of one five game No-Ad set.
• A set is won by a player or the team who is the first to win a total of five games. If the score is 4-4, then the winner of the ninth game wins the match.
• The No-Ad scoring system will be used for all match-play. The No-Ad procedure is simply what the name implies: the first player to win four points wins the game; the seventh point of a game becoming a game point for each player. The receiver has the choice of advantage court or deuce court to which the service is to be delivered on the seventh point.
• In a Mixed Doubles match, the seventh point will be served gender to gender.
• In a Unified Sports® doubles match, athlete will serve to athlete and Unified partner will serve to Unified partner.
• The score calling is by simple numbers
  (e.g., “zero, one, two, three, game”).
• Athlete will be penalized for not attending classification-first match will be recorded as a 5-0 loss
• Athlete will be penalized for lateness-the clock starts when the match is scheduled and called, a court is available and the athlete has not arrived. The Referee is not required to keep a court open while awaiting an athlete.
  • 5:00 minutes or less: Loss of toss plus 1 game
  • 5:01-10:00 minutes: Loss of toss plus 2 games
  • 10:01-15:00 minutes: Loss of toss plus 3 games
  • More than 15 minutes: Default (While the penalty still stands, the match may be reinstated at the discretion of the tournament referee)
  • If a default happens and the athlete shows up the match may still be played but recorded as a 5-0 loss

Round Robin Draw

Determining the order of finish.

1. The player who wins the most matches is the winner.
2. If there is a two-way tie, the player who wins head-to-head is the winner.
3. If there is a three-way tie, the player with the most games won is the winner.
4. If there is still a tie on games won and head-to-head cannot be used to break the games won tie, the referee (tournament official in charge) will award accordingly.

Tennis Doubles

• If there are different skill levels from a doubles team, that team must play doubles in the higher skilled division. For example, if player "A" plays singles in the green ball division and player "B" plays singles in the yellow ball division, then they must play doubles in the yellow ball division (the higher division between the two players).
• Traditional tennis doubles teams may now consist of one male and one female at area and chapter competitions. Since there is not a "mixed doubles" division recognized by Special Olympics, these teams will be placed in the male division that best fits their age and ability levels.

Unified Doubles

• Unified partners, as well as athletes, are to complete the Tennis Rating Form.
• Unified partners' goal is to keep a rally during a point and to not dominate the match. This event is for the athletes.

Modifications of Play

Athletes will have the option of hitting an overhand or underhand serve.

Leveling/Divisioning

The Tennis Rating Form should be used to determine ability levels (divisions) for singles and doubles participants and also for Unified Sports® partners.

Tennis Suggested Competition Levels

COMPETITION LEVELS

The levels below are suggested as a guide for use in competition, to assist the athletes in their transition from ISC to traditional match play.

The choice of level offered in a competition will depend on the ability levels of athletes entering.

Consideration must also be given to whether the athlete’s training has included these balls and court sizes.

LEVEL 1 (ISC)

Court Dimensions: 42' x 27'

Ball: ITF approved Red Felt Ball

 

Level 1 is suggested for athletes rated between 1.0 & 1.9.

It is intended to be an introduction to short court matchplay in Level 2.

ISC scoring for level 1 will consist of 5 points for each volley and groundstroke landing within the service boxes and 10 points for each correct serve.

Full court ISC may still be conducted, if more suitable to the ability level of the athletes.

Court Positioning F: Feeder for groundstrokes & volleys AG: Athlete for groundstrokes & serves AV: Athlete for volleys.

LEVEL 2 – Short Court Match play

Court Dimensions: 42' x 27'

Ball: ITF approved Red Felt Ball

Level 2 is suggested for athletes rated between 2.0 & 2.9.

LEVEL 3 – Intermediate Court Match play

Court Dimensions:60' x 27'

Ball: ITF approved Orange Ball

Level 3 is suggested for athletes rated between 3.0 & 3.9.

LEVELS 4 & 5 – Traditional Court Match play

Court Dimensions:

• 78' x 27' for singles
• 78' x 36' for doubles

Ball:
ITF approved green ball(level 4)
ITF approved Yellow Ball (level 5)

Level 4 is suggested for athletes rated between 4.0 & 4.9

Level 5 is suggested for athletes rated between 5.0 & 8.0.

*Tennis balls shown are examples only and are typical of ITF approved tennis balls