Volunteer Code of Conduct
Fulfill the responsibility of your assignment:
- Carry out all aspects of your assignment.
- Attend all required meetings.
- Notify the volunteer coordinator if you cannot complete an assignment.
Set an example for the athletes:
- Refrain from smoking, consuming alcohol, or using profanity when acting as a volunteer.
- Be discreet in your personal relationships with the athlete and avoid any behavior which may be misunderstood or misinterpreted.
- Be helpful to and supportive of everyone associated with Special Olympics.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship:
- Support the decisions of referees, judges, and committees, and use proper dissent processes.
- Be respectful during ceremonies and help your athletes be the same.
- Praise the athletes for their efforts and encourage them to be happy for the success of other athletes.
- Support and encourage other volunteers and staff.
Be continually vigilant and cognizant of the safety of the athlete:
- Never leave an athlete unchaperoned.
- Report anything you observe, either in the physical environment or an individuals' behavior, which you feel may cause potential harm.
Be loyal to your commitment and to Special Olympics:
- Look for constructive ways to overcome obstacles.
Take advantage of the opportunities Special Olympics offers you:
- Be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things.
- Become an active participant by extending your involvement to other roles of leadership and training.
- Delight in the change that your involvement makes in the life of someone you know and in the lives of those you never meet.
