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SPECIAL OLYMPICS FAMILY MEMBER CODE OF CONDUCT
We hope as family members, you will embrace the spirit of Special Olympics and help to provide a competition and training environment that enhances athlete character and skill development. The following Family Code of Conduct should be emphasized during training, competition, and special events at any level - including sub-Program, Accredited Program, National, Regional and World.
As a Special Olympics family member, I pledge the following:
•I will let my athlete choose the sports in which he/she would like to participate.
•I will not force my choice upon him/her.
•I will remember that athletes participate to have fun and that the game is for them; not for the family members.
•I will see to it that my athlete's medical form is up-to-date, complete, and on file.
•I will learn the rules of the game and the SOl policies before I complain or protest.
•I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my athlete and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for al athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators at every game, practice, or competition.
•I understand that I play a vital role in the health and safety of my athlete's participation. I have a responsibility to assist Special Olympics in providing for the health and safety of all athletes by reporting suspicious behavior, talking to my child about personal safety, dropping of and picking up my child/guard from Special Olympics events at the times designated by the organization (not excessively earlier or later than said established times), and any and all other reasonable measures to assist in the protection of Special Olympics athletes.
•I (and my guests) will never engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct, such as booing and taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language and gestures with any official, coach, or family member.
•I will never encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.
•I will teach my athlete to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
•I will demand that my athlete treat other athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect, regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or ability.
•I will teach my athlete that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that my athlete will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
•I will praise my athlete for competing fairly and trying hard, and I will make my athlete feel like a winner every time.
•I will never ridicule or yell at my athlete or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
•I will emphasize skill development and practices, and how they benefit my athlete over winning. I will also de-emphasize games and competition in lower age groups.
•I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire that I may have for my athlete to win.
•I will respect the officials and their authority during games and competition, and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches during competitions. Instead, I will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
•I will demand a sports environment for my athlete that is free from drugs and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at al sports events and competitions.
•I will smoke/chew tobacco only in designated areas.
•I will refrain from coaching my athlete or other athletes during competitions and practices if I am not the assigned coach.
As a Special Olympics Accredited Program family member, I also understand that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I may be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but may not be limited to, the following:
• Verbal warning by officials, coaches, and/or sub-Program and Accredited Program personnel
•Game suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file in the Accredited Program Office
•Written warning
•Game forfeit through official or coach •Season suspension
•Misbehavior Report submitted to Event Director