Special Olympics Florida
Fall Classic Volunteer
Orientation
November 11-12, 2016
Florida
1
Thank You for Volunteering!
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Special Olympics Florida.
We serve over 35,000 athletes with the help of 1,700 coaches and over
21,000 volunteers.
We hope you:
• Learn about the mission of Special Olympics Florida
• Get involved in your community through Special Olympics Florida
• Help us ensure an environment of equality, respect and acceptance
2 / Special Olympics Florida
Special Olympics Florida Mission
Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a
variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities,
giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate
courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship
with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Components
• Sports training &
competition
• Leadership
• Health Screenings
3 / Special Olympics Florida
Outcomes
• Physical fitness
• Courage & joy
• Sharing gifts & skills
• Friendship
• Families
• Athletes
• Community
Philosophy & Vision
If individuals with intellectual disabilities can:
• Receive appropriate instruction and encouragement
• Receive constant training
• Compete among those with equal abilities
The results are:
• Personal growth
• Stronger families
• United communities
• An environment of equality, respect and acceptance
4 / Special Olympics Florida
Coach, Athlete & Volunteer Oaths
Athlete’s Oath:
Volunteer’s Oath:
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me
be brave in the attempt.”
“I promise to give the time in my life so that
Special Olympics athletes can have the time of
their lives. I promise to support Special Olympics
not just as an expression of charity, but as a form
of respect for my fellow human beings. I promise
to spread the word of volunteerism because in
giving, I receive so much more in return.”
Coach’s Oath:
“In the name of all coaches and in the
spirit of sportsmanship, I promise that
we will act professionally, respect others,
and ensure a positive experience for all. I
promise to provide quality sports and
training opportunities in a safe
environment for all athletes.”
5 / Special Olympics Florida
Healthy Athletes
Make Healthy Communities
Healthy Athletes & Healthy Communities
are designed to help Special Olympics
athletes improve their health and fitness, to
increase the athlete's ability to train and
compete as well as enhance their well
being.
Health disciplines
include:
Through health programs, Special Olympics:
• Special Smiles
(dental)
•
Ensures quality Health Exams/Referrals
for athletes
•
Offers Health Professionals the
opportunity to learn how to treat
people with intellectual disabilities and
be more prone to welcome them into
their practices.
6 / Special Olympics Florida
• Opening Eyes
(vision)
• FUNfitness
(physical therapy)
• Healthy Hearing
(audiology)
• Health Promotion
(well-being)
• Fit Feet
(podiatry)
• MedFest (sports
physical exam)
* Healthy Athletes will be in the HP Fieldhouse & Champions Stadium.
Fall Games Overview
• 1170 athletes from around the state compete in
5 sports, powerlifting, softball, gymnastics,
unified flag football and cheerleading, with over
480 coaches to guide them in competition.
• Competition begins on Friday and ends Saturday
with the Opening Ceremony Friday evening and
Victory Dance immediately following the Closing
Ceremonies on Saturday.
7 / Special Olympics Florida
SPECIAL OLYMPICS FLORIDA STATE FALL CLASSIC, NOVEMBER 11-12, 2016
Premier Games Sponsor:
Athletes per Sport:
Gymnastics: 150
Powerlifting: 70
Softball: 500
Cheerleading: 150
Flag Football: 300
Tentative Schedule
Friday, November 11
8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Delegation Registration – Champions Stadium
10:00a.m. – 12:00p.m. Weigh- In: Bench, Deadlift, Combo 2- Jostens Center
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Team Softball Competition –Softball Fields 10-15
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Unified Flag Football Competition –Fields 25-29
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Powerlifting Competition – The Jostens® Center
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Softball Individual Skills – Preliminary Competition, Baseball Fields 2 & 4
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cheerleading Exhibition– The Jostens® Center
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Healthy Athletes – HP Field House Lower Courts
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Weigh-in: Combo 3 - Jostens Center
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Dinner – Auxiliary Court
8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Opening Ceremony – Champion® Stadium
9:45 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Head Delegates Meeting – Champion® Stadium
Saturday, November 12
8:00 a.m.to 4:00 p.m. Gymnastics Competition – The Jostens® Center
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Team Softball Competition – Softball Fields 10-15
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Unified Flag Football Competition –Fields 25-29
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Softball Individual Skills- Final Competition– Baseball Fields 2 & 4
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Powerlifting Competition – The Jostens® Center
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Healthy Athletes – HP Field House Lower Courts
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Little Elites (Transition Program)
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunch – Specific venues
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Dinner – Auxiliary Court
8:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Closing Ceremony – Champion® Stadium
8:45 p.m. – 9:45 p.m.
Victory Dance – The HP Field House
8 / Special Olympics Florida
Flag Football Volunteer Roles
CHECK-IN, GENERAL INFO (4 people)
• Guide teams to correct field based on
schedule, help teams read brackets
SCOREKEEPER (1-2 per field)
• Game duration: (2) 20 minute halvesrunning clock- use stopwatch to monitor
• Clock stops on all dead balls, last
minute of each half
• 5 minute halftime
• Time outs:
9 / Special Olympics Florida
FIELD MANAGER (1-2 per field)
•Ensure that coaches check-in at the score table
and write their roster on the scoresheet, check
printed roster to ensure day of roster matches
•Ensure that each team has at least 2 footballs for
warm ups
•Ensure that there is a game ball available
•During game be available to retrieve loose balls
•In the case of an injury alert the medical staff
immediately
•In case of a dispute between coaches or any
other issues, alert an SO staff member
•Following the game, retrieve score sheet from
the table, update the brackets on the bracket
board and return the score sheets to the
headquarters
Softball Volunteer Roles
Check-in – General Info
• Guide teams to correct field based on
schedule, help teams read brackets
Field Manager (1-2 per field)
• Ensure that coaches check-in at the score
table and write their roster on the
scoresheet, check printed roster to
ensure day of roster matches
• Ensure that each team has softballs for
warm ups
• Check with ref to ensure that there is a
game ball available
• In the case of an injury alert the medical
staff immediately
• In case of dispute between coaches or any
other issues, alert an SO staff member
• Following the game, update the brackets
on the bracket board
10 / Special Olympics Florida
Volunteer Roles – Team Sports Awards
Awards Runner:
Pillow Holder:
• Run results from competition area to awards prep area • Once awards are prepared and athletes are ready to go
on stands, walk to podium with presenter and hold the
Awards Escort:
awards tray
• When athletes finish competing, take that athlete or
group of athletes from competition to the awards staging Awards Presenter:
tent. Return to competition zone to await next group of
• Place medals/ribbons around athletes neck when their
athletes.
name is called
Awards Pre-Staging Volunteer:
Awards Emcee:
• When athletes arrive from competition, offer them
• Announce the athletes, name, county and event as their
water and have the athletes sit in the available chairs.
award is presented
• Take athletes to awards staging
Awards Staging Volunteer:
• Once the awards paperwork is provided, place the
athletes in the chairs according to how they will appear on
the awards podium (follow place numbers on back of
chairs).
• Escort Athletes onto podium keeping them in order
that they will stand on podium- best practice to keep the
group in order is to have 1 volunteer in front and 1 at the
back of the group
Awards Prep:
• Use results paperwork to prepare awards on pillow
• Place award labels on medals/ribbons
11 / Special Olympics Florida
Softball Skills Volunteer Roles
12 / Special Olympics Florida
Event 1: Base Race
DESCRIPTION
•
Bases are set up like a baseball diamond
and positioned 19.81 m (65’) apart. The
athlete is instructed to start on home place
and run around the bases as fast as
possible, touching each base en route
SCORING
•
The time stops when the athlete touches
home plate after circling the bases. The
time elapsed, in seconds, is subtracted from
60 to determine the point score. A penalty
of five seconds for each base missed or
touched in an improper order shall be
assessed. The best score of two trials is
recorded.
13 / Special Olympics Florida
VOLUNTEER ROLES:
•
•
•
•
Timer: Holds stop watch and times athlete
Base monitor: Stands by each base to
ensure athlete touches
Recorder: Records athlete’s time
Group Leader: Stays with group as they
move from station to station, responsible
for athlete’s paperwork
Event 2: Throwing
DESCRIPTION: The player being tested stands behind the restraining
line, back far enough to take one or more steps in preparation for
throwing. Player has two trials to throw the softball as far and as
straight as possible down the throwing line, without stepping over
the restraining line. Volunteers should be positioned in the field to
indicate, using a cone or marking stake, the spot where each ball
first touches the ground. The better of the two throws is measured
and recorded as the player’s score. If a player steps on or over the
line before releasing the ball, the trial must be repeated. There will
be a maximum of two repeats.
SCORING: The net throwing score equals the throwing distance,
measured at a point on the throwing line straight across from
(perpendicular to) the spot where the ball landed, minus the error
distance, the number of meters the ball landed off target, away
from the throwing line. The player’s score is the better of the two
throws. Both error scores and distance are measured to the nearest
meter; for example, if a ball lands even with (perpendicular to) the
50-meter point on the measuring tape, but is 6 meters off to one
side, the player’s score is 44 points (Distance thrown [50] minus
number of meters off target [6] results in a net score of 44 meters).
Athletes score one point per meter; for example, 44 meters equals
44 points. If the score falls between meters, the score should be
rounded down; for example, 44.73 equals 44 points
14 / Special Olympics Florida
Event 2: Throwing Volunteer Roles
VOLUNTEER ROLES
Ball Marker – places cone/stake to indicate
where ball touches ground
Measurer- measures after each attempt
Recorder- writes down athlete’s score
Group Leader: Stays with group as they
move from station to station,
responsible for athlete’s paperwork
15 / Special Olympics Florida
Event 3: Fielding
Description
Volunteer Roles
The athlete will stand between and behind the
two cones. The official must throw the ball on
the ground to the athlete, between the cones.
The throw to the athlete must hit the ground
before the 6.10m (20’) chalk mark. The athlete
may move aggressively toward the ball. If the
thrown ball is outside of the cones, the throw
must be repeated. Each athlete gets five fielding
attempts per trial. Each athlete receives two
trials.
Ball retriever: retrieves balls that get past the
athlete
Scoring
The athlete receives five points for a clearly
fielded ball (either caught in glove or trapped
against the body, but off the ground; two
points for a ball that is block; zero points for
a missed attempt, for a maximum score of 50.
16 / Special Olympics Florida
Thrower: throws ground ball to athletes
Recorder: writes down athlete’s scores
Group Leader: Stays with group as they move
from station to station, responsible for
athletes paperwork
Event 4: Hitting
DESCRIPTION
VOLUNTEER ROLES
Standing in a regulation-size batter’s box, the athlete is
instructed to hit the ball off the tee. The athlete
receives three attempts.
•
•
•
SCORING
The distance of the longest hit shall determine the
athlete’s final score. The distance of a hit is
measured from the batting tee to the point where
the ball first touches the ground. The distance is
measured to the nearest meter. 1m – 1 point (46m
=46 points). If the score falls between meters the
score should be rounded down, (i.e. 46.73m –
46points).
17 / Special Olympics Florida
•
•
Ball retriever
Measurer (measures distance)
Ball placer- places ball on tee for each
attempt
Recorder- writes down athlete’s score
Group Leader: Stays with group as they
move from station to station, responsible
for athlete’s paperwork
Gymnastics Volunteer Roles
Volunteers will be trained on site by
the competition director.
18 / Special Olympics Florida
Powerlifting Volunteer Roles
Volunteers will be trained on site by the
competition director.
19 / Special Olympics Florida
What to Expect when Volunteering
with Special Olympics Florida
One of the biggest questions that new volunteers have is
how to work with our athletes. Here are a few tips to
keep in mind:
•
Special Olympics offers competitions to children AND
adults, so don’t assume that an athlete is a child.
Make sure to talk to athletes with respect.
•
Many athletes like to hug, shake hands, give high
fives, etc. You may reciprocate if the athlete initiates
it and you are comfortable with that.
•
Remember that respect of the dignity and effort of
the athletes is the priority at Special Olympics Florida.
20Olympics
/ SpecialFlorida
Olympics Florida
20 / Special
Important Day-Of Event Volunteer
Information
GENERAL INFORMATION
• You represent Special Olympics Florida as a volunteer. You will be asked to show photo identification upon registration at the event
• Remember to conduct yourself in a professional manner relating to athletes, other volunteers, family, the general public, and the
media
• Please give your full attention to your volunteer duty. If you need assistance or are finished with your duty, please see the volunteer
contact
• Please do not try to “train” or “coach” the athletes. Athletes have been working with their coaches for weeks for this event and are
looking to them for guidance
• Photographs and video recordings are taken at each event. By signing in for your shift, you authorize Special Olympics Florida to use
your image and likeness in promotional materials
• Please note, a volunteer is NOT to accompany an athlete away from the competition area or to the locker room. Please get the
athlete’s coach
•
•
•
•
VOLUNTEER ATTIRE
A volunteer t-shirt will be provided
Please wear khaki shorts and athletic shoes and dress for comfort and mobility
Protect yourself from the sun and elements
There is not a storage area for personal belongings. Please plan accordingly
FOOD & BEVERAGE
• Absolutely no alcohol of any kind is allowed. Volunteers will refrain from alcohol while involved in Special Olympics functions where
athletes are present.
• You will be notified of the meals provided per volunteer shift. At most events, there is a meal or snacks provided.
• Please take frequent water breaks.
DAY-OF EVENT ACCIDENTS & INJURIES
• Medical staff is available for events. In case of an accident, DO NOT attempt to treat the sick or injured person. Contact the nearest
medical personnel immediately
21 / Special Olympics Florida
Volunteer Agreement
As a Special Olympics volunteer, I agree that while serving as a volunteer, I will:
· Provide for the general welfare, health, and safety of all Special Olympics athletes
and volunteers
· Dress and act in an appropriate manner at all times
· Follow the established rules and guidelines of Special Olympics and/or any agency
involved with Special Olympics
· Report any emergencies to the appropriate authorities after first taking immediate
action to ensure the health and safety of the participants
· Abstain from the consumption or use of all alcohol, tobacco products, and illegal
substances while involved with any Special Olympics event, competition, or
training
· Not engage in any inappropriate contact or relationship with athletes, volunteers,
or other participants of Special Olympics
22 / Special Olympics Florida
Thank You
Thank you for volunteering with Special Olympics
Florida! We could not host the Summer Games
without your support!
23 / Special Olympics Florida