Sports Information Handbook - Special Olympics New Jersey

SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW JERSEYVOLUNTEER/COACH REGISTRATIONAll volunteers must register and be approved by Special OlympicsNew Jersey. This policy is intended to ensure the safety and wellbeingof Special Olympics athletes and volunteers, and applies toboth new and existing volunteers at every level of the organization(Local Training Program, Area and Chapter). Each applicant mustcomplete a Special Olympics New Jersey Volunteer Class ARegistration Form which requests background information alongwith areas of volunteer interest. The form must be returned to theChapter office. For additional information or Volunteer RegistrationForms, contact the Volunteer Manager at the Chapter office. All ClassA Volunteers must complete the Protective Behavior Course online atwww.sonj.org, located under the Volunteer tab.LEVELS OF COMPETITIONAthletes advance to higher levels of competition as described belowthrough criteria established by the previous level of competition inaccordance with Special Olympics policies and procedures.World Games (formerly called International Games) are offeredevery two years on an alternating Winter Games and SummerGames basis. The next World Summer Games will be in 2015,2019, etc., and World Winter Games in, 2017, 2021, etc. The UnitedStates Chapters (states) are represented as TEAM USA.National Games are offered every four years. Each chapter ofthe US sends a delegation. The next National Games will be in2014 in New Jersey.Chapter events showcase the skills and accomplishments of theSpecial Olympics athletes, and, therefore, athletes must be welltrained.Chapter Competition is conducted according to the OfficialSpecial Olympics Sports Rules Books (revised: Winter 2013,Summer 2013) and the National Governing Body Sports Rules.New Jersey offers competition in 24 sports.Sectional events are conducted as qualifiers in order to meetthe criteria for athletes to advance to Chapter-level competition.Competition is conducted in compliance with Official SpecialOlympics Rules (revised: Winter 2013, Summer 2013).Sports Information Handbook 2013-2014 23