Sports Information Handbook - Special Olympics New Jersey

LEVELS OF COMPETITIONcontinuedArea events are where the majority of athletescompete throughout the year. Area eventsWORLDGAMESNationalGAMESCHAPTERGAMESSECTIONALCOMPETITIONareaCOMPETITIONLOCAL TRAININGPROGRAMare to be conducted according to OfficialSpecial Olympics Rules and Board policies.Competition must be conducted accordingto the Special Olympics Sports Rules(revised: Winter 2013, Summer 2013)and the National Governing Bodies.Invitational events may beconducted to include two ormore Local Training Programsor Areas. These events donot qualify athletes foradvancement in their sport,but simply serve as anothercompetition opportunity.CRITERIA FOR ADVANCEMENT TOHIGHER LEVEL COMPETITIONS1. To advance to a higher level of competition in a particular year,an athlete should have participated for a minimum of eight weeksin an organized training program in the sport or sports in whichhe or she is entered for higher level competition.2. To advance to a higher level of competition, an athlete shouldhave placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd at the lower level of competition inthe same sport or sports.3. Athletes should be chosen for higher level competition fromamong 1st, 2nd or 3rd place winners from all divisions by event.Athletes selected may also enter other events in which they havenot placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd at the next lower level competitionwithin that sport.National/Chapter programs may establish additional criteria foradvancement to higher level competition based on behavior,medical or judicial considerations. These criteria would be appliedto athletes on an individual basis. Additional criteria should notconflict with any part of the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules(revised: Winter 2013, Summer 2013).24Sports Information Handbook 2013-2014