Leading for the Future Conference

1. 2013 Conference
Vermont
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2. Volunteer &
Family
Support
Vermont
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3. Roles & Responsibilities
Volunteer Leadership
The School or Local
Program is managed by the
Program Coordinator(s) with
help from Coaches, Assistant
Coaches and Program
Support
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Athletes & Families
Athletes, Unified Partners,
families and caregivers agree
to a Code of Conduct and
play a vital role in volunteering
and fundraising for the
Program

4. Program Leadership
Coordinators & Coaches have a full time job!
Vermont
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5. Program Coordinators wear multiple hats!
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6. Position: Program Coordinator
The Program Coordinator leads and
manages overall development of the
local program, ensuring Special
Olympics athletes train and compete
in a high-quality and safe
environment.
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7. Program Coordinator responsibilities
General Management
• To lead the process of defining annual developmental objectives
for the local program
• To spearhead development of annual local program budget and
submit it to the state office for review and approval
• To oversee all programs, services, activities and facilities,
ensuring they lead to achievement of local program objectives
• To recruit, in consultation with the local program coaches, support
staff & volunteers for organization of training sessions, sports
competitions and non-sports Special Olympics events
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8. PC Responsibilities, continued
General Management
 To prepare annual development reports and statement of local
program income and expenses
 To proactively identify external and internal risks that might affect
quality and safe functioning of the local program and bring
identified risks in a timely manner to the attention of appropriate
local program participants and program leadership
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9. And there’s more…
Fundraising
 To submit appropriate timely applications for funding from external
sources
 To plan, organize and provide appropriate resources for
organization of the local program’s fundraising events and
activities
 To research potential new sources of funding for local program
activities and events
 To ensure timely and appropriate application of available
resources while adhering to the overall program and state level
guidelines and policies
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10. We’re not done yet!
Public Relations
 To work with local state office and local program volunteers,
families and athletes to assure presentation of a consistent,
comprehensive and positive local program image
 To ensure local program information materials and resources
adhere Special Olympics standards and requirements
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12. Position: Coach
Coaches are responsible for Special Olympics
sports program implementation in a particular
sport by providing Special Olympics athletes
with comprehensive sports training and
preparation by providing appropriate
guidance, consultations and training to
Special Olympics family members and other
coaches.
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13. Coaching Responsibilities
 To know, accept and abide by the Special Olympics General Rules,
Special Olympics Official Sports Rules and other Uniform Standards.
 To know and understand the sport being coached, including
knowledge and understanding of the National /International
Governing Body Rules for that sport.
 To determine current levels of Special Olympics athletes’ abilities,
types and levels of interest.
 To train Special Olympics athletes and ensure they are capable of
competing according to the standards of the sport.
 To monitor each athletes’ progress and provide appropriate
feedback.
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14. Coaches also:
 Guide athletes, promoting appropriate and safe behavior during
training sessions, competitions, trips, team social events. etc.
 Provide orientation to parents/guardians of the athletes prior to the
start of each sport session and explain rules, potential implications
of participation, expectations, etc.
 Provide preliminary orientation before the start of the season and
designate specific assignments and responsibilities to assistant
coaches, volunteers and support staff before each training session
and/or competition event.
 Support training and education of other Special Olympics Coaches.
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15. Additional Coaching duties:
‣
Provide a safe training and competitive environment
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Evaluating athletes for injury
‣
Providing for adequate equipment
‣
Indentifying emergency plans
‣
Keeping adequate records
‣
Completing appropriate paperwork in a timely manner
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16. Athletes & Families
Vermont
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17. We need family
and caregiver
support!
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18. Volunteer
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19.  Ask your program’s Coordinator or Coach what is needed
 Stick around during practice if your athlete needs extra
help or supervision
 Sign on through the SOVT website for State Game
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opportunities

20. Fundraise
Athletes do not pay a fee to
participate in Special Olympics,
so all expenses are paid
through fundraising efforts.
 Consider hosting or
participating in a fundraising
event
 Make a donation
 Recruit a sponsor
Help promote Special Olympics
Vermont whenever you can!
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21. Enforce the Codes of Conduct
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22. Athlete Code of Conduct
Special Olympics is committed to the highest ideals of sport and
expects all athletes to honor sports and Special Olympics. All
Special Olympics athletes and Unified Sports Partners agree to the
following code:
Sportsmanship
 I will practice good sportsmanship.
 I will act in ways that bring respect to me, my coaches, my team
and Special Olympics.
 I will not use bad language, swear or insult other persons.
 I will not fight with other athletes, coaches, volunteers or staff.
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23. Training and Competition
 I will train regularly.
 I will learn and follow the rules of my sport.
 I will listen to my coaches and the officials and ask questions when I do
not understand.
 I will always try my best during training, divisioning and competitions.
 I will not “hold back” in preliminaries just to get into an easier final heat.
Responsibility for My Actions
 I will not make inappropriate or unwanted physical, verbal or sexual
advances on others.
 I will not drink alcohol, smoke or take illegal drugs while representing
Special Olympics at training sessions, competition or during Games.
 I will not take drugs for the purpose of improving my performance.
 I will obey all laws and Special Olympics rules.
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24. Family Code of Conduct
The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports
are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core
principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring,
and good citizenship.
We hope as family members you will embrace the spirit of Special
Olympics and help us 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
(County, Area, State, USA and World).
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25. Key Points
Let the athletes choose
have fun up-to-date medical
forms
learn the rules before complaining or protesting
be a positive role model
Be a good sport
provide for the health & safety of
all
play by the rules
treat all others with
respect
doing one’s best is more important than winning
Praise!
emphasize skill development
promote the emotional and physical well being of the athletes
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26. Cheer them on!
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27. Sports Teaches Us!
Vermont
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28. Thank you.
Vermont
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