FAMILY/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES
Family Responsibilities
Family Members and Guardians play an important role and listed below are some very important items which you can do to support your athlete, coaches and your local program.
Help athlete to be prepared for training
- Plenty of rest
- Healthy Diet
- Practice sports skills between trainings
Help athlete to be prepared for competition
- Oversee packing
- Review Code of Conduct
- Make sure coach knows how to reach you in case of an emergency
- Check with coach to see that all medications and physical conditions listed are current
- Have all medications and directions for administering clearly marked
Provide transportation to trainings and competitions
- Be on time - Prompt drop off and pick up of athletes
- Don’t leave until you confirm coaches/leaders are present
Encourage, support and cheer athlete
- To always do their best
- De-emphasize winning and losing
- Attend practices, competitions and family socials
- Positive cheering (see Spectator Guidelines)
Accurate Athlete Medicals
- Provide an updated medical form every 3 years
- Update medical and insurance coverage changes promptly
Say Thank You
- Acknowledge the contributions of the coaches and volunteers
- Encourage your athlete to do the same
Spectator Guidelines
As family members of Special Olympics athletes, you can play a positive role at SOPA events by following these suggested guidelines:
1. Please refrain from using abusive or offensive language, especially toward officials, coaches and opponents.
- Lead by positive example.
- Keep your emotions under control. Don’t let your emotions interfere with our mission or oath. Remember, these individuals are volunteers and amateur athletes.
- It may help if you understand the rules of the competition. If you need further information or clarification ask your home program for a copy of the rules during the season so you’re a well-informed fan.
2. Special Olympics competitions are positive encouragement arenas. Please conduct yourself appropriately.
- Lead by positive example.
- De-emphasize winning and losing.
- Let the coaches coach the players – refrain from shouting instructions.
- Provide general cheers or positive comments after the fact/play. Remember to abide by sport-specific rules (i.e., silence at the start of races, during a tee-off in golf).
3. Spectators are provided designated areas. You are prohibited in the competition areas. Only coaches and athletes who are participating may be in these areas.
- Lead by positive example.
Failure to comply with the above guidelines may result in penalties being assessed toward your team or your being escorted from the venue. DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN! ENJOY BEING A GREAT FAN!
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