Coaches and athletes are expected to follow the Special Olympics Code of Conduct, which requires all participants to practice good sportsmanship, treat everyone with respect regardless of their characteristics, and follow all rules of the sport and Special Olympics. Athletes must also report any inappropriate behavior, listen to coaches and officials, and avoid harmful substances or sexual activity during events.
Sportsmanship: Act respectfully toward yourself, your teammates, coaches, and Special Olympics at all times.
Respect: Treat everyone equally, regardless of their background, and do not discriminate.
Rules & Instructions: Listen to coaches and officials, and learn and follow the rules of basketball.
Safety: Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs for performance enhancement or any other reason. Do not engage in any sexual activity or abusive behaviors.
Language: Do not use offensive or inappropriate language.
Conflict: Do not fight with other athletes, coaches, or staff.
Training: Attend practices regularly.
Reporting: Inform your coach if you are subjected to or become aware of any bullying, harassment, abuse, or other inappropriate behavior from others.
Property: Respect and not misuse equipment or property regardless of whom it belongs to.
Coaches expect athletes to arrive at every practice on time with a positive attitude, adequately equipped, and ready to play.
Practice time on the court is very short, so it is extremely important for all athletes to arrive on time, if not a little early, and ready to play. Arriving early before a tournament is mandatory. Athletes who arrive late run the risk of being dropped (often referred to as "scratched") from the tournament roster, which means the athlete will not be able to play.
Be ready to overcome challenges and perform at your best. A positive mindset improves performance by enhancing self-confidence and reducing anxiety, while also fostering good sportsmanship through encouragement and a respectful approach to teammates, opponents, and officials.
Clothing: Show up to practice wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothes. Wear basketball shoes that provide good traction and cushioning for running and jumping on the court. Consider wearing a headband, hair ties, or ribbons to keep hair out of your face and prevent sweat from dripping into your eyes. If you depend on prescription glasses, you will need to wear sport goggles that meet or exceed the ASTM F803-19 standard for basketball. Wearing jewelry is prohibited because it can easily become tangled, causing harm to the wearer and other players.
Equipment: Arrive with your own personal basketball (size 7) and blue/white team practice penny. Also, bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Be sure to put your name on your ball and water bottle.
Be fully prepared physically, mentally, and emotionally to perform at your best. If you're feeling sick prior to practice or tournament, let a coach know and stay home. If you're injured, try your best to root for your team from the sideline.
Coaches have a few guidelines during practice that all athletes need to follow. They help build team discipline and a productive, respectful practice environment.
Athletes are expected to be on the court, dressed, and ready to play before the designated practice time. This demonstrates respect for the coach's and teammates' time.
When a whistle is blown, immediately stop what you are doing, hold onto the ball (if you have one), and listen.
When the coach is speaking, all players must stop what they are doing and listen. This means holding the ball, making eye contact with the coach, and not dribbling.
When the coach stops a drill to address a mistake, everyone should pay attention. Athletes are expected to learn from their own errors and those of their teammates.
Electronic devices should be put away during team events and practices.