What risk management responsibilities do I have as a coach? 

As a leader within the Special Olympics organization, you must take the steps necessary to protect yourself and your Program. Your goals would include the following. 

1.        To maximize safety of athletes, volunteers and spectators 

2.        To protect assets and reputation 

3.        To transfer risk of financial loss through contracts and a quality insurance program 

4.        To proactively manage claims to achieve fair settlement 

As a coach, what supervisory planning am I responsible for? 

Each coach needs to create a supervisory plan that includes assignments for assistant coaches and chaperones. The head coach should review each plan and provide clarification of responsibilities as needed. Some of the responsibilities of a coach include the following. 

1.        Providing appropriate training time, instruction, conditioning and competition experiences 

2.        Being familiar with trends in the sport 

3.        Ensuring an appropriate venue: walk through the venue to become familiar with the medical support, rules compliance, etc. 

4.        Familiarizing athletes with the venue surroundings and features 

5.        Understanding athletes’ specific and unique health issues such as medications, illnesses, sensitivities or intolerances 

6.        Coordinating transportation to and from training or competition 

7.        Securing an on-site clothing change area that separates men and women 

8.        Monitoring the physical and emotional condition of athletes 

9.        Assisting with life skills for overnight situations 

10.  Monitoring weather conditions that may affect athlete training, competition and travel to and from events 

11.  Chaperoning special events such as dances and Opening or Closing Ceremonies 

12.  Understanding Special Olympics and international governing bodies sport-specific rules 

How does a coach conduct a sports program safely? 

Preventing injuries to participants and spectators is a primary risk management objective. The participants and spectators at a Special Olympics event expect that the activity will be conducted in a reasonable and prudent manner. The Risk Management section of this resourcel provides guidelines to assist you in developing programs and techniques to reduce the risk of injury to athletes. Areas covered include: 

1.        Preparation: Providing proper planning for each step of training and competition. 

2.        Environment: Selecting an appropriate venue and using proper equipment. 

3.        Instruction and Competition: Ensuring appropriate sport skills instruction for practice and competition. 

4.        Athlete Group Composition: Matching according to strength, size and ability 

5.        Athlete Assessment: Continually assessing each athlete for participation in appropriate activities within his/her ability. 

6.        Supervision: Ensuring acceptable supervision and maintaining an adequate volunteer-to-athlete ratio. 

7.        Inherent Dangers: Informing athletes of inherent risks associated with a specific sport. 

8.        Emergency Action Plan: Establishing and using an emergency action plan that includes. procedures for emergency medical support, postponements, cancellation, communication and incident and accident reporting. 

9.        Medical Assistance: Medical support is to be provided at all times. The greater the risk within an activity, the higher the level of medical support required. 

Coaches Code of Conduct

Respect for Others

·   I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of athletes, coaches, other volunteers, friends and spectators in Special Olympics.

·   I will treat everyone equally regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion or ability.

·   I will dress and act at all times in a manner which will be appropriate to my assigned responsibilities and a credit to myself, the athletes and Special Olympics Ontario.

·   I will display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved including athletes, coaches, opponents, officials, administrators, parents, spectators and media.

Act Professionally and Take Responsibility for My Actions

·   I will provide for the general welfare, health, and safety of any Special Olympics Ontario athlete(s) in my charge during the course of my assigned duties.

·   I understand that in the course of my duties I may be dealing with personal and confidential information and I agree to keep such information in the strictest confidence.

·   I will report any emergencies to the appropriate authorities after first taking immediate action to ensure the health and safety of the participants.

·   I will not take part in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, cannabis products and/or controlled substances or be under the influence of alcohol, cannabis and/or controlled substances during any Special Olympics training or competition, or any time I am acting as a chaperone for Special Olympics athletes from the time I commence my role as chaperone until the athletes have been released to parents or guardians.

·   I will not take part in smoking or chewing tobacco at any Special Olympics training or competition site except in designated areas.

·   I will not engage in any type of inappropriate behavior, use of profanity, sexual activity, and/or verbal or physical abuse with Special Olympics athletes, staff, officials or other volunteers.

·   I will be alert to and will report to the provincial office any form of abuse from other sources directed toward athletes, volunteers and staff.

Ensure a Positive Experience

·   I will ensure that for each athlete I coach, the time spent with Special Olympics is a positive experience.

·   I will respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each athlete.

·   I will ensure each athlete competes in events that challenge that athlete’s potential and are appropriate to that athlete’s skill level.

·   I will be fair, considerate and honest with athletes and communicate with athletes using plain and clear language.

·   I will ensure that accurate scores are provided for entry of an athlete into any event.

·   I will instruct each athlete to perform to the best of the athlete’s ability at all preliminaries/heats and finals in accordance with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules.

·   I will ensure that athletes are properly attired.

Health and Safety of the Athletes

·   I will ensure that the equipment and facilities are safe to use.

·   I will ensure that the equipment, rules, training and the environment are appropriate for the age and ability of the athletes.

·   I will review each athlete’s medical and profile forms and be aware of any limitations on that athlete’s participation noted on that form. I will keep all information on the medical and profile forms confidential unless medical attention is necessary.

·   I will provide for the general welfare, health, and safety of any athlete(s) in my charge during the course of my assigned duties.

·   I will report any emergencies to the appropriate authorities after first taking immediate action to ensure the health and safety of the participant. I will complete an Accident/Incident Report Form for all accidents or injuries.

·   I will encourage athletes to seek medical advice when required.

·   I will allow further participation in training and competition only when appropriate.

·   I will maintain the same interest and support towards sick and injured athletes.

·   I will ensure that prescribed medications are taken at the proper times.

Quality of Service to the Athletes

·   I will seek continual improvement through performance evaluation and ongoing coach education.

·   I will be thoroughly familiar with information in the Sport Club Manual and the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for the sport(s) I coach.

·   I will follow the Special Olympics and National Governing Body rules for my sport(s) and assist my athletes in learning these rules.

·   I will familiarize myself with the medical, training and competition history of any athlete for whom I am responsible.

·   I will ensure that my athletes have trained at least 10 hours prior to their first competition.

·   I will ensure the athletes get to their competition events on time and have an opportunity to take advantage of special events and related activities.

·   I will be a positive role model for the athletes I coach.

·   I will attend all scheduled coaches meetings at home and away.

Athlete Code of Conduct

An athlete shall:

·   Adhere to the Athlete Rights and Responsibilities.

·   Maintain high standards of conduct, which includes self-control and responsible behaviour. An athlete should consider the well-being of others and display courtesy and good manners.

·   Avoid profane or abusive language and disruptive behaviour, including behaviour that is dangerous to self and/or others including acts of violence, harassment, physical or sexual abuse.

·   Abide by the rules of competition, especially the Special Olympics Ontario Official Sports Rules.

·   Abstain from the use of alcoholic beverages, cannabis products, tobacco products and/or illegal substances when participating in any Special Olympics sponsored or sanctioned activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, training/practice sessions and competition events.

·   Abstain from all illegal activity.

·   Honour the Special Olympics Oath.

Code of Conduct Infractions

Special Olympics Ontario has sole and absolute discretion as to any disciplinary actions to be taken if a person violates the Athlete Code of Conduct. Any action taken is predicated with the good faith belief of Special Olympics Ontario that the disciplinary action is appropriate. Any disciplinary action that is taken can be appealed as per the Disciplinary and Corrective Action Policy and Procedures provided by the Provincial Office.

The following disciplinary actions may be taken:

·   Issue a warning.

·   Place the individual on probation.

·   Suspension from further participation in any Special Olympics programs or activities.

·   Expulsion from further participation in any Special Olympics programs or activities.

Immediate Suspension

A person may be subject to immediate disciplinary action, including suspension, for conduct which in the sole and absolute discretion of Special Olympics is so inherently harmful as to warrant immediate action.

Immediate disciplinary action, including suspension, may be imposed for any of the following:

·   Illegal Conduct: Engaging in any illegal or criminal activity when the Special Olympics Provincial office has a good faith belief that there has been illegal activity, whether or not there has been a formal charge made.

·   Behaviour Problems: Any person behaving in a manner that is inherently dangerous to him/herself or others. This includes any violent acts, harassment, or any behaviour which impacts the integrity of Special Olympics programs.

·   Alcohol, Cannabis or Illegal Substance: The use or consumption of alcohol, cannabis or illegal substances that may affect the safety and well-being of other athletes. This includes, but is not limited to, all training/practice sessions, the duration of competition events, or any other Special Olympics sponsored or sanctioned activity where athletes are present.

·   Abuse: Any person accused or suspected of abusing (physical or sexual), molesting, assaulting, or harassing another person.

Spectator Code of Conduct

By design, Special Olympics Ontario Sport Programs and Competitions are intended to be a positive learning experience; whereby athletes learn skills, gain physical fitness, have fun, and build positive relationships through mentoring and modeled behaviour.

Therefore, as a spectator at any and all Special Olympics Ontario competitions or practices I will:

·   Follow the golden rule: Treat coaches, parents, spectators, officials and players in the same manner I would like to be treated. This means with respect, dignity, and total sportsmanship at all times.

·   Remember it’s supposed to be fun: Help make it that way. I will encourage enjoyment, participation and improvement over game/event results.

·   Be a good sport: Not boo, taunt, scream, gesture or make comments at, or about, players, coaches, fans or officials. I will offer applause and cheers of encouragement for both teams following a good play or a great effort.

·   Not use drugs, alcohol or tobacco: At any sporting venue, social event, including practices and competitions, and will only smoke in designated areas.

·   Learn the rules: Of the game and the policies of SOO. I will abide by those rules and policies and insist that all others in attendance abide by those rules and policies.

·   Not question or argue with an official or coach’s call: I may not agree with a call, however it’s not my job or the athlete's job to officiate the game. An official’s call should never be discussed by a parent or spectator.

·   Ask politely to talk with the coach quietly and to the side, after the game, away from others: Or better yet, I will wait until the next day to discuss the issue. I will let the heat of the moment pass. I will never make a scene in front of the team as it’s embarrassing for me, the athlete and the coach and chances are nothing will get resolved.

·   Know my place: I will remain in designated spectator viewing areas and never enter the field of play, bowling lane, pool deck, ice surface, etc.

·   Insist my child sit on the bench: Between innings, frames, events, and cheer on their teammates and not visit other spectators or me. All athletes are part of a team and that team is relying on all of its members.

·   Motivate through confidence: I will try to identify something positive from every game or practice to help build confidence. An athlete’s sense of achievement is the greatest motivator.

·   Put winning and losing into perspective: Games must have winners and losers. I will remind myself and others of this reality and the need to deal with both outcomes respectfully.

Disciplinary Consequences

I also agree if I fail to abide by the above zero tolerance rules and guidelines I will be subject to consequences, which pending decision by a Disciplinary Committee, could include, but are not limited to, the following:

·   Verbal warning by staff, official, manager or coach.

·   Written warning by staff, official, manager or coach.

·   Be asked to leave the site immediately by staff, official, manager or coach.

·   Spectator and athlete game suspension with written documentation kept on file.