GAMES MANAGEMENT TEAM
Special Olympics Louisiana
• Mission
The mission of Special Olympics Louisiana
(SOLA) is to provide year-round training and
athletic competition in a variety of Olympictype sports for intellectually disabled
children and adults, giving them continuing
opportunities to develop physical fitness,
demonstrate courage, experience joy, and
participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and
friendship with their families, other Special
Olympics athletes and the community.
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Games Management Team Mission
The mission of all SOLA Games Management
Teams (GMT) is to collectively coordinate
and organize athletic competitions by
utilizing volunteers, strategically planning,
creating committees.
Prohibited Activities
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No face painting
No balloon releases
No clowns or costume characters at
any sports venue or ceremonies
(Characters may appear in Olympic
Town only)
No moon walk tents (where athletes
can jump inside)
No alcoholic beverages of any kind are
permitted at SOL activities or events.
Volunteers must not drink alcohol
while in contact with athletes.
No co-ed overnight housing
NO swimming in hotel pools, or any
unsanctioned swimming on the
prohibition list.
The following prohibited sports and
events shall not be a part of any
Special Olympics competition
event, training, program, clinic, or
demonstration.
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Athletics: Javelin, Hammer Throw, Vault,
Triple Jump
Aquatics: Platform Dives
Gymnastics: Trampoline
Cross Country Skiing: Biathlon – Nordic
Jumping
All Contact Sports: Martial Arts,
Wrestling, Judo, Karate, Boxing, Rugby,
American Football
Others: Shooting, Fencing
No event requiring operation of motorized
vehicles by athlete
No Horseback riding (expect at sanctioned
Equestrian events)
Forms & Lists
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Each GMT member should create a Needs List of every need they may have for
their specific area. ( food, shirts, equipment, etc.)
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When a member of the GMT receives a cash or in-kind donation a Donor Form must
be completed and turn into the SOLA Staff Liaison or directly to SOLA headquarters.
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Lost Athlete List is a list that tells GMT members which area they will search if an
athlete is lost. This list should be accompanied by a map or picture of all competition
venues and surrounding areas. GMT members should have this list on them at all
times.
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If an incidents was to occur please refer to the Procedures for Reporting Incidents.
Also fill out an Incident Report Form and turn into the Games Director or Staff
Liaison If you witness an incident.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
U. S. VOLUNTEERS SCREENING POLICY
(Revised as of October 26, 2006)
I. VOLUNTEER CLASSIFICATIONS
A. Class A Volunteers
1 . Volunteers who have regular, close physical contact with athletes
2. Volunteers in a position of authority or supervision with athletes
3. Volunteers in a position of trust of athletes
4. Volunteers who handle substantial amounts of cash or other assets of the
Program
B. Class B Volunteers
1. Volunteers who only have limited contact with athletes or who have contact
with athletes accompanied by coaches and chaperones
II. TYPE OF SCREENING
A. Class A Volunteers (Adult)
1. Completion of a volunteer registration form, screen using a national vendor,
photo ID check at the time of registration and photo ID check or identity
verification check at events
B. Class A Volunteers (Minor)
1. Completion of a volunteer registration form, two personal/professional
references, who are not related to the minor or the minor’s legal guardian one
of whom is from the volunteer applicant’s school, church, civic group, etc.),
photo ID check at the time of registration and photo ID check or
identification verification check at events.
C. Class B Volunteer (Adults and Minors)
1. Completion of a volunteer registration form or sign in sheet and photo ID
check or identification verification check at events (for minors, IDs are only
required to the extent available)
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE BACKGROUND
SCREENING
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A. Class A Volunteers must be screened using a national vendor that includes the sex
offender registry for each State in which the sex offender registry is available
electronically. In addition to, but not in place of, the check through the national
vendor, Programs may conduct a statewide criminal background check.
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B. Motor Vehicle Record checks are required if the applicant answers “yes” to the
question regarding suspension or revocation of driver’s license, on the Volunteer
Application or if the Program has received information through the screening
process that the applicant may have motor vehicle related convictions.
PHASE IN AND FREQUENCY
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A. New Volunteers
1. Programs shall not permit a New Class A Volunteer applicant (a person who
applies after December 31, 2004) to participate as a Class A Volunteer after
July 1, 2005, until that person has been screened and approved by the
Program.
2. Volunteers registered on or after January 1, 2005, must be re-screened at least
every three years.
B. Existing Volunteers
1. Programs must screen all existing volunteers (those registered prior to January
2005) no later than July 1, 2008.
2. Volunteers registered prior to January 1, 2005, must be re-screened every three
years following the date of initial screening.
Decision Making
Smart decision making is essential
• The decisions we make can vastly effect other
committees and GMT members
• A wrong decision can lead to a litigation
• Smart decisions are made collectively
• All decisions should be discussed and examined
• Smart decision making illustrates patience, teamwork,
and accountability
Risk Management
Preventing injuries to participants and spectators is a primary risk management
objective.
In order to avoid a crisis or to better function in the midst of a crisis, the Games Risk
Management Team should take the following actions prior to a crisis occurring:
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Develop a committee to evaluate potential risks.
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Evaluate the risks.
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Recommend the formulation of policies, if necessary.
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Ensure the development of procedures.
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Participate in preparing plans.
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Oversee and participate in exercise of plans.
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Supervise volunteer training.
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Delegate authority.
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Ensure the assembly of supplies.
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Complete facility safety checklists.
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Develop an emergency plan.
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Volunteer Chair should be sure that all volunteers have received risk management info
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Conduct a review prior to each event in order to update information.
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Review periodically the plan to search for lost athletes and “athlete-in-hand” (Zone Search) and
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assignments