1. 2015 Area Conference 1 / Special Olympics Texas

2. Hello Coaches! Thank you for all you do for the athletes and families of Special Olympics Texas. This PowerPoint contains the updates you will find in the 2015 SOTX Information Guide (SIG). Certified coaches are responsible for these updates as well as the balance of the important information in the SIG. Contact your area office or the chapter office if you have questions about information contained in the 2015 SOTX Sports Information Guide. In order to receive credit for attending the 2015 Coaches Recertification: Review the PowerPoint and the Terms of Agreement Check YES next to each statement Enter your contact information and hit SUBMIT. (The form will only SUBMIT if you check YES next to each statement, enter your contact information and hit SUBMIT) All individuals must submit Terms of Agreement with own email address Cannot share the same email address – only one email address per submission will be accepted 2 / Special Olympics Texas

3. Additional steps required to maintain your coach certification: Complete Protective Behaviors every 3 years Complete Concussion in Sports Training every 3 years (New) Submit a new Class A Volunteer Application every 3 years (Contact your Area office to check on your Class A status) Complete criminal background check every 4 years The online 2015 Coaches Recertification will only be available from January 5 th – February 28 th. Thank you for all you do! Molly Kuchar Director of Program Training Special Olympics Texas mkuchar@sotx.org 3 / Special Olympics Texas

4. 2015 Chapter Competition Dates February 5 - 8 Winter Games (Austin) May 8 – 10 Equestrian Summer Games (Bryan) May 21 – 24 Summer Games (Arlington) TBD Sailing and Kayaking (TBD) October 8 – 10 Fall Classic (Bryan-College Station) TBD Flag Football (Waco) 4 / Special Olympics Texas

5. 5 / Special Olympics Texas Athlete Eligibility Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI) An athlete with Down Syndrome will no longer be required to automatically undergo an x-ray examination as a requirement for participation. The new medical form procedures include an assessment of symptoms of adverse neurological effects that replaces the x-ray examination requirement. If an athlete was x-rayed at the time of registration and was found to have an AAI condition, he or she may follow the new rule and be examined for symptoms of adverse neurological effects as part of a “renewal” medical examination. If the athlete does not have these symptoms then he or she maybe cleared for participation by a Licensed Medical Professional. If the athlete does have symptoms then he or she may only participate if the athlete receives a thorough neurological evaluation from a physician qualified to state that the cause of those symptoms will not result in additional risk of neurological injury due to sports participation and certifies that the athlete may participate. The athlete of the parent or guardian of a minor athlete signs an informed consent that acknowledges they have been informed of the findings and determinations of the physician. Until all athletes have been screened using the new neurological method, the neurological status of athletes that have only been screened by x-ray is unknown. Precautions will still need to be taken for these athletes.

6. Athlete Eligibility New Athlete Medical In 2015, Special Olympics, Inc. is rolling out a new medical which will lead to a better quality pre-participation physical, and a greater ability for Special Olympics to assess the heath status of our athletes as a whole. Athletes, parents and or caregivers only will complete the first three pages of the form. Physicians will complete the fourth page during examination. The fifth page will only be used if a referral is necessary. For the majority of athletes, the completed form will be only the first four pages. The fifth page is only for the limited number of people not initially cleared to participate. A form is considered complete if the appropriate medical practitioner signs the medical form and indicates that the athlete is cleared for participation, and the form reflects all the necessary signatures. Medical professionals approved to sign the form are as follows: Licensed Physician (MD), Physician Assistant licensed by the State Board of Physicians Assistant Examiners, or a Registered Nurse recognized as an advanced practice nurse by the Board of Nurse Examiners. The purpose of the new medical form is to provide a clear and accurate health history. If there are not changes to the athlete’s medical history, only page three and/or four are required to be updated. However, if there have been changes to the athletes’ health, then a full medical form will need to be completed and signed by registrants. New: Every athlete will need a doctor to review their medical status and sign page 3 every 3 years. Check “Renewal” at the top of the medical if the athlete medical is expiring and an update is being submitted. A doctor’s signature is required. Check “Update” if the medical has not expired but the athletes medications have changed or their address needs up dating. No doctor’s signature is required. 6 / Special Olympics Texas

7. Athlete Medical Older Versions of the Athlete Medical will no longer be accepted after February 28 th, 2015 All Athlete Medicals must be submitted using the 2015 Medical Form starting March 1 st, 2015 The new Athlete Medical Form is in a PDF format and can be submitted online If an athlete has an “Old” Athlete Medical on file with the Area office, that Medical is good until the expiration date listed on that medical (generally the date used is when the Medical is signed by a medical professional). Once it expires, the New Medical must be used. 7 / Special Olympics Texas

8. 8 / Special Olympics Texas Volunteer Eligibility

9. We care deeply about our athletes, families and volunteers, so we ask each of our Key Volunteers (including coaches and assistant coaches) to undergo a thorough criminal background check to help us ensure the safety of everyone involved in Special Olympics Texas. Because of the expense of these extensive checks, we ask that our volunteers pay the fee so that we can devote more of our budget toward providing quality, year-round sports training and competition to individuals with intellectual disabilities. 9 / Special Olympics Texas

10. Volunteer Eligibility Starting January 1 st, 2015 the base cost of a Criminal Background Check (CBC) will be $21.00 through Verified Volunteers This equates to $5.25 per year to volunteer with SOTX Criminal background checks will need to be renewed every 4 years Class A Volunteer registration will need to be renewed every 3 years 10 / Special Olympics Texas

11. Criminal Background Checks The Verified Volunteer link will be located on the SOTX website All CBC results will be sent directly to SOTX The Volunteer owns the CBC record Volunteer no longer will need to provide social security number Team account funds can be used to pay for SOTX volunteer’s CBC’s 11 / Special Olympics Texas

12. 2014 Volunteer Award Winners Outstanding Service from a Business/Corporation – Broadway Bank, Area 20 Outstanding Service from a Civic or Service Organization – Texas A&M International University, Area 21 Coach of the Year – Patrick Noonan, Area 10 Outstanding Service from a Community Leader – Joe Villarreal, Area 20 Family of the Year – The Marshall Family, Area 22 Female Athlete of the Year: 15-21 – Stephanie Rick, Area 21 Female Athlete of the Year: 22+ - Schelly Porter, Area 10 Outstanding Volunteer for Fund Raising – Doug Sisk, Area 10 Male Athlete of the Year: 15-21 – Charles Pelz, Area 22 Male Athlete of the Year: 22+ - Jonathan Blackmon, Area 10 Outstanding Service for Outreach – Lucy Gutierrez, Area 21 Outstanding Volunteer for Sports and Competition – Stephen Pittenger, Area 4 Trainer of the Year – Lisabeth Lassiter, Area 10 Unified Sports Partner of the Year – Austin Combs, Area 4 Volunteer of the Year – Martha Bishop, Area 10 12 / Special Olympics Texas

13. 13 Training

14. Coach Certification 14 / Special Olympics Texas Coaches will no longer be mandated to work a minimum of 10 hours with SOTX athletes and submit a practicum form to become a certified SOTX Coach Steps to Becoming A Certified Coach 1. Be a registered Class A Volunteer 2. Attend a sport specific coaches training face to face or online 3. Complete New Coach SIG Training (New Coaches as of 2015) 4. Complete Concussion in Sports training every 3 yearsConcussion in Sports

15. Online SIG Training http://www.sotx.org/get-involved/sig/training/ This training is for new SOTX Coaches as part of the Coach certification requirement to complete Level 1 certification. The training is based upon the Sports Information Guide, which contains important information about the policies and procedures, sports rules, fundraising guidelines, financial requirements and communication strategies for Special Olympics Texas. 15 / Special Olympics Texas

16. Concussion in Sports Training http://nfhslearn.com/courses/38000 The National Federation of State High School offers a FREE concussion sports training to help raise awareness and help minimize the risk of concussions. This training is for all new and current SOTX Coaches as part of the Coach certification requirement. All Users will receive a certificate of completion upon course completion To receive credit, please forward all completion certificates to dir_progtrg.chp@sotx.org dir_progtrg.chp@sotx.org Current coaches are to complete training in congruence with Class A Volunteer Application All coaches must take Concussion in Sports Training once every 3 years 16 / Special Olympics Texas

17. 17 / Special Olympics Texas A picture paints a thousand words New Online Trainings 1. United States Bowling Course Coaching Level I Bowling http://bowl.com http://bowl.com USBC Coaching Level I Bowling Online course – $49.00 Sport Specific Level 1 Course – basic sport skills and strategies. 2. Introduction to Autism and Instructional Strategies for Coaching http://specialolympicsva.org/sports/coaches-corner/a-coachs-playbook- autism A Coach’s Playbook: Introduction to Autism and Instructional Strategies for Coaching – FREE! Offered through Special Olympics Virginia (SOVA) Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder and provides strategies for coaching athletes with Autism. Find the complete list of available Online Trainings at SOTX Online Training Courses

18. Risk Management 18 / Special Olympics Texas

19. 19 Insurance Coverage Changes in the required insurance coverage in excess of scheduled SOCIP policies for all Special Olympics accredited US Programs. Excess (10X1) Coverage and Limits Policy Aggregate now $20,000,000 Each Occurrence now $20,000,000

20. 20 Outreach

21. Unified Programs A Unified certification is required in addition to a sport specific certification in order to Coach Unified Sports. A Unified Program Training is offered online for FREE by the National Federation of State High School Associations: Coaching Unified Sports - www.nfhslearn.com.www.nfhslearn.com 21 / Special Olympics Texas

22. Chapter SMT 2015 Meeting Schedule Thursday, February 19, 2015 Conference Call Thursday, June 11, 2015 Conference Call Friday, September 11, 2015 Chapter Office - Austin Thursday, November 5, 2015 Conference Call 22 / Special Olympics Texas

23. Registration 23 / Special Olympics Texas

24. Online Registration Forms 24 All Registration Forms are now available online in PDF and Word format for online submission SOTX encourages teams to submit entries electronically to Area Offices

25. 25 / Special Olympics Texas Golf Event Code Teams are required to provide caddies for their Level 4 and 5 athletes who are competing at Area, Regional and Chapter competitions. The caddies will need to be registered Class A Volunteers with Special Olympics Texas and included on the Athlete Entry Form Role Code: CADDIE

26. Chapter Games Entries Processing Schedules 26 The schedule for processing Chapter Games entries can be found on the Chapter Game specific competition pages located on the SOTX website Items on entries processing schedule include: Deadlines for adding an athlete When Sport Schedules are posted online Delegation Rosters and Corrections Information

27. Hosted in Los Angeles: July 25 - August 2, 2015 Team Texas! 14 Athletes 9 Coaches 27 / Special Olympics Texas 2015 World Games

28. 28 Summer Games

29. Resource Information 29 / Special Olympics Texas Soccer Sport Director Jesse McNeil 9200 World Cup Way Suite 202 Frisco, TX 75083 214.532.2367 jmcneil@fcdallas.net

30. Cycling 30 / Special Olympics Texas Individual time trial qualifying times are required for all events No combined times should be submitted

31. Athletics 31 / Special Olympics Texas Softball Throw Intended for athletes of lower abilities Throwing over 35 meters in competition will be considered a scratch and not count in scoring Athletes that consistently throw further than 35 meters should be moved to events that better challenge their abilities Ball Throw Ball Throw has been changed to “Tennis Ball Throw” Wheel Chair Shot Put Both Female and Male participants will use the 2.0kg (4.4lbs) shot for this event Pentathlon Any jump below 1 meter is not permitted and will not be used for scoring

32. Equestrian 32 / Special Olympics Texas Attire - English Tack If riders are in hard-sole boots with heels, regular irons are now acceptable English Tack attire Protective Helmets All Coaches, Schoolers and Trainers must wear protective SEI-ASTM approved helmets with a full harness Helmets must be replaced if ever involved in a fall It is suggested that helmets more than 5 years should be replaced

33. Equestrian 33 / Special Olympics Texas Competition Level Changes Level C-S and B-S All athletes will be accompanied by a “spotter” who may assist with control of the horse and may walk on the off side with or without a second lead rope attached

34. 34 Fall Classic

35. Resource Information 35 Flag Football Sport Director Mike Hemker 306 East Live Oak Hutto, TX. 78634 512.845.9918 512.759.4000 mike.hemker@huttotx.gov Aquatics Sport Director Bob Lang 4149 Lomita Ln Dallas, TX. 75220 214.350.4112 214.755.7981 dogmatic.lang@gmail.com

36. Bocce 36 Instructions for Bocce Skill Assessments has been moved in the Bocce Rule section of Fall Classic

37. Aquatics 37 / Special Olympics Texas “Aquatics” will now be known as “Aquatics (Swimming)” per SOI rule change.

38. Golf 38 / Special Olympics Texas The SOI Official Sports Rules for golf now list the maximum entry averages for each level of competition. SOTX will follow SOI maximum entry averages for Golf levels 2-5 Level 2: average of 75 or lower Level 3: average of 120 or lower (18 holes) Level 4: average of 70 or lower Level 5: average of 120 or lower Team/individual entry scores cannot not exceed SOI’s maximum entry average at Area, Regional and Chapter competitions.

39. Golf 39 / Special Olympics Texas The team/individual athlete must include with entries 6 scorecards in the level in which they wish to compete. The Fall Classic Golf Organizing Committee documented scores for the 2014 Fall Classic. If a team/individual scores are above the recommended maximum scores, the HOD and head coach will be notified that the team/individual cannot participate in that Level at the 2015 Fall Classic.

40. Golf 40 / Special Olympics Texas Rule Changes RESCUE CLUBS In the Individual Skills competition (Level 1), the IRON shot and the WOOD shot: A rescue club CANNOT be used for both IRON shot and WOOD shot; only one or the other. SLOW PLAY Marshal monitors slow play and can penalize an individual/team within a group for slow play with added strokes or disqualification

41. Kayaking The use of helmets at a competition will be decided by the Competition Director of an event (based on environmental factors). Standardized touring Kayaks and Paddles are to be provided by Delegations or by each athlete for training and competition. 41 / Special Olympics Texas

42. Sailing SOTX will use the race courses selected from the standardized course configuration: #1 – SACF #2 – SACF #3 – SABCACF #4 – SACACF #5 – SA (maximum distance of 1,000 meters and a finish line at A) 42 / Special Olympics Texas

43. Sailing Facilities used to host regattas need to provide safe access to the boars for all athletes, coaches and volunteers The distance from the windward turning mark to the leeward turning mark will be no greater than 200 meters 43 / Special Olympics Texas

44. 44 Development

45. Fundraising 45 Walk Across Texas is now a fundraiser opportunity for teams and delegations to raise money Walk Across Texas is a year-round statewide fundraiser in partnership with Argilife A team of any 8 individuals can help raise money for an SOTX team by pledging a dollar per mile walked. The goal is to walk a total of 832 miles during the 8 week period while raising the same amount in donations for Special Olympics Texas teams.

46. Do Not Call List 46 / Special Olympics Texas In effort to prevent “multiple knocks on the door” a team cannot call on any contacts without permission from the area office. The complete Do Not Call list can be found in the Development section of the SIG http://www.sotx.orghttp://www.sotx.org

47. Official Partners 47 / Special Olympics Texas Official Partners are SOTX sponsors who are always “off limits” to approach for donations Coco-Cola Refreshments Food Town H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust Law Enforcement Torch Run

48. Names and Addresses 48 / Special Olympics Texas Names and Addresses

49. Area Training Directors 49 / Special Olympics Texas Area 12 Training Director Wanda Caldwell 4520 CR 107 Gatesville, TX. 76528 msmuffin22@yahoo.com 254.223.2484

50. Next Steps: 50 / Special Olympics Texas 1.Return to the Area Conference homepage 2.Review the Terms of Agreement 3.Enter your contact information with own email address 4.Select YES under each statement 5.Hit SUBMIT The 2015 SOTX Information Guide (SIG) can be accessed from http://www.sotx.org.http://www.sotx.org SOTX will no longer print a hardcopy. Contact your area office or the chapter office if you have questions about information contained in the 2015 SOTX Information Guide.

51. 51 / Special Olympics Program Name Thank you for your time. Good luck in 2015!