The Special Olympics Sports Rules govern all Special Olympics sports competitions
worldwide. As an international sports movement, Special Olympics has created
these rules based upon rules from International Sports Federations and National
Governing Bodies. International Sports Federations and National Governing Bodies
rules are employed except when they are in conflict with the Special Olympics
Sports Rules. In those cases, the Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply.
The Special Olympics Sports Rules are the result of recommendations and the
practical experience of thousands of coaches, volunteers, Special Olympics athletes
and their families worldwide. The rules have been developed to provide for the
widest range of abilities to provide each athlete a reasonable chance to win.
Special Olympics Sports Rules are reviewed annually and posted with corrections
each January. Volunteers, coaches and Program staff are encouraged to suggest
rules clarifications or changes at any time. The timeline for review of those
recommendations is posted here. If you would like to submit a rule change recommendation,
please complete the Rule Change Recommendation Form and submit it using the
directions on the form.
The
fundamental difference that sets Special Olympics competitions apart from those
of other sports organizations is Divisioning — athletes of all ability levels
are encouraged to participate, and every athlete is recognized for his or her
performance. Competitions are structured so that athletes compete with other
athletes of similar ability in equitable Divisions.
Article I
Special Olympics Summer Sports Rules
Special Olympics Winter Sports Rules
For more information, please contact Charles Nyambe, Regional Sports Manager
on cnyambe@specialolympics.org
