ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT

Special Olympics Wisconsin prides itself in sponsoring high quality sports training and competitions for people with cognitive disabilities. The primary purpose of this code of conduct is to establish a high standard of athlete behavior, which will ensure the safety and well being of all athletes involved in training and competition. All athletes (including Unified Sports® peers) are expected to abide by the Athlete Code of Conduct as established by Special Olympics Wisconsin.

By agreeing to abide by the Special Olympics Wisconsin Code of Conduct, each athlete agrees to adhere to the following athlete behavior

•         Uphold the philosophy, principles and policies of Special Olympics, Inc. and Special Olympics Wisconsin.

•         Behave in a manner consistent with Special Olympics Wisconsin's core values of mutual respect, integrity, positive
attitude, accountability, teamwork and dedication.

ATHLETE STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR

The following athlete behavior is unacceptable while participating in Special Olympics training or competition, including, but not limited to, practice, in transit, and at the competition venue:

•         Profanity or verbal abuse      •         Frequent unexcused absences

•         Tobacco use in restricted areas      •         Exhibition of poor sportsmanship

•         Use of alcohol      •         Violent or disruptive behavior

•         Physical or verbal sexual overtures      •         Any unwelcome physical contact

•         Physical abuse*      •         Possession of harmful weapons*

•         Use of illegal drugs or any controlled substance*

•         Felony or misdemeanors (or any other illegal or socially unacceptable behavior) which seriously disrupts or
impedes the participation of athletes or others*

*These offenses will result in immediate suspension from any and all Special Olympics activities.

GUIDELINES FOR LIMITING OR DENYING AN ATHLETE'S INVOLVEMENT IN SOWI

a.    Admission or adjudication of involvement in abuse, neglect, sexual assault, or conduct involving violence or threat
of violence (for example, assault and battery or armed robbery)

b.    Record of being charged with abuse, neglect, conduct involving violence or threat of violence (for example, assault
and battery or armed robbery), or sexual assault with corroborating information

c.    Extreme or repeated violations of the SOWI Code of Conduct

d.    Currently using illegal drugs

Not all situations or circumstances can be addressed in these Guidelines. SOWI will address each situation on a case by case basis:

SOWI RECOMMENDS ALL SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES AND UNIFIED SPORTS® PEERS REVIEW, UNDERSTAND AND SIGN THE ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT BEFORE SPORTS TRAINING BEGINS. IF AN ATHLETE OR UNIFIED SPORTS® PEER PARTICIPATES IN MULTIPLE SPORTS SEASONS, THEY NEED ONLY SUBMIT ONE FORM PER SOWI SPORTS YEAR (I.E., OCTOBER - SEPTEMBER). THE AGENCY MANAGER SHOULD FORWARD ALL SIGNED FORMS TO THE AREA OFFICE BEFORE TRAINING BEGINS AND RETAIN A COPY IN THE AGENCY FILES THROUGHOUT THE SOWI SPORTS YEAR. 

Print Athlete's Name___________________________________________________________________________________

Agency 6-52   Agency Name:   Sauk County Special Olympics 

Parent/Guardian Signature (If athlete is a minor or not their own guardian.) ______________________________________________________

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