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Level 1 Training & Volunteer Application

Level 1 Training & Volunteer ApplicationAnn Forstie2023-03-16T15:39:20-05:00

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  • Thank you for being part of the Special Olympics Minnesota family! The care, concern and talents of athletes, families and volunteers have made Special Olympics one of the most respected sports programs in the world.

    Your participation in this training is just one more way that you demonstrate your dedication. This training is for:
    • Coaches
    • Team Assistants
    • Unified Partners
    • Volunteers with close contact with athletes
    • Volunteers who handle financial assets
    • Young Athlete Volunteers
    • Staff

    Special Olympics Minnesota's (SOMN) Level 1 Training & Volunteer Application process is divided into four parts:
    • Volunteer application
    • General Orientation training
    • Protective Behavior training
    • Concussion training

    This paperwork protects all Special Olympics Minnesota participants.
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  • Volunteer Code of Conduct

  • Volunteers support each aspect of Special Olympics Minnesota's mission and are expected to uphold the following code of conduct while volunteering:
    • I will provide for the general welfare, health and safety of all Special Olympics athletes and volunteers.
    • I will follow all expectations of the volunteer role outlined in the Volunteer Job Description.
    • I will follow the established rules and guidelines of Special Olympics Minnesota and/or any agency involved with Special Olympics Minnesota.
    • I will not promote religious or political beliefs or preferences while volunteering.
    • 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 support event rules and fair play expectations as well as decisions of event managers, referees, judges and SOMN staff.
    • I will praise athletes for their effort.
    • I will request accommodations that will ensure a successful volunteer experience, and I will support the accommodations of others.
    • I will be open to learning new and inclusive ways of fulfilling my volunteer role.
    • I will be receptive to and implement feedback from event managers.
    • I will respect the dignity, talents and skills of each athlete and fellow volunteer.
    The relationship between Special Olympics Minnesota and volunteers is an "at will" arrangement and may be terminated at any time without cause by either the volunteer or Special Olympics Minnesota.
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  • Contact info

  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
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  • Emergency contact information

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  • Background info

  • In accordance with Special Olympics International policy, all Class A Volunteers over the age of 18 must have a criminal background check that includes a check against a national vendor database and the sex offender registry for each State in which the sex offender registry is available. Class A Volunteers include volunteers who have regular, close physical contact with athletes such as coaches, chaperones, Unified Partners, area and local sports management team members, heads of delegation, ALPs mentors, drivers for athletes and volunteers who have administrative or fiscal authority. Special Olympics Minnesota contracts with HireRight to perform our background checks. Once your application has been processed by our office, you will receive an email from [email protected] with a link to confirm your background check. This email may go to your junk or spam folder. The link will be active for 5 days, so please watch your email and spam accounts. Special Olympics Minnesota will incur the cost of your background check.


  • Please check the background check and transportation approval boxes. The next button will appear once you have done so.
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  • Communicable disease waiver

  • WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (“Agreement”) for SPECIAL OLYMPICS

    In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in Special Olympics sports training, competition or fundraising activities, the undersigned acknowledges, appreciates, and agrees that:

    1. Participation includes possible exposure to and illness from infectious and/or communicable diseases including but not limited to MRSA, influenza, and COVID-19. While particular rules and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious illness and death does exist; and,

    2. I KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation; and,

    3. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions for participation as regards protection against infectious diseases. If, however, I observe and any unusual or significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately; and,

    4. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, HEREBY RELEASE AND HOLD HARMLESS Special Olympics, Inc, Special Olympics Minnesota their officers, officials, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event (“RELEASEES”), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL ILLNESS, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, to the fullest extent permitted by law.


  • This is to certify that I, as parent/guardian, with legal responsibility for this participant, have read and explained the provisions in this waiver/release to my child/ward including the risks of presence and participation and his/her personal responsibilities for adhering to the rules and regulations for protection against communicable diseases. Furthermore, my child/ward understands and accepts these risks and responsibilities. I for myself, my spouse, and child/ward do consent and agree to his/her release provided above for all the Releasees and myself, my spouse, and child/ward do release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Releasees for any and all liabilities incident to my minor child’s/ward’s presence or participation in these activities as provided above, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE, to the fullest extent provided by law.
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  • General orientation training

  • Thank you for joining Special Olympics Minnesota! Volunteers are essential to all Special Olympics programming and we are excited for you to join the team! In this Orientation you will learn about Special Olympics Minnesota's:
    • Organization
    • Programs
    • Structures
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    • Mission

    • Special Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Through Special Olympics’ athlete, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world.

      Outcomes
      • Physical fitness
      • Courage and joy
      • Sharing of gifts and skills
      • Friendship with family, athletes and community
    • Vision

    • Special Olympics Minnesota will be recognized as the premier organization providing essential life skills opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Our athletes will derive the full benefit of our mission through multi-level, year round sports opportunities and related health and leadership programs.
    • Structure

    • Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN) became an accredited Special Olympics program in 1973.

      SOMN serves thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities statewide.

      SOMN offers year-round sports training and competition opportunities.

      SOMN also offers recreational and invitational opportunities.

      SOMN conducts state, regional and recreational competitions.

      Regional events feature local teams competing in different Olympic-type sports.

      SOMN offers volunteer training through our coach education program, which provides sports-specific training to more than 500 coaches each year.

      Worldwide, Special Olympics includes more than 4.1 million athletes from more than 175 countries.
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    • Sports offered

    • Winter Season
      January-March
      Alpine skiing
      Poly hockey
      Powerlifting
      Snowboarding
      Snowshoeing

      Summer Season
      April-August
      Basketball
      Gymnastics
      Swimming
      Track & field

      Equestrian
      Golf
      Tennis

      Fall Season
      July-November
      Bocce
      Softball
      Flag Football
      State Bowling
      Special Olympics Minnesota athletes are eligible to compete in a variety of competitions, including:
      Recreational/Invitationals
      Regional competitions
      State competitions
      USA Games (every 4 years)
      World Games (every 2 years)
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    • Statement of eligibility

    • Special Olympics training and competition is for:
      • Persons with an intellectual or developmental disability as identified by an agency or a professional
      • 8 years or older (2-7 year old's are welcome to participate in Young Athletes programming)
      • Person registered with Special Olympics as participant

      • American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities:

        Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning (reasoning, learning, problem solving) and in adaptive behavior, which covers a range of everyday social and practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 18.

        Developmental disability is an umbrella term that includes intellectual disabilities but also includes physical disabilities. Some developmental disabilities can be strictly physical, such as blindness from birth. Some developmental disabilities--such as autism or cerebral palsy--might include intellectual disabilities. Other developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome and fragile X syndrome, could also include intellectual disabilities. Intellectual disabilities can also be caused by social factors.

        Atlanto-Axial Instability

        Approximately 10 percent of individuals with Down Syndrome have a condition called atlanto-axial instability, which is a mal-alignment of the cervical vertebrae C-1 and C-2 in the neck. This condition may cause possible injury if they participate in activities that hyper-extend or radically flex the neck or upper spine. These athletes are prohibited from the following activities, unless examined by a physician: butterfly stroke and diving starts in swimming, diving, pentathlon, high jumps, squat lifts, equestrian sports, artistic gymnastics, soccer, alpine skiing and any warm up exercise placing undue stress on the head and neck.

        Blood-borne contagious infection carriers

        No accredited program or games organizing committee may exclude, isolate, or discriminate from participation in any Special Olympics training or competition any athletes who is known to be a carrier of a blood-borne contagious infection or virus.
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    • Background check information

    • If you are a....

      Coach
      Coaches must receive the results of their background check before Errors & Exceptions deadlines for all competitions.

      Coaches will be scratched if their results have not come back before this deadline.

      Coaches who have started the background check process, but have not gotten their results by the deadline can attend competitions but will not count towards required coach ratios.

      Unified Partner

      Unified Partners msut complete their Background check before the Errors& Exceptions deadlines for all competitions.

      Young Athlete Volunteers
      Young Athletes volunteers must receive the results of their background check before participating in a Young Athletes site.
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    • Sports organization

    • Special Olympics is different from other sports organizations because:

      Sports opportunities for all are available.
      SOMN employs divisioning in competition.
      'Divisioning' is combining athletes or teams with similar skill levels using age, gender, and ability.
      * Ages and gender may be combined if this achieves a more accurate matching of ability.
      All participants receive an award.
      Athletes are eligible for advancement to higher levels of competition.

      Advancement to higher level competition

      Applies to USA and World Games only

      Higher level competitions have a minimum training requirement (10 hours within eight weeks prior to a culminating competition) with a certified Special Olympics coach.

      Training and competition must be in the same sport in which the athlete will compete.

      If quotas are limited, priority is given to first-place finishers from all divisions of the sport/event based on eligibility requirements. If the number of first-place finishers exceeds the quota, athletes are selected by random draw.
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    • Additional opportunities for athletes

    • Unified Sports
      Unified Schools
      Young Athletes
      Athlete Leadership Program (ALPs)
      Healthy Athletes
      SOfit
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    • Play Unified

    • Unified Sports

      Unified Sports are inclusive competitions that combine individuals with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Special Olympics Minnesota offers Unified Sports in basketball, bowling, bocce, tennis, golf, gymnastics, swimming, track & field, volleyball, softball and flag football.

      Unified Sports enables athletes and Unified partners to:
      • Experience meaningful inclusion
      • Build an inclusive environment in their school, community and team
      • Socialize with peers and develop new friendships
      • Participate in their communities and have choices outside of Special Olympics
      Watch a video featuring Unified Sports at Orono High School
      Learn more about Unified Sports

      Unified Schools

      Special Olympics Unified Schools is an education- and sports-based strategy powered by an engaged youth community. The program aims to increase athletic and leadership opportunities for students with and without intellectual disabilities while creating inclusive school communities.

      The three pillars of the program are:
      • Inclusive Youth Leadership
      • Unified Sports
      • Whole School Engagement
      Watch a video about Unified Schools
      Learn more about Unified Schools

      Young Athletes

      Young Athletes is an innovative sports play program for children ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. It's designed to introduce them to the world of sports prior to Special Olympics eligibility at age eight.

      The goals of Young Athletes are to:
      • Engage children with intellectual disabilities through developmentally appropriate play activities designed to foster physical, cognitive and social development.
      • Welcome family members of children with and without intellectual disabilities to the Special Olympics network of support.
      • Raise awareness about the abilities of children with intellectual disabilities through inclusive peer participation, demonstrations and other events.
      • Develop skills for success as a future Special Olympics athlete:
        • Foundational skills
        • Balancing & jumping
        • Trapping & catching
        • Kicking
        • Walking & running
        • Throwing
        • Striking
        • Advanced skills
      Learn more about Young Athletes
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    • Leadership & health programs

    • Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs)

      The Mission of Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs) is to empower athletes to develop leadership skills and utilize their voices to assume meaningful leadership roles, influence change in the Special Olympics movement, and educate communities around the world that results in positive life changes.

      Training classes include Athletes as Coaches, Beginning Global Messenger, Graduate Global Messenger, Athletes as Volunteers, Governance and Leadership 101, Challenges Through Choice, Health & Wellness Ambassador, DIFFERbilities in Youth Leadership, & Athletes as Ambassadors.

      Learn more about ALPs

      Healthy Athletes

      The mission of Healthy Athletes is to improve athletes’ ability to train and compete in Special Olympics. The program is designed to improve athletes health and fitness, leading to enhanced sports experience and improved well-being. Healthy Athletes has seven disciplines:
      • Special Smiles (dental screening)
      • Healthy Hearing (hearing screening)
      • MedFest (sports physical exam)
      • Fit Feet (podiatry screening)
      • FUNfitness (physical therapy/education)
      • Opening Eyes (eye exam)
      • Health Promotion (health information and seminars)
      Learn more about Healthy Athletes

      SOfit

      Special Olympics Minnesota’s SOfit health promotion program is a Unified approach to improving and protecting health and wellness for people with and without intellectual disabilities. SOfit offers participants a comprehensive, 360-degree look at wellness and the human spirit. Together, athletes and Unified partners are empowered to challenge and change the way they look at diet, daily exercise and lifestyle choices.

      Learn more about SOfit
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    • Myths & benefits

    • Common myths about Special Olympics
      • Only for kids
      • Held just once per year
      • Offers just a few sports
      • Only for people with disabilities
      • Not inclusive
      • Too expensive
      • Funded by the United Way
      These statements are all FALSE! Special Olympics is available to anyone regardless of their abilities or interest level, and we thank you for your support in this mission!

      Proven benefits of Special Olympics participation
      • Improved strength, stamina and motor skills
      • Improved self-esteem and self confidence
      • Healthy, skill-dependable employees
      • Greater independent participation in the community
      • Increase social skills through teamwork, interaction with peers and people without intellectual disabilities
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    • Get involved

    • Every Special Olympics Minnesota program and event depends on volunteers like you! If you're interested in any of our other volunteer roles, please contact [email protected].

      Volunteer roles include:

      Coaches
      Unified partners
      Day-of event volunteers
      Healthy Athletes clinicians
      Donors & fundraisers
      Local Sports Management
      Volunteer Event Management
      Young Athletes instructor
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    • Putting it all together

    • Training is essential.

      Competition is the means to success.

      Skill, confidence, courage and joy are the outcomes of participation.

      Better preparation for life is the goal of SOMN programs.

      Participation results in lifelong skills and increased independence.

      Special Olympics Athlete Oath

      "Let me win,
      But if I cannot win,
      Let me be brave in the attempt."
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    • General orientation quiz

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    • Protective Behaviors training

    • CONTENT ALERT: This training contains mature content. If you're a minor, we recommend that you take this training with a parent or guardian.

      The main objective of this training is the prevention of sexual abuse of Special Olympics athletes and youth participants. It will also briefly address physical and emotional abuse.

      Actions Special Olympics has taken to protect athletes
      • Require Protective Behavior training
      • Establish volunteer screening
      • Compose a Code of Conduct for athletes, coaches, parents/guardians and spectators
      • Enact policy prohibiting volunteers or staff in authority positions from dating athletes
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    • Screening policy

    • The foremost goal of the volunteer screening policy is to protect the safety and well-being of athletes. Special Olympics screens prospective Class A volunteers and rescreens every three years. If screening reveals criminal history involving certain offense, the volunteer is prohibited or restricted from participation.

      Who is a Class A volunteer?

      A Class A volunteer is someone who:
      • Has regular, close physical contact with athletes.
      • Is in a position of authority over or supervision of athletes.
      • Is in a position of trust of athletes.
      • Handles substantial amounts of cash or other assets of the program.
      Examples:
      Coaches
      Unified partners
      Chaperones
      Overnight hosts
      Drivers of athletes
      Board members
      Fundraising event committee members
      Games management team members

      Benefits and limitations

      Volunteer screening is a tool that Special Olympics uses to help protect athletes, but it isn't foolproof. For example, many predators do not have criminal records.

      As a volunteer, it's your responsibility to be vigilant and report any behavior or activity that doesn't appear appropriate based on your personal experience or warning signs identified in this presentation.
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    • Codes of Conduct

    • Codes of conduct are in effect and enforced for athletes, coaches, volunteers and parents/spectators. All Special Olympics programs are required to have a code of conduct for athletes and coaches. The codes list the minimum standards set by Special Olympics.

      Each program is responsible for establishing guidelines for sanctions related to breach of these codes of conduct. Included in the codes of conduct are references to the prohibition of volunteers or staff in authority positions dating athletes.

      Special Olympics Minnesota's Codes of Conduct

      Athlete Code of Conduct
      Coach Code of Conduct
      Volunteer Code of Conduct
      Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct
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    • Prevention

    • Recognizing sexual predators

      A sexual predator could be anyone. There is no “look” or behavior pattern that sets them apart.

      Sexual predators:
      • Target vulnerable populations (such as children and individuals with an intellectual disability)
      • Come from all backgrounds
      • Can identify as any gender
      • Are often very likable and have warm personalities
      • May have limited relationships with other adults
      Remind athletes and families that not everyone who comes to a Special Olympics Minnesota event is a volunteer who has been screened and is assumed to be “safe.”

      Inappropriate behavior

      Inappropriate gifts, trips, outings or other gestures of affection from a volunteer include:
      • Invitations for sleepovers at a volunteer’s house
      • Invitations to parties at a volunteer's house where parents or care providers are not included
      • Excessive displays of interest in a particular athlete or group of athletes (such as all male athletes or only athletes under the age of 13)
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    • Best practices

    • For athletes requiring assistance with changing, toileting or showering, it's preferable to have two volunteers are present.

      Private conversations with athletes should be within sight of others who are aware of the conversation.

      Hugs should respect both athlete and volunteer limits and never be secretive.

      Touching should avoid areas a traditional swimsuit would cover.

      Be aware of unusual or inappropriate gifts, trips, affection or attention from a volunteer.

      Be aware of relationships between volunteers and athletes that become private or secretive.

      Be clear and direct about pointing out inappropriate behavior.

      Tips for travel

      Separate sleeping rooms by gender.

      Assign roommates based on similar age, maturity and size.

      Establish a plan for checking on each room/athlete.

      Clearly explain rules and behavior expectations of both chaperones and athletes before each trip.
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    • Emotional and physical abuse

    • Prevent emotional abuse

      Profanity is never allowed.
      Treat athletes with respect and provide encouragement.
      Don’t allow demeaning nicknames even among teammates.
      Discipline should be part of a meaningful behavior modification strategy and never acted on in anger.

      Prevent physical abuse

      Corporal punishment is never allowed no matter who says it is OK.
      Withholding food or water is maltreatment and strictly prohibited.
      Only give prescribed medications in accordance with state regulations (consult the Special Olympics Minnesota office for those regulations).
      Be aware of athlete sensitivity to temperature, sound and touch.
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    • Recognizing abuse

    • Look for these signs of abuse:
      • Changes in behavior*
      • Depression
      • Withdrawal (including loss of interest in participation in Special Olympics events)
      • Thoughts of or attempts at suicide
      • Aggression
      • Immature acts
      • Sleep disturbances
      * Behavioral changes may be the only visible clue that an athlete is the victim of abuse. Abuse causes stress and victims often exhibit stress related behavior. Uncharacteristic changes in behavior that last more than a few days indicate a possible need for interventions, but are not a certain indicator of abuse as there are other causes of stress. Conversely, the absence of behavioral indicators does not indicate a lack of abuse.

      Injuries

      Injuries to genital areas may indicate sexual abuse; for example, cigarette burns on the inside of the upper leg or on the buttocks. Tether marks or rope burns and abrasions caused by tying wrists, ankles, or the neck are also indicators of probable abuse.

      Some athletes are prone to injuries as a consequence of athletic competition. The location of the injury may indicate whether the injury was due to abuse or competition. Injuries that happened due to athletic competition are most likely to be on the shins, knees, elbows, etc. They are less likely to be on the abdomen, across the back, on the back of the legs, or on the facial cheeks.

      Possible signs of neglect
      • Unattended medical needs
      • Inappropriate clothing for the climate and weather conditions
      • Chronic hunger and poor personal hygiene
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    • Reporting suspicious activity

    • Suspicious activity should be reported to Special Olympics staff.

      Reports will be reviewed and reported as appropriate.

      Suspensions may be utilized during investigations.

      Special Olympics reserves the right to expel athletes or volunteers as a result of suspected or confirmed physical, sexual or emotional abuse of a Special Olympics athlete.

      When you report an incident, be prepared to answer questions like:
      • What makes you think this activity is suspicious?
      • When did you witness and/or first suspect the activity?
      Who to tell

      If the activity is during Special Olympics functions, tell Special Olympics Minnesota leadership (preferably staff).

      If you suspect that an athlete is in immediate danger, notify the police, and then Special Olympics Minnesota staff.

      If you are a mandatory reporter under your state’s laws, report as required by statue in addition to the report you file with Special Olympics Minnesota.

      Reporting is NOT the same as accusing. It just alerts professionals to investigate.

      Mandatory reporter

      Nearly all states have laws that require some individuals to report suspected abuse (such as teachers, health care providers, etc.). In some states, everyone is a mandatory reporter.

      Familiarize yourself with Minnesota's reporting requirements
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    • Protective Behaviors quiz

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    • Concussion training

    • Concussions can result in long-term physical, mental, and emotional problems. You can’t always prevent a head injury in sports, but there are things you can do to give athletes the best chance of recovery if a concussion happens.

      After this training, you’ll know how to recognize and respond to a concussion.
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    • Defining concussions

    • What is a concussion?

      Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes a person’s head to move rapidly back and forth. ”

      All concussions are potentially serious. They can cause short- and long-term problems featuring physical, emotional and/or cognitive changes.

      Concussions can happen in any sport.

      How does a concussion occur?

      A bump, blow or jolt to the head can cause a concussion, as can a forceful collision with another player or the ground. An athlete doesn’t have to be hit in the head to have a concussion. 9 out of 10 concussions do not include a loss of consciousness.

      Observing your players

      Concussions can happen any time in any sport. Concussions have many different symptoms, some of which aren’t very obvious. It’s important to observe your athletes and to know what to watch for. Be sure to have equipment that properly fits your players and is appropriate for the sport.
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    • Concussion symptoms

    • Headache
      Neck pain
      Pressure sensation
      Double or fuzzy vision
      Balance problems
      Dizziness
      Memory problems
      Sluggishness
      Feeling foggy
      Sensitivity to light and or noise
      Nausea
      Sleep problems
      Difficulty concentrating

      Does your athlete have a concussion?

      An athlete might have a concussion if they:

      Appear dazed or stunned
      Seem confused
      Forget plays or instructions
      Are unsure about game, score or opponent
      Move clumsily (altered coordination)
      Exhibit balance problems
      Show changes in mood, behavior or personality
      Respond slowly to questions
      Forget events before or after the hit/fall/injury
      Lose consciousness

      When does a concussion require emergency medical attention?

      If a concussion is serious enough, an athlete may require immediate medical attention.

      Rush an athlete to an emergency department immediately if an athlete:
      • Loses consciousness
      • Is persistently vomiting
      • Becomes increasingly more confused or restless
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    • Three phrases to remember

    • Remember the three simple phrases to know what to do if you suspect a concussion.

      When in doubt, keep ‘em out.
      If you suspect a concussion, keep them out until you have received clearance from the athlete’s healthcare provider.

      Stand tall. Make the call.
      A good coach errs on the side of caution.

      No play without okay.
      Don’t let any concussed athlete return to play without medical clearance. Don’t let them play, even with medical clearance, if you are still noticing signs and symptoms.
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    • Reporting a concussion and returning to play

    • If you suspect that an athlete has suffered a concussion:
      • Provide a letter to the athlete’s parent, guardian or care provider.
        This letter instructs the athlete that they must see a healthcare provider and receive medical clearance before returning to play.
      • Complete a Special Olympics Minnesota Accident Report form.
        Send the form to the SOMN office at [email protected] within 72 hours of the incident.
      Returning an athlete to play

      Return to play is a medical decision. One of the following must occur if a concussion is suspected:
      • The athlete must sit out for a minimum of 7 consecutive days and a healthcare provider must provide written clearance for the athlete to return to play.

        or
      • A healthcare provider must determine that the athlete did not suffer a concussion and provide written clearance for the athlete to return to play immediately (no 7 day wait is necessary).
      The athlete must have a note from a healthcare provider before he/she can play again. This note must be sent to the SOMN offices at [email protected] for inclusion in the athlete’s file.

      Return to play progression

      An athlete must be free of all symptoms and be cleared by a healthcare provider. If an athlete is cleared by a healthcare provider, but you still notice that they are exhibiting symptoms, pull them from play and repeat the reporting process.

      Cognitive and physical rest are both needed to heal from a concussion. Every concussion is different and a healthcare provider will provide specific instructions to return the athlete to play.

      Coaches must follow the instructions of the healthcare provider to ensure the athlete doesn’t experience a second injury. This may include gradually increasing the athlete’s intensity upon return to the sport.
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    • Concussion training review

    • Follow the game plan
      • If you suspect an athlete has a concussion, keep them out of the game.
      • Complete the correct paperwork and inform the athlete’s parent, guardian or care provider.
      • Don't let the athlete play again until they've been cleared by a healthcare provider and you have a note stating that the athlete can return to play.
      Remember the three phrases

      When in doubt, keep ‘em out.

      Stand tall. Make the call.

      No play without okay.

      Get more information on the Concussion Policy and forms
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    • Concussion quiz

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    • Consent & waiver of liability

    • Background check reminder
      In accordance with Special Olympics International policy, all Class A Volunteers over the age of 18 must have a criminal background check that includes a check against a national vendor database and the sex offender registry for each State in which the sex offender registry is available. Class A Volunteers include volunteers who have regular, close physical contact with athletes such as coaches, chaperones, Unified Partners, local sports management team members, heads of delegation, ALPs mentors, drivers for athletes and volunteers who have administrative or fiscal authority. Special Olympics Minnesota contracts with HireRight to perform our background checks. Once your application has been processed by our office, you may receive an email from [email protected] with a link to confirm your background check. The link will be active for 5 days, so please watch your email. It may go to your email's junk or spam folder. If your background check is current, you will not receive an email until it expires. Special Olympics Minnesota will incur the cost of your background check.
    • I agree to the following:

      I affirm under penalty of perjury, that all answers are truthful and understand that Special Olympics Minnesota (SOMN) may refuse to allow me to volunteer if I provide incorrect information or withheld information. The information that I have provided will be verified, and I give permission to SOMN to make an inquiry of others concerning my suitability to act as a SOMN volunteer. The relationship between SOMN and volunteers is an "at will" arrangement and it may be terminated at any time without cause by either the volunteer or Special Olympics.

      1. Ability to Participate. I am physically able to take part in SOMN activities.

      2. Likeness Release. I give permission Special Olympics, Inc., Special Olympics games/local organizing committees, and Special Olympics accredited Programs (collectively “Special Olympics”) and Special Olympics partners and sponsors to use my likeness, photo, video, name, voice, words, and biographical information to promote Special Olympics, raise funds for Special Olympics, and acknowledge partners’ and sponsors’ support for Special Olympics.

      3. Risk of Concussion and Other Injury. I know there is a risk of injury. I understand the risk of continuing to participate with or after a concussion or other injury. I may have to get medical care if I have a suspected concussion or other injury. I also may have to wait 7 days or more and get permission from a doctor before I start playing sports again.

      4. Emergency Care. If I am unable, or my guardian is unavailable, to consent or make medical decisions in an emergency, I authorize SOMN to seek medical care on my behalf.

      5. Health Programs. If I take part in a health program as a participant, I consent to health activities, screenings, and treatment. This should not replace regular health care. I can say no to treatment or anything else at any time.

      6. Personal Information. I understand that SOMN will be collecting my personal information as part of my participation, including my name, image, address, telephone number, health information, and other personally identifying and health related information I provide to Special Olympics (“personal information”).

      I agree and consent to Special Olympics:
      • using my personal information in order to: make sure I am eligible and can participate safely; run trainings and events; share competition results (including on the Web and in news media); provide health treatment if I participate in a health program; analyze data for the purposes of improving programming and identifying and responding to the needs of Special Olympics participants; perform computer operations, quality assurance, testing, and other related activities; and provide event-related services.
      • using my personal information for communications and marketing purposes, including direct digital marketing through email, text message, and social media.
      • sharing my personal information with (i) researchers, such as universities and public health agencies, that are studying intellectual disabilities and the impact of Special Olympics activities, (ii) medical professionals in an emergency, and (iii) government authorities for the purpose of assisting me with any visas required for international travel to Special Olympics events and for any other purpose necessary to protect public safety, respond to government requests, and report information as required by law.
      • I have the right to ask to see my personal information or to be informed about the personal information that is processed about me. I have the right to ask to correct and delete my personal information, and to restrict the processing of my personal information if it is inconsistent with this consent.
      • In the course of volunteering for Special Olympics, I may be dealing with confidential information and I agree to keep said information in the strictest confidence.
      • Privacy Policy. Personal information may be used and shared consistent with this form and as further explained in the Special Olympics privacy policy at specialolympics.org/privacy-policy.aspx.

      7. Background Check Authorization. [APPLIES TO ADULTS 18 YEARS & OLDER] I authorize Special Olympics to conduct a background check on me. Refusal to do so will exclude me from consideration for most types of volunteer work with Special Olympics. This background check may be done through a third party. The background check may include an inquiry into my employment, education, driving, and/or criminal history. I understand that Special Olympics may rely on information provided or discovered to determine whether I may participate in Special Olympics activities. I authorize investigators to conduct a background check as described in this form. I further authorize any third parties or agencies who may be in possession of the requested information, to disclose such information in connection with this background check.

      8. Waiver and Liability Release. I understand the risks involved with participation in Special Olympics activities. I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages I may incur as a result of my participation. I hereby release and agree not to sue any Special Olympics organization, its directors, agents, volunteers, and employees, and other participants (“Releasees”) related to any liabilities, claims, or losses on my account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the Releasees. I further agree that if, despite this release, I, or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim against any of the Releasees, I will indemnify and hold harmless each of the Releasees from any such liabilities, claims, or losses as the result of such claim. I agree that if any part of this form is held to be invalid, the other parts shall continue in full force and effect.

      I affirm that I have read and understand the above information and that the information I have given Special Olympics Minnesota is true and complete.


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