Athlete: Special Olympics athletes are 8-year-old and
older and have an intellectual disability, a cognitive delay, or a
developmental disability. Athletes who are 7 years old can train in a
sport but cannot compete.
Unified Partner (Class A): Volunteer that is 8-year-old and older who trains and competes alongside an athlete.
Coach (Class A): Head Coaches are responsible for developing and
implementing a comprehensive sport training program that enables athletes to
build sport-specific skills and must be 18 years or older. Assistant Coaches
support the Head Coach in this role and must be 16 years or older. All Coaches
(Head and Assistant) must be 18 or older to supervise athletes at overnight
competitions. Coaches who are 16 or 17 years old may serve at training sites
and one-day competitions.
Team Volunteer (Class A): Team Volunteers assist at training sites, ensuring a
1:4 athlete-to-volunteer ratio is maintained. This role can include providing
general supervision and support to the sport team, as well as more direct, 1:1
support to individual athletes as needed. Team Volunteers are authorized to
supervise athletes and travel with the team for competitions. Volunteers in
this role must be 18 years or older for overnight competitions. Individuals who
are 16 or 17 years old may serve as Team Volunteers at training sites and
one-day competitions.
General Volunteer (Class
B): General Volunteers offer support
at local training sites under direct supervision, with limited direct athlete
contact. This role is open to individuals aged 14 and older who are either new
to the organization or seeking a less direct level of engagement. They are not
authorized to independently supervise athletes, chaperone, or travel with the
team for any competitions. Individuals who regularly attend training sites and
wish to have more direct interaction with athletes are expected to register as
Class A/Team Volunteers to ensure appropriate background screening and
training. Current Class A volunteers should not register as General Volunteers.