The Special Olympics Texas Information Guide (SIG) contains important information about the policies, sports rules, fundraising guidelines, financial requirements and communications strategies governing Special Olympics Texas.The SIG is updated each year, and all coaches and heads of delegations are required to review and understand the rules.The athlete of the parent or guardian of a minor athlete must sign an informed consent document 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.Special Olympics was created and developed to give individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to train and compete in sports activities.No person shall, on the grounds of gender, race, religion, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, and/or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of Special Olympics.Precautions will still need to be taken for these athletes.The Athlete medical previously included Consent/Participant Release documentation.
Competing in another area’s event is an option only to add additional competition opportunities.
Athletes must play to the best of their abilities, to provide for fair and equitable competition, and must adhere to sportsmanlike conduct. Eligibility is limited to people who have closely related developmental disabilities such as those who have functional limitations, both in general learning and in adaptive skills such as recreation, work, independent living, self-direction or self-care.
When the term “intellectual disabilities” or other similar descriptor is not used to identify the person in a local area, eligibility should be determined by whether or not the person has functional limitations in both general learning and adaptive skills.
Intellectual disability can occur with or without any other physical or mental disorders.
Although reduced level of intellectual functioning is the characteristic feature of this disorder, the diagnosis is made only if it is associated with a diminished ability to adapt to the daily demands of the normal social environment.