The Special Olympics Sports Skills Program Guide is a step-by-step plan for teaching sports skills to people with mental retardation. It can be used in a variety of ways to: Coach Special Olympics athletes for competition Coach participants in a community recreation program Teach in a physical education classroom format Teach as part of a therapeutic recreation setting Teach within a family, just for fun. This guide is designed to meet the needs of a widely diverse group of people, who may also exhibit any number of physical impairments. Suggestions for modifications and adaptations are included.
Contents
Introduction to the Program
Introduction to the Sport
I. Overview of Special Olympics
History
Mission
Philosophy
Operating Policies
Eligibility
Persons with Mental Retardation
Age Divisions
Official and Nationally Popular Sports
Motor Activities Training Program
Unified Sports®
II. Organizing the Program
Coach’s Job Description
Help for the Coach
Recruiting Athletes, Unified Sports® Teammates, and Assistant Coaches
Retaining Athletes and Coaches
Clothing and Equipment
The Facility
Coach’s Safety Checklist
Developing a Season Plan
III. Teaching the Skills of the Sport
Planning a Training Session
Warm-up and Stretching
Basic Skills and Teaching Progressions (Drills; Modifications and Adaptations)
Event or Game Concepts
Basic Rules of the Sport
IV. Improving Athlete Performance
Strength and Conditioning Activities
Home Fitness
Mental Preparation
Cross Training Suggestions
Nutrition
Care of Common Minor Injuries and the Prevention of Injuries
Medical Emergency Awareness; Recommended Emergency Medical Procedures
Home Training Program
V. Getting Ready for Competition
Taking an Athlete or Team to a Competition
Divisioning in Special Olympics
Managing a Small Competition
VI.Additional Resources
Glossary of Terms
Life Benefits of Special Olympics
Infusion Chart
Daily Performance Record
Sport Skills Assessment Record
Other Forms
Download
Special Olympics Sport-Specific Sport Skills Program Guide
