SPECIAL OLYMPICS PENNSYLVANIA WESTERN BOWLING SECTIONAL - COACHES HANDBOOK MARCH 17, 2018 2018
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2018
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
PENNSYLVANIA
WESTERN
BOWLING
SECTIONAL
COACHES
HANDBOOK
MARCH 17, 2018
1
WESTERN BOWLING SECTIONAL
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Dear Coaches,
Welcome to the 2018 Western Bowling Sectional!
This handbook is provided as a supplement to the material that your delegation has already
received by email. Review this document carefully. If you have any questions before or during
the event, then please contact Mike Ermer, Western Competition Director at (800) 235-9058,
ext 243.
The committee and I are really excited to be back in Erie for this year’s WBS!
Please note, we are continuing to use our unique schedule for the event! We are NOT
meeting at a High School for registration and opening ceremonies, your delegation will go
directly to their respective bowling venues. All programs are responsible for feeding their
delegation on the way to the competition. Boxed lunches will be provided for your return
home following the competition.
We sincerely hope our efforts result in a successful and memorable experience for each of your
athletes and coaches.
Best of luck to you and your athletes!
FACT SHEET
EVENT: 2018 Western Bowling Sectional
DATE: March 17, 2018
SITES: Eastway Lanes
Greengarden Lanes
Westway Lanes
SOPA LIAISON: Mike Ermer, Competition Director West
Special Olympics Pennsylvania
200 Cedar Ridge Drive, Suite 214
Pittsburgh, PA 15205
(800)233-5161x243/ ermer@specialolympicspa.org
(724) 375-9183 Fax / (607) 435-0693 Cell
FORMAT: One day bowling competition in singles, doubles,
and traditional team and Unified Sports® team and
doubles competition
ATHLETES: 310
COACHES: 90
VOLUNTEERS: 200
PROGRAMS: Allegheny, Armstrong/Indiana, Beaver, Butler,
Crawford, DuBois/Jefferson, Elk/Cameron, Erie
City, Erie County, Fayette, Lawrence, McKean,
Venango/Forest, Warren, Washington and
Westmoreland2018 WESTERN BOWLING SECTIONAL
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Time Event Location
11:30 a.m. - 12:15 Delegation Registration Respective Lanes
11:30 a.m. Scorekeeper Registration Respective Lanes
12:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies Respective Lanes
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Competition Respective Lanes
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Awards Respective Lanes
4:10 Closing Ceremonies Respective Lanes
4:15 p.m. Tentative Departure2018 WESTERN BOWLING SECTIONAL INFORMATION
Alternates:
Alternates will only attend the competition in place of scratched athletes or coaches.
Athletes may be registered in only one event for each competition unless registration
forms indicate that registration for or competition in multiple events is allowed. In
addition, an individual may be listed as an athlete or an alternate on only one team.
For Individual Sports, alternates must be activated by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday prior to
the start of a competition in order to be eligible to compete. Individual sports include
Bowling Singles and Ramp Assisted and Ramp Unassisted.
For Team Sports, we encourage activation by the Monday prior, but will continue to
accept scratches and activations of alternates up through the end of registration at the
event. Team sports include Bowling Doubles and Four Person Team.
Forms will be sent to the Sports and Competition Coordinator after the registration
deadline for use in submitting all scratches and activations. To activate alternates, call
the Pittsburgh Office (800) 233-9058 ext 243, email Mike Ermer
(mermer@specialolympicspa.org) or let the registration desk know the morning of
competition.
Qualifying events - only athletes listed on sectional rosters will be eligible to attend Summer Games. No
athlete/partner/alternate can be added after the sectional entry information deadline for Summer Games.
Attire:
Athletes, Coaches and Unified Partners participating in this competition must wear appropriate sports attire (i.e., no
jeans, cleats, or spikes.) for competition. A reminder that no commercial advertising may be worn by the athlete
during ceremonies, competition, or awards.
A. If an athlete is not appropriately attired, they will not be able to participate. Jeans are not
appropriate for any competition. Athletes traveling long distances who may not have time to
change should arrive in appropriate attire.
B. T-Shirt Color - Please refrain from wearing solid red or orange T-shirts during special events. Special
events include opening and closing ceremonies, dances, and Olympic Village. Red denotes our
medical team and orange, our security team. We have chosen these colors so that our essential
volunteers can be easily identified and quickly located during a time of need at our special events.
Awards:
Awards will be presented immediately following each division. Athletes placing first second or third in their division
will receive a gold, silver or bronze Special Olympics sectional medal, respectively. Athletes placing fourth, fifth,
sixth, seventh or eighth in their division will receive the pertinent ribbon.
A. Athletes who are disqualified or do not finish will receive a participant ribbon.
B. Athletes who do not compete or are disqualified for misconduct will not receive an award.
C. If a tie occurs the two teams/individuals will receive the same placement and the next
team/individual will receive the placement for the order they finished. (Example: If two teams tie
for first place the two teams receive gold medals and the next placed team receives bronze medals.)
Coaches:
All delegations are required to bring a 1:4 coach/athlete ratio for all competitions. This means that there must be
one volunteer coach for every four athletes.
A. It is the responsibility of each coach to be neat in appearance and well groomed. A coach should
dress in an appropriate manner for competition and wear clothing that is moderately fitting and in
good taste. We encourage coaches to set a good sport example for their athletes which include not
wearing jeans during competition.
B. Head coaches must be a minimum of 18 years of age for one day and overnight events.
C. Assistant Coaches for one day events must be 16 years of age or older.
D. All coaches must have one role during trainings or, in particular, during competitions. This means
that sports directors, heads of delegations, officials or games management team members shouldnot be registered as coaches at competitions within the 1 coach to 4 athlete ratio. Coaches, athletes
or Unified Sports partners may not chaperone family members during competition.
E. All coaches attending this event , must have all of the following:
o A record in the SOPA database.
o Completed the Special Olympics Pennsylvania on-line General Orientation.
o Completed the Special Olympics Protective Behaviors Trainings & Concussion
Training within the past 3 years.)
o Have a current (within the past 3 years) Pennsylvania State Criminal Record
Check on file prior to the start of the season.
o Concussion training
Federation of State High School Associations Concussion in Sports
training course which is available at
https://nfhslearn.com/courses/38000
The Center for Disease Control’s Heads-Up Concussion in Youth
Sports training course, which is available at
http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/online_training.html
Coaches Sport Certification-
A. One coach from each sport must be certified. If the program cannot provide at least one certified
coach, that delegation will be scratched.
B. If you have not taken a continuing education clinic in the last three years your certification
may have expired. Please check with your training coordinator or email
jtresp@specialolympicspa.org
Competition Notice:
Coaches will not be permitted past the steps leading to the bowling competition area. If coaches, parents, or
spectators enter this area, it could result in the disqualification of the athlete. The rules committee has the final
decision in this matter.
Departure:
Before departing, each head coach should return all athletes’ and coaches’ empty credential holders, head coach
bibs and evaluation forms to the information/registration table. Please dispose of the ID card inside the credential
holder before returning it.
Divisioning:
Divisions are determined based upon bowling averages, gender and age. Athletes in the same division will compete
on the same set of lanes. Any athlete that does not have a 15-game scratch average submitted will be placed in a
division of his/her own and will receive a participant ribbon.
Bowling Handicap:
Per Special Olympics Bowling rules we use a 100% handicap. To determine the handicap use the following formulas:
Singles – 200 minus the 15-game average
Doubles – 400 minus the 2 athletes’ combined 15-games average
Team – 800 minus the 4 athletes’ combined 15-games average
The handicap is added to the athlete’s bowled score for each game. The total of the athletes three bowled game
scores plus their three handicap scores (1 for each game) are added together to determine the athletes final score
for placement and awards.
Example:
Athlete has a 15 game average of 120. Athlete’s handicap is 80 (200-120=80)
Athlete bowls three games with scores of 100, 120, and 125.
The athletes final score for placement and awards would be 100+80+120+80+125+80=585
Emergency Situations and Medical Assistance:
In case of a seriously injured participant, please see the medical staff in red shirts (near First Aid signs) immediately
and notify Mike Ermer or another SOPA staff member at the venue. A First Report of Accident (Incident Report)Form should be completed by the medical staff and head coach and returned to Mike Ermer at the end of the day.
You will be instructed of any emergency plans that the facility utilizes for fires, tornadoes, and other emergency
situations at the head of delegation and coaches’ meetings. Medical assistance will be available at all three houses.
Coaches should keep a copy of each athlete's medical with them or put it in each athlete's credential holder. We
also suggest each coach have a copy of his new volunteer form listing medical concerns and insurance information.
The HOD should keep a copy of all volunteer forms listing medical information of their coaches.
Suspected or Confirmed Concussion:
A participant who is suspected of sustaining a concussion in a practice, game or competition shall be removed from
practice, play or competition at that time. If a qualified medical professional is available on-site to render an
evaluation, that person shall have final authority as to the removal or return to play of the participant
Lost Athletes: If an athlete should become lost, the following steps should be taken:
Contact a SOPA staff member or committee member (purple shirt/white print);
Contact your head coach/HOD.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
In case of inclement weather forecast, Mike Ermer will call the heads of delegation by 5:00 p.m. Saturday to cancel
or change the affected competition.
If this event is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, it will not be rescheduled.
The names of all athletes interested in attending the 2018 Summer Games names will be placed in a hat and
the allocations will be drawn from those names. Managers will receive a list of drawn athletes on the Monday
following the event.
**Please see additional emergency procedures at the end of this handbook.
Equipment:
Athletes and delegations should bring their own regulation personal equipment (bowling balls, shoes, ramps, etc.).
Please clearly label all personal equipment with full name and delegation. Contact the State Office at 800-235-9058,
ext. 234 for lost items.
Facilities:
Eastway Lanes has 24 lanes and will host singles.
Greengarden has 16 lanes and will host all teams, doubles, ramp assisted, and ramp unassisted
competitions.
Westway Lanes has 28 lanes and will host singles.
Plenty of parking spaces are available in front of each facility.
All venues are smoke-free during the sectional. All venues have snack bars open to the public.
Family Information:
A listing of local food establishments is located at the end of this handbook. Special Olympics encourages spectators
to come to our events and experience the inspiring achievements of our athletes. We're counting on our families to
help us maintain a supportive and positive environment so that everyone involved-- athletes, coaches, officials,
spectators, volunteers-- enjoys the moment and keeps coming back for more.
Forfeits:
Any individual/team who elects to forfeit a game must seek the approval of the sports rules committee. If approved,
the individual/team will take a loss for that game. If denied, the bowler must bowl or be disqualified from the
tournament.
Sportsmanship:
Athletes, who do not participate honestly and with maximum effort in all events, or in a sportsmanlike manner, may
be disqualified from future events. It is the head of delegation’s responsibility to ensure that the scratch or league
average be submitted to the committee and updated if necessary prior to the event.
Meals:
Delegations are responsible for the meal in route to the competition. Following competition a boxed lunch,
consisting of a sandwich, chips, piece of fruit, and beverage will be provided for each member of thedelegation.
Protests:
Protests may be filed by the certified head coach only. Any other person attempting to file a protest will
be immediately rejected.
The head coach must file the protest within thirty (30) minutes after the completion of the protested
competition or event.
All forms must be obtained and submitted to the scorer's/announcer's or awards table at the venue or to the
venue coordinator.
The rules committee will then rule on the protest. The members of the Bowling Rules committee will be
announced at the head coaches meeting; will include Committee member, head coach and SOPA staff member.
The head coach filing the protest will be notified of the decision. Head coaches may then appeal to the Games
Rules committee (submit to the scorer's table) and have the games committee paged. Games Committee
members are Event Director, Bowling Sport Director and Western Competition Director (SOPA Senior Sports
Director will be pulled in if necessary).
Protests may be filed based on a misinterpretation of a playing rule or on the failure of a judge or official to
apply the correct rule or penalty. No protests will be accepted on matters involving a judgment call by officials.
Refund Procedures:
If Special Olympics Pennsylvania cancels the event due to inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances and no
competition occurs, then a full refund will be issued to each program and the event will not be rescheduled. If a
county scratches all or part of their delegation after the letter of intent deadline, then no refund will be provided to
the program. You will be responsible for any requested athletes granted whether they attend the event or not.
Registration:
Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. at each respective venue. Your head of delegation or designated coach
can register your county. Please declare all scratches at this time. A welcoming packet will be provided. It
will contain the following:
Athlete Credentials:
Name
Area/County
Head Coach
Lane Assignment, Division, & House
Medical Information (on back of credential)
Coaches’ Credential
Any Updated Information or Schedules
Credentials- (Policy taken from Management Team Reference Library “Bylaws and Policies” section found of
the SOPA Database Resource tab.) All Special Olympics Pennsylvania programs will register athletes with
SOPA (on a local or state level) competition according to the procedures governing any particular event. If
anyone is not pre-registered at any given event and it is brought to the attention of a volunteer or staff
member, the following will take place.
A. The coach will be directed to stop the activity until arrangements for home transportation are finalized.
This transportation will be the responsibility of the program in violation.
B. After a complete review and verification of the circumstances by the manager of the home program, the
event liaison and the president of SOPA, and it is determined that the coach/volunteer did in fact cause
the deception intentionally, she will be removed from our volunteer listing for no less than one year.
Spectator Seating:
During competition, spectators may view the competition from behind the bowling circle; no spectators may
enter the bowling circle or steps leading to the lanes. This may cause disqualification of an athlete.
Volunteers:
One volunteer escort will be assigned to each lane rather than to an athlete. In addition, one volunteer
scorekeeper will be assigned to each set of two lanes. Any family members or friends wishing to volunteershould register at the time noted in the schedule after all volunteer groups have registered. We ask that any family members or friends not keep score on the lane where their athlete is assigned to prevent any problems (please notify the Bowling House coordinator if this were to happen).
SPECTATOR GUIDELINES
(These guidelines are for all SOPA events – training, competitions, fund raising, social, etc.)
As fans (family, friends, and supporters) of Special Olympics Athletes, you can play a positive role at SOPA events by
following these suggested guidelines:
1. Please refrain from using abusive or offensive language towards anyone - especially toward officials, coaches, and
opponents.
Lead by positive example.
Keep your emotions under control. Don’t let your emotions interfere with our mission or oath.
Remember, these individuals are volunteers and amateur athletes.
It may help if you understand the rules of the event. If you need further information or clarification, ask
your home program for a copy of the rules pre-event or during the season so you’re a well-informed
fan/spectator.
2. Special Olympics venues are positive encouraging arenas. Please conduct yourself appropriately.
Lead by positive example.
De-emphasize winning and losing.
Let the coaches’ coach the players - refrain from shouting instructions.
Provide general cheers or positive comments after the fact/play. (Remember to abide by sport-specific
rules (i.e., silence at the start of races, during a tee-off in golf.)
3. Spectators are provided designated area. (You are prohibited in the competition and/or training areas. Only
coaches and athletes who are participating may be in these areas.)
Lead by positive example.
Failure to comply with the above guidelines may result in penalties being assessed toward your
program/team/delegation or you being escorted from the venue.
DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN! ENJOY BEING A GREAT FAN!2018 WESTERN BOWLING SECTIONAL
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
SAFETY AND SECURITY & OVERALL POINTS OF INTEREST
Please be sure to read over the following safety and security points. As always, the safety of all Special Olympics participants is
our utmost priority. As a coach, it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of the athletes in your care.
A. Be sure all athletes and coaches are wearing their credentials at all times.
B. Be generally aware of your surroundings. Seek out a SOPA security volunteer or staff member if
anything seems suspicious to you.
C. Carry a copy of all athlete medicals and coach volunteer forms (updated ones listing medical concerns
and insurance information) with you at all times.
D. Carry emergency phone numbers (in the coaches’ handbook) with you at all times.
E. Meet and get to know any “day of” volunteers who are assigned to your group.
F. Be sure athletes know not to go off alone with unknown persons or to carry anything for anyone.
G. Carry a cell phone if you have one and write down/carry cell phone numbers of other coaches in your
delegation. If you are an HOD, make sure that the games committee has your number.
H. Remember that there is a zero tolerance policy in effect for any pranks concerning safety issues by
athletes, coaches, and volunteers. Anyone violating that policy will be asked to leave the event with potential for further
action.
I. Set up (if not already in place) a phone chain with parents and families back home so that they can be
notified of an early arrival or a change/cancellation in the schedule, which may happen before, during, or at the end of the
event.
J. Carry a flashlight in your backpack.
Don’t let all your great training go to waste!!! Practice good hygiene habits all the time!
Please remind everyone to;
Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer;
Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until they are healed;
Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages;
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or clothing;
Routinely clean commonly used items like athletic equipment. Don’t forget to clean if athletes share
equipment (helmet, pads, etc.);
Do not share cups, glasses, dishes, or cutlery;
Avoid touching your face — eyes, nose, and mouth — with your fingers; and
Cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue.
MEETING POINTS IN EVENT OF EMERGENCY
Easyway - Front Parking Lot
Green Garden - Front Parking Lot
Westway – Front Parking LotIf there is a fire at a venue and you need to leave the facility, be sure coaches have accounted for all their athletes and
fellow coaches. When leaving the building, follow instructions of SOPA staff/facility personnel and use nearest exit
door. Stay where instructed until notified by SOPA staff.
PROCEDURES FOR TOTAL EVACUATION FROM AREA
If SOPA has to ask delegations to evacuate from the Games completely, the following procedures will be followed:
SOPA will notify each HOD by phone or through a meeting (if time permits) of need to evacuate. We have a master
list to ensure we contact everyone.
If we are only leaving the vicinity and not the Games entirely, we will provide a meeting point and directions.
If the games have been cancelled and we are sending delegations home, we will give you any time constraints and
any evacuation routes to follow if appropriate.
Heads of delegation will account for all coaches and athletes and their belongings.
HOD will secure transportation for trip out of area.
Once everyone is accounted for, HOD will call (610) 329-1591 or (856) 366-6396 and either talk to Mike Ermer,
SOPA Liaison, or leave a message on voice mail with the following information:
o Your name
o Delegation
o Time of departure
o Final destination
o If possible, phone number where delegation can be reached (cell phone of HOD, coach, or bus company if
available)
If an athlete is missing and the delegation is ready to depart, contact a staff person at the venue you may be
leaving from. If time is crucial and you need to leave the area, one staff person and one coach/volunteer from your
delegation will stay behind to look for the missing athlete and the rest of delegation will depart. Once the athlete is
found, the coach and staff person will make plans to either meet up with the delegation if nearby or the staff
person will arrange to take all parties back to home program.2018 WESTERN BOWLING SECTIONAL
SPORTS RULES
All rules and any modifications thereof will be strictly adhered to the National Governing Body (NGB), United States
Bowling Congress (USBC), and the Official Special Olympics Summer Sports Rules found on the Special Olympics
Website (specialolympics.org). It is advised that these rules be followed for proper training of all athletes. Below is a
brief synopsis of the general rules and modifications to be followed in preparation for this year’s event. Please refer to
the Special Olympics Rules Book and National Governing Body Rules for a more complete listing of rules to be adhered
to during this competition.
BOWLING NGB: United States Bowling Congress (USBC)
A. Official Event Update:
a. Ramp Unassisted Bowl
i. Athlete aims ramp into position unassisted
ii. Athlete positions ball on the ramp with assistance and pushes ball down ramp toward target. An
assistant must have his/her back to the pins at all times.
iii. A bowler may be allowed to bowl up to three frames consecutively.
iv. Delegations are responsible to provide the athlete with a ramp.
b. Ramp Assisted Bowl
i. An assistant may aim the ramp toward the pins, but must at all times have his/her back to the pins
and aim based on direction (either verbally or by physical cures) from the athletes.
ii. A bowler may be allowed to bowl up to three frames consecutively.
iii. Delegations are responsible to provide the athlete with a ramp.
B. Handicap Tournament – Handicapping is a means of placing bowlers and teams with varying degrees of skill
levels on as equitable basis as possible for their competition against each other. In Special Olympics the
handicap is normally based on 100% difference of the bowlers’ average and 200.
a. Singles – 200 minus the 15-game average
b. Doubles – 400 minus the 2 athletes’ combined 15-games average
c. Team – 800 minus the 4 athletes’ combined 15-games average
C. Equipment
a. Bowling Shoes
i. Must be worn during bowling for the safety if the athletes.
ii. The bottom of the shoes needs to stay clean and dry so the bowler does not stick on the approach.
iii. Bowling shoes provided by the bowling center may also be worn.
D. Foul Definitions:
a. A foul occurs when a part of the player’s person encroaches on or goes beyond the foul line and
touches any part of the lane, equipment or building during or after the delivery.
b. When a player deliberately fouls to benefit by the calling of a foul, the player shall be credited with
zero pin fall for that delivery and not allowed further deliveries in that frame.
c. When a foul is recorded the delivery counts but the player is not credited with any pins knocked down
by that delivery. Pins knocked down by the ball when the foul occurred must be re-spotted if the
player who fouled is entitled to additional deliveries in the frame.
d. A foul shall be declared and recorded if the automatic foul detecting decide or foul judge fails to call a
foul that is apparent to:
i. Both captains or one or more of the opposing players
ii. The official score keepers
iii. A tournament Official
e. A foul judge shall be appointed by the tournament director when needed.
f. Foul lights will be in use throughout all levels of this competition.
E. Dead Ball
a. A ball shall be declared dead if any of the following occur:
1. After a delivery (and before the next delivery on the same lane), attention is immediately called
to the fact that one or more pins were missing from setup of the pins.
2. A player bowls on the wrong lane or out of turn. Or one player from each team on the pair of
lanes bowls on the wrong lane.3. Any pin is moved or knocked down as a player delivers the ball but before the ball reaches the
pins.
4. A delivered ball comes in contact with a foreign obstacle.
F. Bowling on the Wrong Lane
a. A dead ball shall be called and the players or players required shall re-bowl on the correct lane when one
player bowls on the wrong lane.
b. A dead ball shall be called and the player or players required shall re-bowl on the correct lane when one
player from each team on the pair of lanes bowls on the wrong lane.
c. If more than one player on the same team bowls on the wrong lane in turn, that game will be completed
without adjustment. Any succeeding game must be started on the correct scheduled lane.
G. Illegal Pinfall
a. When any of the following occurs the delivery counts but the resulting pin fall does not:
1. A ball leaves the lane before reaching the pins
2. A ball rebounds from the rear cushion
3. A pin rebounds after coming in contact with the body, arms or legs of a human pinsetter
4. A pin is touched by mechanical pin setting equipment
5. Any pin knocked down when dead wood is being removed
6. Any pin knocked down by a human pinsetter
7. The player commits a foul
8. A delivery is made with dead wood on the lane or in the gutter and the ball contacts such dead
wood before leaving the lane surface
H. Scoring and Terms
a. All games bowled in a tournament shall be recorded, either manually or by means of an approved
automatic scoring device. The score sheets shall indicate the pin fall on each ball so that if necessary a
frame-by- frame audit can be made.
i. Scoring – except when a strike is scored, the number of pins knocked down by the player’s first
delivery is to be marked in the small square in the upper left-hand corner of that frame, and the
number of pins knocked down by the player’s second delivery is to be marked in the upper right-hand
corner. If none of the standing pins are knocked down by the second delivery in the frame, the score
sheet shall be marked with a (-). The count for the two deliveries in the frame shall be recorded
immediately.
ii. Strike – a strike is made when a full up of ten pins is knocked down with the first delivery in a frame. It
is marked by an (X) in the small square in the upper left-hand corner of the frame where the strike was
made. The count for one strike is ten plus the number of pins knocked down on the player’s next two
deliveries.
iii. Double – two consecutive strikes is a double. The count for the first strike is 20 plus the number of pins
knocked down with the first delivery following the second strike.
iv. Triple or Turkey – Three successive strikes is a triple/turkey. The count for the first strike is 30. To bowl
the maximum score of 300, the player must bowl 12 strikes in succession.
v. Spare – a spare is scored when pins left standing after the first delivery are knocked down with the
second delivery in that frame. It is marked by a (/) in the small square in the upper right-hand corner of
that frame. The count for a spare is 10 plus the number of pins knocked down by the player’s next
delivery.
vi. Open – when a player fails to bowl down all 10 pins after two deliveries in a frame, unless the pins left
standing after the first delivery constitute a split, it is called an open frame.
vii. Split – normally marked with an 0 around the number of pins is a setup of pins left, standing after the
first delivery, provided the head pin is down and:
a. at least one pin is down between two or more standing pins: i.e. 7-9 or 3-10
b. at least one pin is down immediately ahead of two or more standing pins: 5-6viii. Errors in Scoring – or errors in calculation must be corrected by a responsible tournament official
immediately upon discovery of such error. Questionable errors shall be decided upon by the
designated official.
ix. The time limit for filing protests on scoring errors shall be one hour from the end of the event or block
of games for each day of the tournament, but must be before the prize presentation or the
commencement of the next round (or event) whichever is sooner.
x. Each protest under this rule must be specific in itself and this rule shall not be construed to cover a
previous or similar violation.
I. Divisioning:
a. Divisions will be determined based upon ability, age and gender.
J. COACHING
a. Coaching will be allowed as long as the coach remains in the designated coaches’ area.
b. Only one coach allowed per team (in singles event 2 athletes per coach).
c. Athletes may go to their coach but, athletes cannot leave the bowlers’ area and no delay of game may
occur.
K. ABSENT OR WITHDRAWL OF BOWLERS
a. Doubles Play (2 persons) – for a doubles competition a legal line-up is considered to be two players. If a
player is unable to attend on the day of competition, the doubles pairing becomes void.
b. Team Play (4 persons) – for a team competition a legal line-up is considered to be four players. If any
player is unable to attend on the day of competition, the team becomes void. * Note – national
programs may allow a team of 3 to compete but must re-division the team on the sum of the three
averages.
c. Bowlers who complete at least three frames and cannot continue will receive one-tenth of their average
per remaining frames toward their event score.
d. Bowlers who do not start or bowlers who do not complete three frames receive a zero score toward
their event score and are not eligible for an award.
L. Finish:
a. Each athlete will bowl one three-game series.
b. The order of finish will be the total of three games plus the athlete’s 3-game handicap.
c. Doubles or team scores will be the total of all team members’ final 3 game scores plus the doubles or
team’s 3-game handicap.
M. Unified Sports Competition:
a. Unified Sports® doubles or teams shall consist of an equal number of athletes and partners (1 &1, 2 & 2).
b. The final score for the Unified Sports team shall be the sum of each competitor’s total score (including
team 3-game handicap).
c. Bowlers on a Unified Sports team may be assigned to bowl in any order.
N. Summer Games Selection:
a. In order to qualify for Summer Games, the following criteria must be met:
1. The Special Olympics athlete or team must place first in his/her division in the respective event.
2. The coach must designate the athlete or team for selection by marking the box next to the
name on the entry form (Summer Games Selection).
3. For singles, the athlete’s name must be chosen as one of the top thirty (30) to proceed to state
competition.
4. The team’s name must be chosen as one of the top three (3) in either Traditional or Unified
Sports Team Play or as one of the alternate teams during the random selection at Closing
Ceremonies.
5. For Doubles, the team name must be chosen as one of the top three in either Traditional
Doubles or Unified Sports® Doubles. .
b. If there are an insufficient number of gold medalists to meet the above quota, then silver medalists will
qualify for the selection, and so on.WHY SPECIAL OLYMPICS OFFICIALS ENFORCE RULES
Taken from the 1991 Special Olympics International Games Volunteer Handbook
If you watch a coach working with Special Olympics athletes, you will notice a great deal of
emphasis on learning the rules. Also, if you watch a Special Olympics competition, you will see
officials strictly enforcing those rules.
Because Special Olympics is a sports program for people with Intellectual Disabilities, people
sometimes question the "fairness" of such strict rule enforcement. As veteran coaches will tell you,
knowing and playing by the rules is one of the biggest benefits Special Olympics offers its athletes.
Why?
1. Special Olympics athletes are capable of learning and competing within sports rules.
Challenging them in this manner adds to the pride and sense of accomplishment they
experience.
2. It is unfair to athletes who are properly trained and who are following the rules to compete
against others who are not.
3. Many Special Olympics athletes eventually move on to other sports programs (in schools,
recreation departments, etc.). They will be better prepared for that transition if learning and
competing by rules is one of the skills they take with them.
Special Olympics uses organized sports training and competition as a vehicle for children and adults
with intellectual disability to grow as complete individuals. Enforcing sports rules plays an
important role in that process. Join us in helping Special Olympics athletes discover how much they
can do.2018 WESTERN BOWLING SECTIONAL
COACHES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Coaches attending this and all events must accept and adhere to the following responsibilities:
Technology is becoming more and more a part of our lives. Please be mindful of this and enforce the appropriate use of
cameras, imaging and digital devices. For example, use of such devices in showers, restrooms, or other areas where
privacy is expected by participants is prohibited.
Do not leave your athlete unattended at any point. Keep his/her safety and welfare in mind at all times.
Be sure that prescribed medications are taken at appropriate times. Do not let volunteers hold athlete medication.
Practice good hygiene habits all the time! Please remind athletes and assistant coaches to also practice good hygiene
habits found on page 9 of this handbook.
Orient each volunteer on his/her assigned athlete. The volunteer should be acquainted with the athlete’s event schedule,
medical and physical needs, and behavioral habits.
Do not consume any alcoholic beverages or any controlled substances such as cigarettes, or chewing tobacco.
Know when and where all activities are taking place and ensure that your athletes are there on time.
Be responsible for all athletes and their actions during the day (see Code of Conduct).
Return all credential holders, without ID labels, at the registration table before departing.
Complete and return an evaluation form to help improve the event for you and your athletes for the next year. Athletes
are welcome to complete a form also.
Head coaches are responsible for having athletes present at staging when events are announced.
Absolutely no coaches or spectators will be permitted beyond the staging area unless a specific request is made at the
head coaches meeting. Any special needs athletes requiring additional assistance should be declared at this meeting.
Athletes or coaches may not change events the day of competition from the listed events on the entry forms. They may
scratch athletes from events, however.
Accompany or have an assistant coach or athlete escort take all athletes to activities.
Ensure completion of athlete incident report if needed, and return to the SOPA liaison.
The head coach should have a copy of each athlete’s medical (as well as all coach medical information) or place a copy of
the medical in athlete’s credential holder.
Thank you for your help and cooperation!Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Code of Conduct – Revised November 2015
In an effort to become a more inclusive organization, Special Olympics Pennsylvania has created a Code of Conduct to help everyone
of all ability levels understand how to appropriately conduct themselves and make SOPA a safe and fun organization for everyone
involved.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
Respect & Sportsmanship:
I will respect participants, coaches, officials, volunteers, spectators, training/competition facilities, SOPA Staff, and myself.
I will respect the decision of officials and SOPA staff and will communicate any difference of opinion I may have in
accordance to SOPA guidelines.
I will respect all individuals regardless of their ability or limitations.
I will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times regardless win or lose.
Behavior:
I will wear appropriate attire with pride to the delegation that is required at all times.
I will keep my appearance and hygiene appropriate at all times.
I will not use profanity or insulting language and/or gestures while representing Special Olympics PA.
I will not smoke, use tobacco products, consume alcohol or take any drugs or drugs not prescribed to me while representing
Special Olympics PA.
I will not take pictures and/or videos of participants, coaches, officials, volunteers, spectators and SOPA Staff that may make
them or someone else uncomfortable or are inappropriate.
I will not engage in inappropriate contact, relationships, or any other physical/verbal/sexual advances or any conduct that
may make someone else feel uncomfortable.
I understand SOPA’s No Dating Policy between athletes and volunteers/staff and I will contact SOPA’s Senior VP of
Programming if further explanation is required.
I will represent Special Olympics PA with appropriate behavior in competitive and non competitive situations which include,
but are not limited to: restrooms, locker rooms, housing and dining facilities.
Responsibility for Actions:
I know that personal belongings (cell phone, hand held audio/video devices, wallet, keys, etc.) I bring to training,
competition, and traveling are my responsibility and my local program and/or SOPA are not responsible.
I will express any concerns I may have to the appropriate person in a positive manner.
I will obey all local, state and Federal laws.
I will follow all rules implemented by SOPA and/ or the host of any other event I am representing Special Olympics PA.
ATHLETE/UNIFIED PARTNER GUIDELINES
Responsibility for Actions:
I will not use my cell phone and any other electronic devices while training and competing unless in an emergency.
If I am caught using a personal device at an inappropriate time and/or in an inappropriate manner (i.e. making a phone
call/texting during training and competition), I understand the device I used may be taken away by my coach(es) or local
management team member for a period of time. I will follow all training, competition and travel instructions by my coach(es).
I will stay with my delegation at all times.
I will use locker rooms and housing facilities appropriate to my gender.
Honest Effort:
I will learn and follow the rules of my sport.
I will give my best effort while training and competing.
I will not hold back during preliminary rounds by playing below my ability level to get placed into an easier division.
Well-Being:
I will have my Application for Participation current prior to the start of the season.
I will communicate all changes that may occur on my Application for Participation during any season.
COACH/LOCAL PROGRAM VOLUNTEER GUIDELINES
Responsibility For Actions:
I will not use my cell phone and any other electronic devices while training and competing unless in an emergency.
I will ensure my team is aware that they may lose the use of their personal electronic devices for a period of time if used
inappropriately (i.e. making a phone call/texting during training and competition).
I will make sure my team follows instructions while training, competing, and traveling.
I will chaperone the athletes and unified partners assigned to me.
I will make sure my team uses locker rooms and housing facilities appropriate to their gender.
I will make sure my sports knowledge and coaches training is up to date to ensure a positive experience and safety of the
athletes.
Honest Effort:
I will follow the rules of my sport and will educate my team if needed.
I will ensure that accurate scores are provided for entry into any event.
I will encourage my team to give their best effort during training and competition.
I will not encourage my team to hold back during preliminary rounds by playing below their ability level to get placed into an
easier division.
Well-Being:
I will make sure that I always have the most up to date copies of Application for Participation forms for my team during each
training and competition.
In cases of severe injury and/or illness (i.e. concussion) I will ensure approval of a certified medical professional before
allowing a sick/injured member to resume physical activities.
I will read and take note of limitations that anyone on my team may have that are included on their Application for
Participation.
In the event the violation is serious and/or compromises the environment, the individual(s) will be asked to leave the
premises. Arrangements for transportation will be made at the expense of the individual(s).
Note: All Misconduct Report Forms are kept on file to document recurring violations. SOPA reserves the right to impose
stronger sanctions on repeat offenders.
All decisions are final and no protests will be accepted.MISCONDUCT/BEHAVIOR REPORT
Directions: This form is to be used to document (kept on file) or report misconduct or behavior incidences involving anyone (athlete,
volunteer, staff, spectator, etc.) with Special Olympics Pennsylvania. Once fully completed, please forward to the appropriate individual(s)
(Program Manager, Event Director, SOPA Staff, etc.) who will follow up as appropriate. Please be sure that your Program Manager receives a
copy for his/her files and any future incidences involving the same individual(s).
NOTE: Please consult your program manager or SOPA staff before imposing suspension(s).
THIS REPORT SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND FORWARDED FOR
FOLLOW UP WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE INCIDENT.
WHO was involved?
Name: Name:
Address: Address:
City, State: City, State:
Day Phone #: ( ) Day Phone #: ( )
Evening Phone #: ( ) Evening Phone #: ( )
E-Mail: E-Mail:
SOPA Program: SOPA Program:
Name: Name:
Address: Address:
City, State: City, State:
Day Phone #: ( ) Day Phone #: ( )
Evening Phone #: ( ) Evening Phone #: ( )
E-Mail: E-Mail:
SOPA Program: SOPA Program:
WITNESS PERSON completing this report
Name: Name:
Address: Address:
City, State: City, State:
Day Phone #: ( ) Day Phone #: ( )
Evening Phone #: ( ) Evening Phone #: ( )
E-Mail: E-Mail:
SOPA Position: SOPA Position:
SOPA Program: SOPA Program:
WHERE (venue court, hotel room, training site locker room, fundraising event, etc.) did the incident occur?
Name of SO Event: Exact Location:
City:
WHEN did the incident occur? (Please provide as much detail as possible.)
Date Day Time
-OVER-SIDE TWO-
WHAT occurred? (Please provide as much detail as possible.)
WHAT action or follow up occurred on site or to date? here if not involved with the follow up:____If more room is needed, please attach additional sheets.
For SOPA or Local Program Use Only
RESULT/ACTION taken?
Date by which authority (Manager, SOPA, official, etc.) will notify parties involved: __________________
Timeframe for the result/action? (I.e., Suspended for a year, overnight travel restricted for a month, etc.)
Beginning Date End Date
WHO conducted the result/action?
Name:
Address:
City, State:
Day Phone #: ( )
Evening Phone #: ( )
E-Mail:
SOPA Program:
SOPA Position/Relationship to Athlete:
ADDITIONAL information pertinent to this situation/athlete(s):
Cc: Manager, SOPA (Event Staff Liaison, Field Director, etc.)
Parent/Guardian of Athlete\
Other: ________________________________
Revised October 21, 20032018 Western Bowling Sectional
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
EVENT CONTACT INFORMATION:
Pittsburgh Office (800) 233-1561 x 243
Mike Ermer, SOPA Western Comp. Director (607) 435-0693 (cell)
Eastway Lanes (814) 899-9855
4110 Buffalo Road, Erie, PA 16510
Greengarden Lanes (814) 315-2731
1583 W 38th Street, Erie, PA 16508
Westway Lanes (814) 774-4071
8674 Ridge Road, Girard, PA 16417
LOCAL HOSPITALS:
Millcreek Community Hospital (814)864-4031
5515 Peach Street
Erie, PA 16509
St. Vincent Hospital (814)452-5000
232 W 25th Street
Erie, PA 16544
UPMC Hamot (814)877-6000
201 State Street
Erie, PA 16550
Fire/Police 911
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