2021 Summer Games Event Guide - Special Olympics Maryland
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2021 Summer Games Event Guide Friday June 11, 2021 – Sunday June 13, 2021* Towson University / Kiwanis Wallas Park (*Please note that Swimming will be held on June 26, 2021 in Saint Mary’s County at Great Mills Swimming Pool and will be covered in a separate document.)
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE
Table of Contents
(click to go directly to each section)
Welcome Letter ..................................................................... 4
Vision, Mission, Values ............................................................. 5
Important Phone Numbers ......................................................... 6
Towson University Campus Map ................................................... 8
Tentative Schedule of Events ..................................................... 9
Social Media At Summer Games .................................................. 9
Games Management Team Members ........................................... 10
General Competition Information .............................................. 13
Swimming Competition........................................................... 15
Athletics Competition ............................................................ 17
Bocce Competition ................................................................ 31
Cheerleading Competition ....................................................... 39
Softball Competition ............................................................. 52
Delegation Information........................................................... 62
HOD/Head Coach Responsibilities ....................................... 62
On-Site Registration ....................................................... 65
Games Control Center ..................................................... 66
Meals and Food Information .............................................. 68
Ceremonies ................................................................. 68
Transportation & Parking on Towson Campus ......................... 70
Rain/Inclement Weather Plan ............................................ 71
Games Evaluation .......................................................... 72
Driving Directions to Towson University ....................................... 73
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2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE Codes of Conduct ................................................................. 74 Equalization of Competition..................................................... 84 Medical Information .............................................................. 85 Concussion Information .......................................................... 87 Emergency Procedures ........................................................... 89 Missing Athlete Procedure ....................................................... 89 Protecting Special Olympics Athletes .......................................... 90 Local Restaurants ................................................................. 94 Local Banks & Grocery/Convenience Stores .................................. 95 CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE Dear Delegations, Families, Spectators, Volunteers, and Guests, We are proud to welcome you to the 2021 Special Olympics Maryland Summer Games! The 2021 Special Olympics Maryland Summer Games are again hosted by Towson University, and the wonderful community in Baltimore County, Maryland, as well as Howard County at Kiwanis Wallas Park and Saint Mary’s County at Great Mills Swimming Pool. The weekend of June 11-13, our Special Olympics athletes and Unified® partners will compete in the sports of; athletics, bocce, cheerleading, and softball. Saturday, June 26*, will see our swimmers competing at Great Mills. We wish all athletes, Unified® partners, and coaches the best of luck. If we can be of any assistance during the competition, please let us know. Thank you for your assistance in making the 2021 Special Olympics Maryland Summer Games a wonderful event for over 400 athletes and Unified® partners! Enjoy the Games, Special Olympics Maryland & the Games Management Team *Details related to the swimming competition will be covered in a separate document. CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE Our Vision Special Olympics Maryland will be the leader in life- long and Unified® sports programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, empowering athletes to be valued members of their community and respected members of society. Our Mission The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year- round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Our Values • Community connections and bridges • Friendships for life • Integrity by “doing the right thing” • Opportunity to excel • Quality in all we do • Sportsmanship and fairness for all CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 5
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE
Important Phone Numbers
Games Control Center
Minnegan Room, Unitas Stadium 410.704.5527
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Emergency Contact Information
Emergency 911
Poison Control Center 800.222.1222
Towson University Police 410.704.4444
Campus and General Contact Information
Special Olympics Maryland Headquarters 410.242.1515
Towson University 410.704.2000
Baltimore County Contact Information
Baltimore County Fire Department 410.307.2052
Baltimore County General Information 410.887.0000
Baltimore County Health Department 410.832.7179
Baltimore County Police Department 410.887.2222
Hospitals and Medical Services
American Red Cross Headquarters 410.624.2000
American Red Cross Emergency 410.624.2040
Franklin Square Hospital 443.777.7000
Greater Baltimore Medical Center 443.849.2000
Northwest Hospital 410.521.2200
St. Joseph’s Hospital Emergency Room 410.337.1226
St. Joseph’s Medical Center 410.337.1000
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2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 7
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE
Tentative Schedule of Events
Friday June 11, 2021
Softball Competition at Kiwanis Wallas Park in Ellicott City, MD
• Visit the Softball portion of this Event Guide for details.
Saturday June 12, 2021
Cheerleading (Soccer Stadium) and Bocce (Burdick Fields) Competition at Towson
University
• Please visit the Cheerleading and Bocce potions of this Event Guide for details.
Virtual Athlete Dance
• https://somd.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcocO2vqjksGdAEkN9Ig7v4EH56lGGTO1hw
Sunday June 13, 2021
Athletics (Track & Field) Competition at Towson University (Unitas Stadium)
• Please visit the Athletics potion of this Event Guide for details.
Other Important Notes
• There will be Health Screening stations at each venue for volunteers and delegation.
members. Delegation members must complete health screening in order to compete or
be seated with their delegation.
• Each competition venue will have an individual Venue Opening Ceremony at the start
of each day/session. There will not be an overall Opening Ceremony.
• Merchandise can be purchased through the SOMD website:
https://www.somd.org/?s=merchandise - but will not be available on site in 2021.
• Families are always appreciated and SOMD recognizes the efforts of the families in the
preparation of the events. Due to the pandemic protocols, there will not be a Family
Social in 2021.
• Seating for delegation members and spectators will be separated at each venue.
• Masks are to be worn at all times – with the exception of competitors and coaches
while engaged in physical activity, as well as certain management personnel and lead
volunteers in positions as approved by SOMD.
• All attendees are asked to practice social distancing and comply with SOMD requests as
made to ensure the safety of all attendees during the event.
• There will not be food services (meals) provided to families or delegation members at
the event. Individuals are asked to make their own arrangements for snacks and meals
during the event.
o Note: Bottled water will be available to athletes and volunteers.
o Note: Individuals are encouraged to bring their own water bottle.
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2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE INSERT SOCIAL MEDIA PAGE / INFORMATION CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 9
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE
Games Management Team Members
Games Director Steve Bennett
Competition
Athletics Competition Director Ron Freeman
Bocce Competition Directors Kendall Zeswitz, George Hergenhahn (Asst.)
Cheerleading Competition Director Anna McCauley
Softball Competition Directors Allan McCauley, Rick McCauley (Asst.)
Tom Baker (Asst.)
Swimming Competition Director Neil Coffee
Director of Volunteers Sam Boyd
Operations & Support
Technology and Programs Mike Czarnowsky
Control Center & Ops Dawn Furlough, Bill DePauw, Jayne French
Ceremonies and Athletics Awards Tom Humphreys (Press Box Announcer)
Elizabeth Miller (Awards Co-Director & Ceremonies)
Therese Sorrentino (Awards Co-Director & Ceremonies)
Food & Logistics Services (water / ice) Matt Otwell (Director)
Paul Hergenhahn
David Weckesser
Kelly Ednock
Jarret Crumback
Towson University Liaisons
Event and Conference Services Scott Beyer, Sue Fata
Athletic Facilities Management Bill Murphy
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Athletics Committee & Officials Softball Committee
Mike Bovino Tommy Baker
Ed Dubois Anne Marie Baker
Rhonda Garrison Anna McCauley
Bill Hergenhahn Debbie Credito
Tom Humphreys Danielle Weddle
Chris McGuinness Rick McCauley
Susan Oppold Ralph Eggen
Scott Rippeon
Darrel Smith
Mary Ellen Stephens Food Services Committee
Bill Sullivan Calvin Anthony
Kathy Szeliga Matt Cerbus
Antonio Washington Josh Crumback
Bill Wood Jordan Crumback
Jason Zimmerman Theresa Donahue
Dan Jaskiewicz Jim Hergenhahn
Elizabeth Miller Adam Marcus
Jeff Hagen Tammie Monaco
Mark Olsen
Bocce Committee & Officials Alec Travers
Lucio Corsini Kyle Travers
Mark Giampa
Bryan Goehring Volunteer Services Committee
Colin McGuire Justin Byram
Carolyn Roney Rachael Dockter
Juliette Wallace
Daniel Bassindale
Cheerleading Committee & Officials Zach Andreas
Gregory Collins Ben Poindexter
Kristen Goldstraw Taylor Line
Carla Bowyer Ethan Brown
Angie Feehly
Rick McCauley
Tracy McCauley
Allan McCauley
Patty Yakel
Don Yakel
Debbie Credito
Danielle Weddle
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SOMD Additional Staff Leads & Liaisons
Athletics Ryan Kelchner
Bocce Ryan Kelchner
Cheerleading / Softball Melissa Anger
Operations Zach Cintron
Local Programs Jeff Abel
Communications/Media Alexa Carney, Kira Northrop,
Maddi Magnum
LETR Awards Presenters Betsy Jiron
Donors Frank Ferrell, Sue Jacobs
Risk Management Rhonda Garrison
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General Competition Information
The Official Special Olympics Summer Sports Rules (available at
www.specialolympics.org) shall govern all Special Olympics competitions.
As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these
rules based upon International Sports Federation (ISF) and National
Governing Body (NGB) rules for each sport. NGB rules shall be employed
except when they are in conflict with the Special Olympics Sports Rules.
In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply.
General Competition Rules
• Athletes are required to wear appropriate competition attire as
defined in the Sports Rules. Athlete uniforms must comply with the
requirements of each sport.
• Athletes will be divisioned according to the Official Special
Olympics Summer Sports Rules. Athletes will be divisioned based
upon age, gender and ability. Some age groups may be combined to
offer the best competition opportunities for the competitors.
• It is the responsibility of each coach to submit the best entry score
for each competitor.
• Athletes entered in fundamental events will be entered in other
events only at the discretion of the Competition Director.
• Each Delegation must designate one head coach for each sport and
one head coach for each Cheerleading team. Head coaches must
meet all requirements for being designated as the head coach.
• Only the sport-specific head coach for a Delegation may file
protests (with the exception of Athletics – see Athletics section for
details). Protests may be appealed to the Games Rules Committee.
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 132021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE Protest Procedures Only an athlete’s/partner’s certified head coach may file a protest on behalf of the athlete/partner. No protests will be accepted from other coaches, athletes, partners, chaperones, volunteers or family members (with the exception of athletics where USATF rules permit an athlete/partner to file a protest on his/her own behalf). Protests may only be made on the application of sports rules, not on the judgment of officials. Protests must be on a Special Olympics Protest Form and must be submitted to the Control Center at the appropriate sports venue within 30 minutes after the posting of the results for the specific competition in question (15 minutes for Bocce). For all sports, a specific competition is complete when the results for that competition (heat, flight or game) are posted at the venue. The Sports Rules Committee will rule on each protest within two hours of its receipt. The decision of the Sports Rules Committee may be appealed by the Head of Delegation to the Games Rules Committee. Appeals must be filed within 24 hours after the coach receives notification of the protest ruling; appeals must be submitted to the Games Director: Steve Bennett electronically via email to sbennett@somd.org by the Area Director. The decision of the Games Rules Committee is final. Sports Rules Committees listings are included in each sport section or will be provided at the Head Coaches Meeting. Protest and Appeals Forms will be available at the Control Center at each sports venue and at the Games Control Center. CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 14
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE Swimming Information CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 15
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE
SWIMMING
Competition Dates: Saturday June 26, 2021
Time of Competition: Under Review
Location: Great Mills High – Pool (St. Mary’s County)
Great Mills, MD 20634
Competition Director: Neil Coffee
Head Rules Official(s): Rob Dobry – USA Swimming
National Governing Body: USA Swimming – www.usaswimming.org
Anticipated Participants: 35 Athletes
Swimming Information
Note: Additional information pertaining to Swimming will be provided
under a separate Guide for those participating on June 26, 2021.
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2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE
ATHLETICS
Competition Dates: Sunday, June 13th
Time of Competition: 9:00 a.m. Coaches Meeting
9:45 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
Location: Towson University – Unitas Stadium
Competition Director: Ron Freeman
Head Rules Official: Chris McGuinness
National Governing Body: USA Track and Field – www.usatf.org
Anticipated Participants: 95 Athletes
Entries: Athletes may enter a maximum of two
individual events.
Spectators: Areas will be available for spectators
including handicap seating. All spectators
must only sit in the designated locations in
the stands of Unitas Stadium.
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Track Events Offered Field Events Offered
• 25 Meters • Long Jump
• 50 Meters • High Jump
• 100 Meters • Shot Put
• 200 Meters o Men: 4.0 kg/ 8.8lbs
• 400 Meters o Women: 3.0kg/6.6lbs
• 25 Meter Walk o Men (8-11 years):
• 50 Meter Walk 3.0 kg/6.6 lbs
o Women (8-11 years):
2 kg/4.4 lbs
o Wheelchair:
2kg/4.4lbs
• Mini Javelin
o Men: 400g
o Women: 300g
o Men and Women (8-15
years): 300g
• Standing Long Jump
• Softball Throw
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 192021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE Athletics Rules of Competition The Official Special Olympics Summer Sports Rules (available at www.specialolympics.org ) shall govern all Special Olympics Athletics competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) and the National Governing Body rules for Athletics (USA Track & Field). NGB rules shall be employed at these Games except when they are in conflict with Special Olympics Sports Rules. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply. Athletics Sports Rules Committee (composition per USATF rules) • Ron Freeman – Competition Director • Chris McGuinness – Referee • Bill Wood – Assistant Referee • Mike Bovino – Alternate Athletics Rules of Competition: Complete, detailed rules of competition can be obtained on the Athletics Page of SOMD’s Coach Resource Pages (https://www.somd.org/coach/coach-resources/athletics-2/). Protests NGB rules (USATF rules) permit competitors as well as head coaches to file protests. Special Olympics Maryland views this rule as an excellent opportunity for on-going development for our athletes. We do have concerns about some athletes’ knowledge of protests, and the potential for great frustration when protests are filed for non-protestable issues (while such inappropriate protest will be accepted, they will routinely be denied per USATF rules). As a part of this learning and development process for our athletes, we strongly encourage coaches to provide proper guidance to athletes on what are appropriate issues to protest and with the proper and timely completion/submission of protest forms. CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 20
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE
In general, issues that may be legitimately protested include a rules error
by an official; an error in the recording of a score; the maximum effort
rule; etc.
Issues that will be automatically denied if protested include an official’s
judgment call including if the official did not call a violation, divisioning,
etc.
Reminder: Exit Criteria for Softball Throw and 50M Run
Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD) has instituted “exit criteria” for
entries into the Softball Throw and 50 Meter Race.
The Softball Throw (SBT) and 50 Meter Race (50M) are both classified as
“fundamental events” in Special Olympics – essentially events for athletes
who do not currently have the capability to participate in the standard
athletics events such as the 100 Meter Race and the Mini-Jav. There have
been on-going challenges with athletes being entered in the SBT and 50M
whose skills and abilities indicate that they are fully capable of
competing in the standard events, for example they can throw a softball
more than 10 meters or run the 50M in 15 seconds or faster.
For the 2021 Summer Games, SOMD will enforce the following exit
criteria for these events:
• Softball Throw: No athlete will be permitted to enter the SBT with
an entry score of 20 meters or greater; any athlete who throws the
softball at Summer Games a distance of 20 meters or greater will be
subject to disqualification.
• 50 Meter Race: No athlete will be permitted to enter the 50M with
an entry score of 10 seconds or less; any athlete who runs the 50M
at Summer Games with a time of 10 seconds or less will be subject
to disqualification.
Uniforms
• General
o Athletes/partners not in proper uniform will be disqualified.
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o It is the responsibility of the coach to ensure that
athletes/partners comply with this rule prior to checking into
the Staging Tent.
o Any coach who has a question as to whether the attire or
footwear of an athlete/partner is appropriate is responsible
for asking the Venue Director for a ruling in advance of check-
in at the Staging Tent.
o Divisions will not be held up for the purpose of changing
attire/footwear and athletes/partners will not be re-assigned
to a subsequent division.
• Attire
o In all events, competitors must wear clothing which is clean,
and designed and worn so as not to be objectionable. The
clothing must be made of a material which is non-transparent
even if wet.
o The competitors must not wear clothing which could impede
the view of the judges. This rule shall be enforced by the
Clerk of Course for track events and the Chief Judge of each
respective field event. (Athletic shorts/pants are to be worn;
no “khakis”, denim or cut-off shorts.)
o During competition, athletes/partners may not wear medals,
ribbons, name badges, hats, headphones or jewelry (except
medical alert bracelets/necklaces; stud earrings and simple,
flat rings may be allowed at the officials’ discretion).
Athletes/partners must wear their competition bib to check in
at staging.
o Competition numbers must be visible on the front of the
competitor. NOTE: For 2021, due to the pandemic, bib
numbers and safety pins will be distributed at the screening
location and family members may need to assist the
competitors with placing the bibs on the competitors for
competition – on the front of the shirt.
o Competitors may not wear clothing with advertising on it
during competition or awards.
o Competitors may not wear visible temporary tattoos or face
paint during competition or awards.
• Footwear
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o A competitor may compete in bare feet or with footwear on
one or both feet. The purpose of shoes for competition is to
give protection and stability to the feet and a firm grip of the
ground. Such shoes, however, must not be constructed so as
to give the competitor any additional assistance, and no
spring or device of any kind may be incorporated in the shoes.
A shoe strap over the instep is permissible.
o Shoes, if worn, must be appropriate for athletic competition.
o The sole and the heel of the shoes may be so constructed as
to provide for the use of up to 11 spikes. Any number of spikes
up to 11 may be used, but the number of spike positions shall
not exceed 11.
o The part of each spike which projects from the sole or the
heel must not exceed 9 millimeters or ¼ of an inch. These
spikes shall have a maximum diameter of 4 millimeters.
o The sole and/or heel may have grooves, ridges, indentations
or protuberances provided these features are constructed of
the same or similar material to the basic sole itself.
o In the high jump, the sole shall have a maximum thickness of
13 millimeters and the heel shall have a maximum thickness
of 19 millimeters. In all other events, shoes may be of any
thickness.
Staging
The Staging Areas for all events will be located inside the competition
venue.
Staging for Track events will be held in the large tent running along the
building. Staging for Field events will be held in the tent to the left of the
main scoreboard.
All competitors must be in the Staging tent a minimum of 15 minutes
prior to the scheduled start of their event. Coaches will be provided with
individualized schedules, including the start times for each event, for
their Delegation/athletes on Sunday morning, available for pick-up in the
Athletics Control Center tent.
Only competitors and registered Athletics’ volunteers will be permitted
inside the Staging Area. Coaches and family members are not permitted
in the Staging Area (due to COVID protocols and space constraints,
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 232021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE coaches will NOT be issued “Staging Credentials” in 2021 (we hope to be able to return to that practice in 2022). Given this limitation, coaches are reminded to provide any stretching assistance/direction PIOR to the athlete checking in at staging. An athlete may perform stretches on their own within the staging area provided they do not violate protocols (such as social distancing). Effort is made to minimize the number of athletes having competition time conflicts. However, there inevitably will be a few athletes with such time conflicts. If a conflict does exist, the athlete should NOT proceed to the awards area and should instead have his/her next event as the priority. The athlete should compete in the track event first and then the field event. It is responsibility of the coach to notify the Staging Clerks of any possible time conflicts when the athlete reports to Staging for the first of the two potentially conflicting events. A coach must notify both Staging Clerks if the conflict involves a track and a field event. An athlete may not compete in a heat/flight if he/she is not registered for that heat/flight or has not been added to it by authorized personnel (Competition Director, the Athletics Referee or SOMD personnel). The heats/flights are based on entry times submitted by the coach. To add new athletes to a heat/flight would be unfair to the other athletes who were properly registered. If an athlete misses his/her designated heat/flight due to a competition conflict, an effort will be made to add the athlete to an appropriate heat/flight later in the schedule that meets Special Olympics divisioning guidelines. Note: It is highly likely that an athlete will not be able to be added to another heat/flight. Athletes will be escorted from the Staging area to the start line or field event by Athletics competition volunteers. Following each heat/flight, athletes will be escorted from the finish line or field event to the Awards area. Coaches are to meet their athletes in the Awards area which is located behind the spectator’s section of the bleachers in the concourse. Face Masks & Competition Under COVID Return to Activity protocols, athletes may remove their mask when they are engaged in physical activity. For the purposes of the CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 24
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE 2021 Summer Games, athletes will be considered to have started “physical activity” when they EXIT the staging area. Prior to exiting staging, athletes wishing to remove their masks will be able to place their mask in an individual plastic baggie which will be held by the escort for their division. Athletes must wear their face mask after they have completed their particular competition and are headed to the awards area. Warm-Ups Competitors and coaches are encouraged to warm-up and practice in the competition areas prior to the start of competition. Please cooperate with other coaches and competitors so that everyone wishing to warm-up or practice may do so. An announcement will be made over the main PA system when the facilities must be cleared for the start of competition. Social distancing must be maintained at all times. There will also be a warm-up area along the back section of the track where coaches may work with competitors to warm-up at any time that the area is not being used for competition. Competitors must be supervised by a coach at all times when using the warm-up area and the supervising coach must be physically present in the warm-up area at all times, keeping social distance. Track Security Spectators, coaches, and chaperones will not have access to the track or the staging area. Only competitors and appropriate Summer Games operational management personnel will be permitted on the track and inside the staging area (except as otherwise noted). Results will be posted at a location near the Track Staging Tent and the Athletics Control Center tent. Delegations may place rigid pop-up tents in the stands if they wish. Placement will be on a “first come” basis; please cooperate with other delegations on tent placement. No tents may be set up in any of the first five rows of seats closest to the track to minimize obstruction of spectator visibility. Setting up tents is at your own risk and SOMD and Towson University assume no responsibility for any damage that may occur. Delegations will be required to remove any tent that appears to CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 25
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE present a safety risk at the sole discretion of SOMD and Towson University. Parking Parking is available in lots 4 and 5 (see map at beginning of this guide). The small delivery area / “parking area” at Unitas Stadium (actually a loading and unloading area for deliveries); located adjacent to the track across Auburn Drive is not to be utilized and violators will be towed at the owner’s expense without warning. Photo Credentials Photo Credentials may Each Delegation making a request, will be ONLY be given to issued two media credentials which will registered delegation permit the wearer of said credential(s) into members (due to COVID the Athletics competition areas for the sole protocols). purpose of taking photographs of their Spectators/Family competitors. Head coaches may allow Members who are not different individuals at different times to registered and wear these credentials. The wearer accepts credentialed delegation the responsibilities of using good judgment, members are not following instructions of Management permitted to utilize personnel, remaining in designated areas, these Photo Credentials maintaining social distancing and refraining at the 2021 Summer from “coaching” or providing other Games. assistance to competitors. It is also requested that these individuals position themselves so they do not obstruct the view of the majority of spectators. Credentials may be revoked at any time at the sole discretion of Athletics Committee members, Games Organizing Committee members, or SOMD Staff. Inappropriate behavior on the part of the wearer of the media credential (i.e., coaching, pacing, etc.) may result in the competitor(s) being disqualified, per USATF rules. CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 26
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE
Coaches’ Meeting
During the event, the head coach from each Delegation must attend the
coaches’ meetings and is responsible for ensuring that information from
these meetings is shared with all members of the Delegation. The
Athletics coaches’ meeting is scheduled for Sunday June 13, 2021 at in
the Track Staging Tent at 9:00a.m.
Awards
Awards will be presented at the Awards area following the completion of
each division. For the 2021 Summer Games, Awards will be located on the
concourse of the stadium, on the same side as the seating area. This has
been the location in the past for meal services.
Lunch
No lunches will be provided in 2021. Each Delegation is asked to bring
their own lunch and water and prepare accordingly.
Track Events
• Starts
o All races will be started using a starter’s pistol and with two
commands.
o All races 100 Meters events and shorter will start using a
common start line. All 200 Meter and 400 Meter races will
start using staggered start lines.
• Starting Blocks
o In races up to and including the 400 meters, athletes have the
option of using starting blocks.
• Impedes
o In all races which are 400 meters or shorter, athletes are
required to run/walk within their lane. Athletes will be
disqualified for going outside of their lane when another
athlete is impeded or an unfair advantage is gained. Whether
an athlete has impeded the progress of another competitor or
gained an unfair advantage is a judgment call made by a race
Official, and therefore it is not open to protest.
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Field Events
• Implements
o Special Olympics Maryland will provide all implements for
field events to ensure consistency of weights and measures.
Competitors will not be permitted to compete using their own
shots, mini-javelins, and softballs.
• High Jump
o The bar will start at 1 M and will be raised in 4 cm increments
until there is a single competitor remaining. Competitors shall
take off from one foot. Competitors shall not dive forward
over the bar or take off from two feet. Competitors may be
disqualified for performing either a dive or two-foot take off
during either practice or competition.
• Shot Put
o Coaches should be sure that athletes have trained with, and
had entry scores based on, the proper weight shot for their
age/gender. Please refer to the Special Olympics rules for the
correct weights.
o Note: Athletes who use wheelchairs may either enter the
Wheelchair Shot Put (using a weight of 2 kilograms or 4.4
pounds) or may enter the appropriate Shot Put event above
using the weight shot designated for that gender/age group.
• Long Jump (Running)
o In the long jump, an athlete must be able to jump at least one
meter, which is the minimum distance between the toe-board
and the sand pit. Prior to the start of each day’s competition,
athletes and coaches may go to the appropriate pit/runway
and leave marks off of the run way for the start of the
athlete’s approach. Such marks must conform to USATF rules.
A single runway shall be used for all long jump divisions.
• Mini-Javelin
o The mini-javelin must be held by the grip with one hand only.
It shall be thrown over the shoulder or upper part of the
throwing arm and may not be slung or hurled (underhand/
sidearm throw). At no time may the competitor turn
completely around so that his/her back is towards the
throwing area. The mini-javelin must land tip first within the
sector in order to be measured.
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2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE Athletics Venue Map CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 30
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE Bocce Information CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 31
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE
BOCCE
Competition Dates: Saturday June 12, 2021
Time of Competition: Session #1 (Unif Dbls): 9:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Session #2 (Trad Dbls): 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Burdick Field, Towson University
Competition Director: Kendall Zeswitz
Assis. Comp. Director: George Hergenhahn
Head Rules Official(s): Lucio Corsini
National Governing Body: Special Olympics Inc.,
www.specialolympics.org
Anticipated Participants: 100 Athletes / Unified® Partners
Entries: Athletes may enter Doubles competition
(Traditional or Unified®)
Unified® Partners may enter Unified®
Doubles.
4-Person Team competition is offered for
both Traditional and Unified®.
Spectators: Burdick Field will feature a separate
spectator area in a designated area on the
fields. Any spectators must stay at least 50
feet apart from the groups of competitors.
Once the athlete/partner goes through the
health screening, they will not be able to
interact with spectators until the end of the
competition and awards presentations.
Events Offered:
• Traditional Doubles
• Unified® Doubles
• 4-Person Team (Traditional and Unified®)
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Bocce Rules of Competition:
The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules shall govern all Special
Olympics Bocce Competitions at the Summer Games. As an international
sports organization, Special Olympics has developed these rules based
upon the International Bocce Association. However, SOI is the official
National Governing Body.
Bocce Rules Committee:
• Kendall Zeswitz – Venue Director
• George Hergenhahn – Assistant Venue Director
• Lucio Corsini –Rules Official
• TBD – Coach
• TBD – Athlete
Bocce Rules of Competition:
Complete, detailed rules of competition can be obtained on the Bocce
Page of SOMD’s Coach Resource Pages
(https://www.somd.org/coach/coach-resources/bocce/).
General Competition Rules Reminders and Information
• Competitors are required to wear appropriate competition attire
defined as follows:
o Long pants or shorts (golf or tennis shorts)
o Jeans, running or athletic shorts, or “short” shorts, defined as
greater than three (3) inches above the knee cap, are not
permitted.
o Athletic shoes that do not damage or harm the playing surface
are required.
o Hats are permissible, provided they do not include sponsorship
or corporate logos.
o A collared shirt is required for competition.
• Teams will be divisioned according to the Official Special Olympics
Summer Sports Rules. Teams will be divisioned based upon age,
gender, and primarily ability. Some age groups and genders may be
combined to offer the best competition opportunities for the
competitors.
• In accordance with Special Olympics rules, Unified® teams will be
divisioned with other Unified® teams.
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 332021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE • Only certified head coaches may file protests. All protests must be filed within 15 minutes of the completion of the protested game. Protests must be submitted to the Competition/Venue Director. Protests may be appealed to the Games Rules Committee. • Athletes may only enter one event – (and only one team within that event); Doubles or 4-Person Teams, and may only participate in one session (Session #1 or Session #2). • Unified® partners may only enter one event (and only one team within that event) – either Unified® Doubles or Unified® (4-person) Teams. They may only participate in one session (Session #1 or Session #2). • Coaches are not permitted on the courts. • Once the official (match) clock has started, NO coaching or instructional assistance is permitted. This rule applies to coaches and spectators/families. Teammates may confer with one another prior to stepping onto the court. Encouragement and cheering are permissible and encouraged. • Only competing athletes, Unified® partners, and designated volunteers are allowed on the courts. A warning will be issued for the first offense; further offenses will be subject to discipline by the Competition Committee. • A competitor can grip the ball by placing the hand (one hand, or two hands) over or under the ball as long as the ball delivery is of an underhand style. An underhand delivery is defined as releasing the ball below the waist. • All balls thrown that finish inside the court are in play. This includes the ones hitting the backboard and missing any balls, including the pallina. • If the first competitor throws the pallina so that it stops before the 30-foot line or stops beyond the 50-foot line or stops next to the backboard, the player has two additional attempts to legally establish the target. • If the competitor still does not legally establish the target, the opponent has one attempt to do so. • If the opponent fails to establish the target, the official places the pallina at the center of the 40-foot line. The original thrower then establishes the first point. • If the pallina goes out of bounds, the following occurs: CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 34
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE
o The frame is over.
o The balls are returned to the same side.
o A new frame is started.
• All measurements are taken from the foremost side of the bocce
ball to the center top of the pallina.
• Foul lines will be enforced. One’s foot may not touch the line
whatsoever.
• Teams:
o Athletes and Unified® partners will roll from the same end.
Any teammate can roll the ball at any interval (two in a row
or alternating throws). There will be walking back and forth
after each frame.
• Foul lines will be enforced.
• Competition Schedule Adjustments:
o Due to the number of athletes and teams, all game time limits
will be enforced at 25 minutes.
o If the score is not achieved before the time limit, the
individual or the team ahead at the end of 25 minutes will be
declared the winner.
o Game times are subject to change following registration and
alternate activation; time of match will not change once the
schedule is published.
When a player is scratched from Doubles or Team competition, an athlete
may be activated from the alternate status provided that player:
• Was registered as an alternate for that Delegation and that event.
• A single athlete/Unified® partner may not serve as an alternate for
multiple teams.
• Alternates must be activated by Thursday, June 10.
In the event that one player on a doubles squad has scratched and no
alternate athlete/Unified® partner can be activated, the team or doubles
squad may compete with the existing player(s) minus the balls of the
absent player.
Substitutions
Due to the structure of the competition in 2021, no substitutions are
permitted.
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Coaches Meeting
The Coaches’ online pre-Games webinar will be held on Monday, June 7,
2021 and a recording of the meeting will be available on the SOMD
Coaches Resource Page. During the Games, Coaches’ Meetings will be
held Saturday June 12, 2021 on the field at the Control Center at 9:00am
for Session #1 and 1:45pm for Session #2, located at the center of the
field prior to competition. The head coach from each team must attend
these meetings.
Awards
Awards will be presented immediately following the conclusion of each
division’s competition in the awards pavilion next to the University Union.
See the Bocce Venue Map for details on this location.
No Food or Liquids (other than water)
are permitted at any time on the turf
or inside the fence.
Violators may be disqualified and/or
removed from the venue.
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 362021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE Lunch Note that lunches will not be provided. Participants are requested to bring their own lunch or eat lunch before/after a competitors’ sessions. No food or drink is allowed on the turf field or delegation area (other than water). Parking Parking is available in the Union Garage for Bocce as well as Towsontown Blvd. Parking Garage. Bocce Competition Schedule Saturday June 12, 2021 8:45 a.m. Delegation Check-in / Screening Session #1 9:00 a.m. Coaches Meeting 9:30 a.m. Venue Opening Ceremony – Session #1 9:45–11:45 a.m. Session # 1 Competition – Unified® Doubles 12:00 p.m. Awards Session #1– Unified® Doubles BREAK Lunch for Volunteers and Management 1:30 p.m. Delegation Check-in / Screening Session #2 1:45 p.m. Coaches Meeting 2:15 p.m. Venue Opening Ceremony – Session #2 2:30-4:30 p.m. Session #2 Competition – Traditional Doubles 4:45 p.m. Awards Session #2 – Traditional Doubles CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 37
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE Bocce Venue Map CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 38
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE Cheerleading Information CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 39
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE
CHEERLEADING
Competition Date: Saturday, June 12, 2021
Time of Competition: 10:30am Venue Opening Ceremony
11:15am Competition Begins
12:45pm Awards
Location: Towson University – Soccer Stadium
Competition Director: Anna McCauley
Head Rules Official(s): Greg Collins
National Governing Body: The Special Olympics Maryland
Cheerleading Sports Rules of
Competition shall govern all Special
Olympics Maryland Cheer competitions.
SOMD has adopted the safety guidelines
and rules developed by the National
Federation of State High School
Associations (NFHS). The National
Governing Body rules shall be employed
except when they conflict with the
Special Olympics Maryland
Cheerleading Sports Rules for
Competitive.
Anticipated Participants: 11 Teams – 100 Competitors
Entries: Athletes may participate in two events:
one from Event Group One and one
from Event Group Two
Spectators: Once the athletes go through the
Health Screening, they will not have
access to spectators until they leave
the event. Spectator seating will be
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separate from athletes during the
event.
Events Offered:
• Individual Skills Competition
• Traditional Team Competition
• Unified® Team Competition
• POM (Traditional and Unified®)
• Hip Hop (Traditional and Unified®)
Cheerleading Sports Rules Committee:
• Anna McCauley–Competition Director
• Greg Collins – Certified Safety &
Panel Judge
• TBD – Certified Panel Judge
• Tracy Easterday – Coach
• TBD – Athlete
Cheerleading Rules of Competition
The Special Olympics Maryland Cheerleading Sports Rules of Competition
shall govern all Special Olympics Maryland Cheer competitions. SOMD has
adopted the safety guidelines and rules developed by the National
Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). The National
Governing Body rules shall be employed except when they conflict with
the Special Olympics Maryland Cheerleading Sports Rules for Competitive.
The rules for the 2021 season have been modified to ensure the health
and safety of all involved.
General Competition Rules and Information
• Athletes may compete in a total of two events of which only one
selection may be from category one events/divisions and only one
may be from category two. By way of example, an athlete may
compete on one squad registered in the Intermediate Division and on
one squad registered in POM.
• All practice sessions during the day of competition must be
supervised by a coach and held only in designated locations. Athletes
are prohibited from practicing skills on concrete, asphalt, or any
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other hard, uncovered surfaces, wet surfaces, uneven surfaces and
surfaces with obstructions. If teams are encountered practicing
routines in undesignated locations, the team may be disqualified.
• Coach may not place the athlete in their proper position on the floor
and may not be on floor once the performance begins. Coach may
give verbal or physical cues from the front of the mat. Coach must
be out of the Judge’s view.
• Coach must require proficiency before skill progression. Coach must
consider the athletes’ skill levels regarding proper division
placement.
• Team rosters must not exceed 10 members (coaches, athletes,
partners, volunteers, etc.)
• No mounts, stunts, pyramids, tumbling, or transitions are allowed.
• All athletes and Unified® partners must have one hand or foot on the
mat prior to the beginning of the routine.
• Jewelry of any kind including but not limited to ear, nose, tongue,
belly button and facial rings, clear plastic jewelry, bracelets,
necklaces, athlete credentials, stickers, glitter and pins on uniforms
are prohibited. Jewelry must be removed and may not be taped over.
Acceptable jewelry for HIP HOP and POM divisions only includes small
post stud earrings and hair accessories. Rhinestones are illegal when
adhered to the skin as opposed to a uniform. Temporary tattoos are
not allowed. Prohibited jewelry at competition is at the sole
discretion of the Venue Director. Safety of the athlete must always
be considered.
a. Exception: medical ID tags/bracelets, which must be tapped
over.
• All routine music must comply with applicable copyright law. Teams
who elect to use edited and mix music, must obtain a license from
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the copyright owner and will be required to turn in a copy of that
license at competition.
• For divisions allowing the use of music, teams may choose their own
music but must be suitable for family listening. Coach is responsible
for signaling when to queue the music.
• Teams may not compromise the integrity of the performance surface
(Examples: residues from sprays, powders, oils, etc.) Teams are
responsible for clearing the performance surface from debris
(Examples: poms, props, etc.). No high-heel shoes are allowed on the
performance surface.
• Athletes will be prompted by “(Squad Name) - You may begin when
ready”.
Choreography/Music/Uniforms
For all facets of the routine including choreography, music selection must
be suitable for family viewing and listening. Routines, music and uniforms
for all squad types must be appropriate for the age of the participants
performing the routine. When standing at attention, uniforms must cover
the midriff.
Music may only be covers of popular songs or original compositions. In order
to edit and mix this music, a license from the copyright owner must be
obtained. All recordings mixed together in cheer, dance, Hip Hop and POM
routines must be properly licensed and written confirmation of such license
is required to be turned in at the competition. Recordings that have been
purchased from vendors cleared by USA Cheer – who provide written
confirmation of proper licensing or original compositions created or
commissioned by you (i.e. an original song and recording to which you own
or license the rights by written agreement). Under U.S. copyright law, no
teams are permitted to create a re-mix, mash-up or medley without proper
written authorization from the copyright owner(s). Go to
www.usacheer.net/music for a list of authorized providers of both licenses
and/or purchase mixes.
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However, if teams and coaches wish to only use a single song in their
routine, they may bring a legally purchased (from iTunes, Amazon, CD,
etc.) copy of that recording to be used at the applicable event. Teams
may not remix these recordings in any way (such as adding sound effects,
changing tempo or mixing with any other recordings), but may make minor
edits for timing purposes only (for example; removing a chorus or bridge to
fit the duration of the team’s performance).
What could happen if my team or group does not follow these
rules/guidelines? Given this change in the overall rules, any team which
brings music which is not in compliance with these new rules will not be
able to participate in the competition. There are no exceptions to this
rule. Also, under U.S. copyright law, your team (and potentially, you
personally) can be sued or fined up to $150,000 per occurrence of using
music for which you do not have the appropriate permission.
• Routines must be appropriate for family viewing. Any vulgar or
suggestive movements (hip thrusting, inappropriate
touching/slapping/positioning to one another, etc.), words, uniforms
or music will result in a 10-point deduction per violation. Removing
improper language or words from a song and replacing with sound
effects or other words constitutes inappropriate, and deductions will
be made accordingly.
• Routine choreography must be age appropriate and entertaining for
all audience members. Vulgar or suggestive material is defined as any
movement or choreography implying something improper or
indecent, appearing offensive or sexual in content and/or relaying
lewd or profane gestures or implications.
• Repeated violations may result in disqualification for the current
and future competitions. Decisions will be made at the sole
discretion of the competition director or his/her designee.
• Squad members must wear outfits alike in style and color, NO JEANS
will be permitted.
• All uniforms must be age appropriate and acceptable for family
viewing. When standing at attention, uniforms must cover the
midriff.
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o Women:
▪ Bottoms: pants, shorts, skorts or skirts (must be at least
mid-thigh in length). No slit allowed in skorts, shorts or
skirts. Briefs or bloomers must be worn under all skirts
▪ Tops: Shells, collared shirt or tee shirt (no pockets). No
halter tops will be allowed, straps must be at least 1” in
width. Spaghetti straps will not be permitted.
▪ When standing at attention, apparel must cover the
midriff.
o Men:
▪ Bottoms: pants or mid-thigh length shorts
▪ Tops: collared shirt or tee shirt (no pockets)
• All squad members must have white athletic shoes (e.g. tennis shoe)
with non-marking soles for all divisions except HIP HOP and POM. It
is suggested that the athletic shoes be in like style. Non-marking
shoes are required when competing in the HIP HOP/POM division.
Bare feet, wearing “socks only” and/or “footed tights only” are
prohibited. Shoes with heels/wheels are not allowed.
• For safety reasons long hair should be out of the face and secured.
• Poms may be used in the Individual Skills and Beginner divisions. Poms
must be used 80% in the POM division. Signs may be used in the
Intermediate, Advance and Elite Divisions for cheer only. Hand held
props may be used in the HIP HOP/POM divisions only. Standing props
such as chairs, stools, ladders etc., are prohibited.
• Casts that are hard and unyielding or have rough edges must be
appropriately covered with a padded material. Clarification: The
appropriately padded material must be such that it protects both the
athlete and fellow athletes from injury.
Divisioning & Registration
One fundamental difference, which sets Special Olympics competitions
apart from those of other sports organizations, is that athletes of all ability
levels are encouraged to participate and every athlete is recognized for his
or her performance.
Competitions are structured so athletes compete with other athletes of
similar ability in equitable divisions. Historically, Special Olympics have
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 452021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE recommended that divisions be created where the variance between the highest and lowest scores within that division differs by no more than 15%. This is NOT a rule but should be used as a guideline for establishing equitable divisions when there is the appropriate number of athletes. All Special Olympics competitions are governed by National Governing Body Rules (NGB), to help ensure that all ability levels can compete and experience successful participation, Special Olympics has modified some of the NGB rules. Ability is the primary divisioning factor in Special Olympics. All squads may participate as a traditional or Unified® squad. Scoring and Policy for One Squad Division Scoring in one-squad/individual divisions – The squad/individual must score within 20% of the maximum judges points possible (five judges and you automatically drop the lowest and highest score) to receive first place. If the squad does not score within 20% of the maximum points possible, second place will be awarded. There will be an overall Official Deduction/Violation sheet and a separate judge calculation the deductions. The total deductions/violations will be subtracted from the total judges’ technical scores to establish the squad’s final score. All five judges’ sheets will be used to break a tie. The lowest and highest scores will be included in the calculation to establish the squad’s final score. CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS 46
2021 SUMMER GAMES EVENT GUIDE
• Individual Skills
o Athlete must begin in a cheer stance.
o Athlete must perform (but not limited to) the following
motions: High “V”, Low “V”, “T”, and “Touch Down”.
o Must perform one chant.
o No music will be allowed during the performance.
o There will be no time limit in this division.
o Athlete may use pom-poms.
o Athlete will be prompted between the skills.
• Beginner Division
o Must perform one chant, two cheers and one jump.
o No music will be allowed during the performance.
o There will be no time limit in this division.
o Athletes may use pom-poms.
• Intermediate Division
o Must perform a routine that incorporates both cheer and
music (aka dance).
o Must perform two chants, two cheers, two jumps and one
dance.
o There will be no time limit on the chant or cheer and the
music portion of the routine must not exceed 45-seconds but
must be at least 30-seconds long. Timing of the music will
begin on the first movement by the squad member(s), not
when the music starts, and the timing will end with the last
beat of the music.
o Must include a jump in the cheer with at least one athlete
performing the jump.
o Dance routine may include motions, jumps and dance steps
only.
• Signs may be used for cheer only.
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