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Introduction to Athlete Leadership Created by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation for the Benefit of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

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Page 1: media.specialolympics.orgmedia.specialolympics.org/.../athlete-leadership/...Guide.docx  · Web viewAthlete Leadership Programs include classes that guide athletes toward a variety

Introduction to Athlete Leadership

Participant Guide

2015Created by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation for the Benefit of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

Foundation

The Mission of Special Olympics

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 the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Purpose of Athlete Leadership Programs (ALPs)The purpose of Athlete Leadership Programs is empowering athletes to develop leadership skills and utilize their voices and abilities to undertake meaningful leadership roles, influence change in the Special Olympics movement and create inclusive communities around the world. 

Definition of Athlete Leadership ProgramsThrough organized training and practical experiences, Athlete Leadership Programs prepare athletes to undertake meaningful positions of influence and leadership throughout the Special Olympics organization, both on and off the playing field.

Basic Concepts of Athlete Leadership:

1) Athlete leadership is fundamental to Special Olympics being an athlete-centered organization.

2) Every Special Olympics athlete has leadership abilities that can contribute to the movement.

3) Athlete leadership starts with an athlete making an informed choice of leadership role(s).

4) Athlete leadership has a powerful effect on athletes’ self-esteem and self-confidence.

5) Athletes require education in leadership skills before being placed in positions of responsibility.

6) Athlete Leadership Programs include classes that guide athletes toward a variety of roles, including: board/committee membership, games management, public speaking, coaching, officiating, and youth leadership.

7) After attending classes, athletes need both immediate and real opportunities to practice newly-learned leadership skills.

8) Most athletes benefit from the support of a committed athlete-centered mentor whose role evolves as the athlete leader becomes more capable in their leadership role.

9) Special Olympics staff, volunteers and families must be educated to ensure they value and support the involvement of athletes in meaningful roles.

2 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

10) Skills learned in Athlete Leadership Programs enrich athletes' abilities to become more involved and respected in the community.

3 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

With proper training,

our athletes can be involved

and contribute in meaningful ways

at all levels.

Existing Athlete Leadership Roles

4 | Special Olympics

Athletes asFundraisers

Athletes asVolunteers

Athletes asCourse Instructors

Athletes asCoaches or Officials

Games Management Team Members

Athletes onBoards or Committees

Global Messenger or Reporter

Input Councils or Athlete Congress

Athletes as Mentors or Advocates

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

Roles for Athletes

Input Council Member — You can improve your local Program by making suggestions and discussing problems. Find out if your Program has an Input Council and become a participating member!

YOUR INPUT IS VALUABLE AND IS NEEDED!

Athletes as Global Messengers — Do you like to talk? You can be trained by Special Olympics in presentation skills to become an expert speaker. We’ll even teach you to use PowerPoint to give presentations to schools, community groups, parents, churches.

GIVE A TALK & GET NEW PEOPLE INVOLVED IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS!

Athletes as Coaches — You can become a coach or assistant coach if that is your dream! You will need to make a commitment to attend certification training by the state office then apply your training. There are many Special Olympics athletes in all Programs who have become coaches.

BECOME A COACH IF THAT IS YOUR DREAM!

Athletes as Officials — You can become an official if that is your dream! Special Olympics will provide athletes information so they can participate in sport National Governing Body certification programs as an official or other skilled sport personnel.

BECOME AN OFFICIAL IF THAT IS YOUR DREAM!

Athletes on Program Committees or Board of Directors — You can become a representative of athletes on these very important groups. Training is provided to prepare athletes to participate in Special Olympics programming and policy meetings. Training focuses on awareness and listening skills and reading financial reports. Many Programs have had several athletes on its Board of Directors.

BECOME A BOARD MEMBER; MAKE IMPORTANT DECISIONS!

Athletes in the Media — You can get the Special Olympics WORD out. You can write articles, do television or radio shows, or work with the newspapers. There are even Special Olympics athletes who produce and host their own monthly TV show on cable.

JOIN US AND HELP GET THE WORD OUT TO EVERYONE!

5 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

Athletes on Management Teams — You can be a valuable asset on a Special Olympics Summer Games management team. Some athletes are filling important roles by helping the state office conduct the games that you compete in. More than half the management teams have an athlete representative.

ASK YOUR LOCAL PROGRAM WHAT YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE SPECIAL OLYMPICS!

Athletes as Special Olympics employees — Someday you might be employed by Special Olympics. Several states, provinces, Accredited Programs and the international office have athletes on their payroll as regular employees.

WORK AT GETTING THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO BECOME AN EMPLOYEE!

Athlete Congress Member — The Congress exists in several programs and there’s a World Congress. It provides a formal, deliberative process and place for athlete input on programming, policy and other processes of Special Olympics. There have been a total of three World Congresses.

BE AN ACTIVE INPUT COUNCIL MEMBER TO BECOME ELIGIBLE TO SERVE IN AN ATHLETE CONGRESS!

Athletes as Volunteers or Donors — Some of you have already done this, maybe without realizing it. You’ve may have helped with bake sales, raffles, 5K Runs in the past. Perhaps you helped chaperone other athletes for a little while. Many of you have done these leadership roles for Special Olympics when you are not competing.

YOU WILL FIND NEW WAYS TO HELP YOUR PROGRAM EVERYDAY!

Athletes as Mentors or Advocates — You can help fellow athlete leaders by being their helper at Athlete Leadership Program University or advocating for their rights when they are having sports or leadership problems.

NOTHING FEELS BETTER THAN HELPING YOUR FELLOW ATHLETES!

6 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

Athlete Leadership in Action!

Communicationso Speaking to clubs, government, schools, sports

organizations, sponsors, potential sponsors, Torch Run, business

o Being Master of Ceremonies (Opening Ceremonies; Sponsor recognitions program: Gala

o Interviews (Newspaper; TV) o Newsletter articleso Websiteo Radio o Your

idea__________________________________________

Sports

o Team manager o Equipment managers o Games helper o Assistant coach o Coach o Official o Scorero Timero Your idea_______________________________________

Volunteering

o Organize Opening Ceremonies o Sponsor recognition program o Chaperone; assistant chaperone o Assisting with awardso Athlete Instructor for Athlete Leadership & General

Orientations o Young Athletes (YAP) Play Pals o Your

idea________________________________________

7 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

Help Lead the Program (Governance)

o Member of committeeo Member of management teamo Member Athlete Input Council o Member of an group of athletes who give informal

suggestions o Board of Director Member o Change of Policy or the way Program does

business (Samples of what has already been implemented in various Programs’ Athlete Congresses)

Athletes helped choose code of conduct. Athletes chose own uniform style. Athletes voted on new sports. Athlete helped choose Healthy menu

options for Games. o Your choice_________________________________________________________

Fundraising

o Polar Plunge o Walk-A-Thonso Car washes o Dancing with Stars o Dinners, Breakfast o Can drives o Bake sales o Donate o Sponsor an Athlete o Grocery store promotions/Torch Iconso Your decision(s)__________________________________

8 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

Sample Congress Issues from a Special Olympics US State Program

Issue #1: Codes of Conduct and Dating Policy for athletes and coaches must be reviewed by coaches with athletes at the beginning of each season, by persons conducting the general orientations (for all attendees), by Local Program Coordinators with games management teams prior to each competition, and by Local Program with local management team members once a year.Voting Results: 27 Yes 1 No 0 Abstain

Issue #2: Wristbands must be replaced with photo identification at Program-level competitions.

Voting Results: 14 Yes 15 No 0 Abstain

Issue #3: Special Olympics Inc. General Rules’ Smoking and Tobacco Policy must be extended in state to include all Program non-competitive events.

Voting Results: 17 Yes 9 No 2 Abstain

Issue #4: Special Olympics state must have permanent sports symbols or identification on all medals and ribbons.

Voting Results: 16 Yes 12 No 0 Abstain

Issue #5: All Local Programs must provide each athlete attending a Program-level competition shirt or jacket printed with the name of the Local Program or Special Olympics logo. It must be worn during non-competitive activities at Games or tournaments and be collected by the Local Program after each competition.

Voting Results: 8 Yes 18 No 2 Abstain

Issues 1, 3, & 4 must be recognized by the Board of Directors as motions for review and vote.

Issue #1:  Each Local Program must have an Athlete Leader on their Management Team or a Committee of Importance.Vote Results:   20 Yes      0 No      0 Abstain

Issue #2:  All Divisions at Program-level Games (1-4 or 1-5 depending on the team sport) must have an A and B Division.   Vote Results:   2 Yes     17 No      1 Abstain 

Issue #3:  Each Local Program must have a Global Messenger who has attended an Program-level Workshop using a trainer, trained by Special Olympics.Vote Results:   19 Yes      0 No     1 Abstain

Issue #4:  Program Games Management Teams must provide food alternatives for people with food allergies (specifically gluten, lactose and nuts).Vote Results:   10 Yes      7 No      3 Abstain

9 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

Issue #5:  Special Olympics should offer a moment of silence at every Program-level competition to honor those athletes, coaches and volunteers who have passed away since the last competitionVote Results:   17 Yes      3 No      0 Abstain

Issues 1, 3, & 5 must be recognized by the Board of Directors as motions presented for review/vote

Sample Athlete Leader Contract

By signing below, each Athlete Leader agrees to the following:

1. Be able to explain the Special Olympics mission, uniqueness from other sport organizations, divisioning, purpose and basic concepts of Athlete Leadership.

2. Follow the Special Olympics Code of Conduct, and practice respect, courtesy, and good sportsmanship of Special Olympics at the local, area, and state levels.

3. Represent Special Olympics in a professional manner at local, area and state levels.

4. Be an athlete at least 16 years of age in good standing and currently train and compete in at least one sport.

5. Be a role model for other athletes.

6. Take as many ALPs University courses as possible and strive to obtain a degree in one of the three major subject areas ~ Communications, Sports, or Governance.

7. When you take an ALPs course, study material with mentor.

8. Attend scheduled ALPs meetings (local, area, state) and arrange transportation.

9. Be prepared; read all materials prior to meetings, enabling informed comments and suggestions.

10.Offer suggestions for improvement about activities or meetings in which participate.

11.Work with your mentor to be the best you can be.

12.Always follow through with anything you start.

13.Commit to ALPS for a minimum of two years.

14.Help recruit mentors, facilitators and athletes for Program.

 

Athlete name (printed) Program Name

 

Athlete signature Witness – Mentor name

 

10 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

Dates of commitment

 

Sample Athlete Mentor Contract

By signing below, each Athlete Mentor agrees to the following:1. I am a Class A Volunteer in good standing and at least 18 years of age.2. Will help my Athlete Leader develop and express his or her opinions. When serving

as a Mentor, it is never appropriate to make your point. Doing so will often cause the athlete to adapt his or her views, or not express them at all.

3. Be encouraging and supportive. Will make sure I respect athletes as equal partners in your Special Olympics experience.

4. Value my athlete’s opinions and preferences.5. Listen, both during the meetings and afterward. Answer questions athlete has. Take

the time to be sure you understand when your athletes speak to you.6. Work with parents, guardians, or programs serving persons with intellectual disabilities

to explain what an Athlete Leader is and the significance of the program to the athlete.7. Be an advocate for my athlete, making sure the athlete leader experiences meaningful

positions of influence and leadership.8. Remember that I am not the group leader.9. Be willing to help the athlete stay on task while attending Athlete Leader meetings, but

understand that it is the athlete’s responsibility to speak for themselves.10. Ensure that the athlete understands the minutes from each meeting and is prepared

for any questions or discussion that may arise from the minutes.11. Attend Athlete Leadership University with my athlete and participate in the appropriate

workshops and training opportunities throughout the year. Work in a one-on-one relationship with your athlete during each course and locally during the required practical experience.

12. Ensure that my athlete has transportation to and from Athlete Leadership University and any scheduled ALPs meetings (must attend 75% of the meetings).

13. Acknowledge that parents can serve as Mentors for their sons or daughters on a trial basis.

14. Agree to a two-year commitment to partner with my athlete to make their Athlete Leader experience as meaningful and educational as possible.

Mentor name (printed) Program Name

Mentor signature Athlete name

11 | Special Olympics

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Dates of commitment

12 | Special Olympics

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13 | Special Olympics

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14 | Special Olympics

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15 | Special Olympics

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16 | Special Olympics

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17 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

Uniqueness from Other Sports Organizations

Special Olympics is more similar than different from other sports organizations. However, it is important to identify the five areas that make Special Olympics unique or different. Per Official Special Olympics General Rules:

1. A variety of sports opportunities are provided for all ability levels. For example in track and field, we have athletes that are in wheelchair events or may only be walking 10 meters all the way to athletes who are running half or full marathons. Those are very different ability levels within the same sport. For Basketball you may provide Individual Skills Basketball for the athletes that are just learning how to dribble, shoot and rebound to those athletes that are playing on teams and Unified Sports teams.

2. Ability groupings are created through a process called divisioning. The goal is to provide fair and equitable competition (evenness) for all athletes within each ability grouping (division). One of the founding principles is that we provide an opportunity for every athlete, not to win but to excel, in competition. The games organizing committee goes through a process of evaluating their skills as well as their game play to determine the most appropriate division.

3. Awards are provided to all participants who compete. The award itself is based on participation and place of finish within each division. Even if an athlete starts but cannot finish the competition, that athlete receives a participation award.

4. The established criteria for athlete advancement to higher levels of competition is based on order of finish for each division and random draw. In most Programs you MUST compete in a local competition in order to be eligible to advance to the next level which could be an Area/Regional competition or a State/Provincial or National, Regional or World Competition. As a result of winning your state or provincial competition, you are eligible to attend a National o, Regional or World Games. SOI still enforces the Random Draw selection. Names are thrown in a hat from all Gold Medalists that attended the Program’s Games in that sport. Whoever’s name is selected may have the opportunity to attend the next level of competition IF they meet all the requirements set by the Program.

5. Special Olympics does not charge a fee to athletes (or their families) to train or compete. Unlike the sport organizations, basketball leagues, clubs, etc., Eunice Kennedy Shriver wanted to ensure that ALL individuals would be able to join Special Olympics, not just the ones whose families could afford it. Everyone needs to help support the fundraising efforts in their Program so that in order for Special Olympics to continue. However, it does mean that athletes and their families should not be told they have to “pay to play”.

18 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

Divisioning

Special Olympics organizes its competition so that, whenever possible, athletes compete against others of similar ability. This process is called divisioning.

Ensuring fair divisioning of athletes for competition is one of the primary duties of the competition management team. The following criteria shall determine how Special Olympics athletes are assigned to competition divisions at Special Olympics competitions. Where exceptions to these criteria are necessary, competition management will review proposed modifications to these criteria and make a final decision based on the goal of providing the most dignified and challenging competition experience for each athlete. The competition management has final authority concerning divisions and any variation from these criteria. Protests based on divisioning are not allowed.

Athletes or teams are divisioned (grouped) using the following basic procedure:

1. Divide by Gender: Male, Female or Combined (under some circumstances)

2. Divide by Age: Individual Sports Team Sports 8-11 15 and under12-15 16-2116-21 22 and over22-29 30 and over30 and over

3. Divide by Ability: Pre-competition information and scores are used to place individuals or teams into

preliminary divisions. On-site preliminary events (timed heats or team observations) are conducted to verify or

modify divisions for the final competition. In individual sports, the suggested guideline to determine a division is that the difference

between the best time/score and the worst time/score within a final division should not vary by more than 15%.

4. Combining Groups: Age groups and/or males and females may be combined if this achieves a closer matching

of ability. The minimum number of athletes or teams in a division is 3. The maximum is 8.

In many Accredited Programs, the numbers of participants are so low that divisioning becomes a tremendous challenge. In all instances, competition management personnel are charged with providing competition among those of equal abilities. Thus, ability is the overriding factor as long as there is no health or safety risk to athletes.

19 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

ALPs Input Council

Sample Standard Operating Procedures

 Mission: To improve the quality and integrity of Special Olympics training, competition and organization Through: Recommending new ideas and changes to present procedures to the Program Management team and Athlete Input Council structures. Membership: Members should be at least 16 years old. If younger than 16 years, he/she should be escorted by an older athlete mentor. Training for members:All members should have attended “Introduction to Athlete Leadership” or “This is ALPs” short course.  Meetings:There will be a minimum of 6 meetings per year. You should attend a minimum of two thirds of the meetings and submit an excuse for those not attending. Being an Input Council is a privilege not a reward. Meetings will generally be the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Central High School room 222. Changes will be announced at each meeting. A Chairperson will be selected and lead the meetings and a facilitator will take minutes. The chair will provide a meeting agenda, which will include approval of minutes, old business and new business as well as other topics as brought forward to the Input Council. Members will raise hands to speak. If general agreement is not reached during discussion, a vote will be taken on the topic being discussed. A simple majority will win a vote.  Officers and duties:The Chair will be elected by members of the Input Council for a two to three year term and can be re-elected one time. A former Chair would be allowed to run for chair again after sitting out a term. If Chair leaves before the term expires, the Vice Chair takes over and the new Chair can appoint a new Vice Chair. At the end of the full term a new election will take place. Duties of the chair would be to make meeting agendas, to run the meeting, to report at the Local Management Team meeting, and to mentor the Vice Chair in the duties of the Chair. The chair should be appointed to local Management Team. A secretary may be elected to assist with correspondence, thank you notes, meeting notice distribution, flyers, distribution of marketing materials, and keep a master list of Input Council Members past and present and committee members. The chair may appoint committee chairs as needed i.e. fundraising, volunteers, and outreach.  

20 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

ALPs Input CouncilSample Standard Operating Procedures (continued) A Vice Chair will be elected by Input Council members. The Vice Chair will run meetings in the absence of the Chair and report at the county management team meeting. The Vice Chair will move to Chair when the Chair’s term expires. Chair has the option to let members of the Input Council run certain parts of the meeting with override powers. Discipline and dismissal:If a member causes a disturbance, a verbal warning will be given. If it continues, the member will be asked to sit out a meeting before coming back. If problems continue and the chair believes a member is not working out, he or she will direct the problem member to not attend additional meetings. If the athlete breaks the Code of Conduct he/she will go thru the same process as any other athlete.  Responsibilities of Council Members:To attend meetings, to select a chairperson and vice chair, to approve the facilitator, to participate in ALPs training, to discuss issues related to Special Olympics, to make recommendations in writing to the Local Management team  Approved January 15, 2015 the Sample Local Input Council as signed below: Chair Vice Chair

Members present:

21 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

Athlete Leadership Training Series / ALPs University Curriculum

This is Athlete Leadership Presentation and Beyond the Vision Video (1 hour)

Introduction to Athlete Leadership Course (Pre-requisite for all Majors)

Communications Major Sports Major Governance Major

Global Messenger ICourse

Athletes as Coaches Course

Athletes as

Officials* Course

Governance ICourse

Working with the Media*Course

Coaching Special Olympics Athletes Course

PowerPointCourse

Technology ICourse

Sport-Specific Skills Course

Technology I Course

Technology ICourse

PowerPointCourse

Global Messenger II*Course

Technology I

Independent Study then

NGB Officiating Course

Governance II*Course

Leadership/Independent Study (Requirement for graduating from each major)

Introduction to Athlete Leadership is the required first course and Leadership/ Independent Study is the final course. Courses in the athlete’s area of concentration require participation in the course and completion of a practicum within 6-12 months.

The starred (*) courses are in development.

22 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

Getting to Know You (For athlete to keep)

Please list your greatest strengths:

1.

2.

3. 

Describe some of the happiest moments in YOUR life?    

   

Identify the things that are the most important to YOU?   

     

List how you think you can contribute to Special Olympics (hint, look at pages 8-10). 

23 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

Getting to Know You (For Special Olympics Program to keep-Athlete Only)

Please list your greatest strengths:

1.

2.

3. 

Describe some of the happiest moments in YOUR life?    

   

Identify the things that are the most important to YOU?   

     

List how you think you can contribute to Special Olympics (hint, look at pages 8-10)  

24 | Special Olympics

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My Special Olympics Personal Purpose Statement

On this date: Day __________ Month __________Year _________ By ______________________________________ and ___________________________

(Your name) (Mentor name) Please check (X) one of the following.

I want to major in: Communication____ Governance ____ Sports____

Athlete Copy

(Record your Special Olympics Purpose Statement. Your purpose statement is what you want to be and do with your life with regard to Special Olympics. Make sure it is specific. Your purpose statement will empower you to become the leader you want to be in Special Olympics! GO FOR IT!

25 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

My Special Olympics Personal Purpose Statement

On this date: Day __________ Month __________Year _________ By ______________________________________ and ___________________________

(Your name) (Mentor name) Please check (X) one of the following.

I want to major in: Communication____ Governance ____ Sports____

Mentor Copy

(Record your Special Olympics Purpose Statement. Your purpose statement is what you want to be and do with your life with regard to Special Olympics. Make sure it is specific. Your purpose statement will empower you to become the leader you want to be in Special Olympics! GO FOR IT!

26 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

My Special Olympics Personal Purpose Statement

On this date: Day __________ Month __________Year _________ By ______________________________________ and ___________________________

(Your name) (Mentor name) Please check (X) one of the following.

I want to major in: Communication____ Governance ____ Sports____

Special Olympics Program Copy (Athlete)

(Record your Special Olympics Purpose Statement. Your purpose statement is what you want to be and do with your life with regard to Special Olympics. Make sure it is specific. Your purpose statement will empower you to become the leader you want to be in Special Olympics! GO FOR IT!

27 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

My Special Olympics Personal Purpose Statement

On this date: Day __________ Month __________Year _________ By ______________________________________ and ___________________________

(Your name) (Mentor name) Please check (X) one of the following.

I want to major in: Communication____ Governance ____ Sports____

Special Olympics Program Copy (Mentor)

(Record your Special Olympics Purpose Statement. Your purpose statement is what you want to be and do with your life with regard to Special Olympics. Make sure it is specific. Your purpose statement will empower you to become the leader you want to be in Special Olympics! GO FOR IT!

28 | Special Olympics

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

ALPs Input Council

Sample Standard Operating Procedures

 Mission: To improve the quality and integrity of Special Olympics training, competition and organization Through: Recommending new ideas and changes to present procedures to the Program Management team and Athlete Input Council structures. Membership: Members should be at least 16 years old. If younger than 16 years, he/she should be escorted by an older athlete mentor. Training for members:All members should have attended “Introduction to Athlete Leadership” or “This is ALPs” short course.  Meetings:There will be a minimum of 6 meetings per year. You should attend a minimum of two thirds of the meetings and submit an excuse for those not attending. Being an Input Council is a privilege not a reward. Meetings will generally be the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Central High School room 222. Changes will be announced at each meeting. A Chairperson will be selected and lead the meetings and a facilitator will take minutes. The chair will provide a meeting agenda, which will include approval of minutes, old business and new business as well as other topics as brought forward to the Input Council. Members will raise hands to speak. If general agreement is not reached during discussion, a vote will be taken on the topic being discussed. A simple majority will win a vote.  Officers and duties:The Chair will be elected by members of the Input Council for a two to three year term and can be re-elected one time. A former Chair would be allowed to run for chair again after sitting out a term. If Chair leaves before the term expires, the Vice Chair takes over and the new Chair can appoint a new Vice Chair. At the end of the full term a new election will take place. Duties of the chair would be to make meeting agendas, to run the meeting, to report at the Local Management Team meeting, and to mentor the Vice Chair in the duties of the Chair. The chair should be appointed to local Management Team. A secretary may be elected to assist with correspondence, thank you notes, meeting notice distribution, flyers, distribution of marketing materials, and keep a master list of Input Council Members past and present and committee members. The chair may appoint committee chairs as needed i.e. fundraising, volunteers, and outreach.  

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

ALPs Input CouncilSample Standard Operating Procedures (continued) A Vice Chair will be elected by Input Council members. The Vice Chair will run meetings in the absence of the Chair and report at the county management team meeting. The Vice Chair will move to Chair when the Chair’s term expires. Chair has the option to let members of the Input Council run certain parts of the meeting with override powers. Discipline and dismissal:If a member causes a disturbance, a verbal warning will be given. If it continues, the member will be asked to sit out a meeting before coming back. If problems continue and the chair believes a member is not working out, he or she will direct the problem member to not attend additional meetings. If the athlete breaks the Code of Conduct he/she will go thru the same process as any other athlete.  Responsibilities of Council Members:To attend meetings, to select a chairperson and vice chair, to approve the facilitator, to participate in ALPs training, to discuss issues related to Special Olympics, to make recommendations in writing to the Local Management team  Approved January 15, 2015 the Sample Local Input Council as signed below: Chair Vice Chair

Members present:

Practicum Form

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

To receive credit for courses attended; this form must be completed and returned by the deadline.

Must be returned to Program office by email ______________ or fax _____________by________

Athlete name Phone Address E-mail

Mentor name Phone Address E-mail Name of Program you represent

Certification requirements for the Introduction to Athlete Leadership Course:Date of Course:________ Instructors:_________________________________________________

1. Completed 10 Volunteer Service hours with MentorDate____________ Hours_______________ Date____________ Hours___________Date____________ Hours_______________ Date____________ Hours___________Date____________ Hours_______________ Date____________ Hours___________Date____________ Hours_______________ Date____________ Hours___________Date____________ Hours_______________ Date____________ Hours___________

2. Completed a General/Volunteer Orientation

Date:_____________ Instructor:____________________ Location:_________________

3. Attached a copy of the Class A Volunteer form for Athlete and Mentor or whatever your Program requires

4. Attached any other documentation required by your Program office (i.e. Protective Behaviors course confirmation)

5. Feedback:What are some of the things you learned from your practicum experiences?

What major did you choose (Communications; Sports; Governance)?

Must be signed below:

(Signature of Athlete) (Date) (Signature of Mentor/Helper) (Date)

Athlete Leader Coordinator Signature (Date) Athlete Leader Coordinator (Print) (Date)

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Introduction to Athlete Leadership – Participant Guide

Course Evaluation

Please complete this Evaluation Form and return to the instructors by the end of the class. We value your opinions and want to make continuous improvements.

Name: ________________________________ Program: ______________________

Please identify who is completing form and check (X) one: Athlete _____ Mentor ____

You learned about several roles that athlete leaders can play. Identify the athlete leader role you liked best._________________________. Explain why you chose this role.  

 Name 2 things YOU can do when you get home that will start you on the path to becoming an athlete leader. 1.

2.   Describe the section of this course you liked best____________________________________And explain why you liked it.

Identify which part of the course didn’t work for you.____________________________________ Suggest why it may not have worked.    Explain how you would improve this course when we offer it in the future?

What was your favorite experience in the Introduction to Athlete Leadership course?

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