Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct

Special Olympics Northern California (SONorCal) is committed to the highest ideals of sport and expects all parents and spectators to honor sport and Special Olympics. All Special Olympics parents and spectators should observe the following code:

• Remember athletes are participating for their enjoyment. Encourage participation, but do not force it.
• Applaud good performances and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate all participants on their performance, regardless of the event’s or game’s outcome.
• Focus on the athletes’ effort and performance, rather than whether they win or lose.
• Encourage athletes to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence.
• Never ridicule or yell at participants for making a mistake or losing the competition.
• Remember that athletes learn best by example. Appreciate good performance and skillful plays by all participants.
• Respect the decisions of officials, Games Management Team and Staff, and teach athletes to do the same.
• Show appreciation for event volunteers, coaches, and officials and staff. (Remember, without them there would be no opportunities for athletes).
• Condemn the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or players.
• Show respect for your team’s or individual’s opponents. Without them, there would be no event or game.
• Encourage athletes and coaches to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
• Swearing and/or inappropriate language will not be tolerated at SONorCal events
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
• Abide by all posted and written policies, including SONorCal’s Animal Policy for Practices, Competitions and Events.

By attending an event, parents and spectators have agreed to abide by this Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct. SONorCal reserves the right to dismiss parents and/or spectators from any SONorCal event for violation of this Parent and Spectator Code of Conduct.