Special Olympics Northern California
Policy for Starting a New Sport

This policy is for an existing team or area (“Program”) that desires to start a new sport for the first time. Programs that take two or more years off from a sport will be subject to this policy. Programs that have only taken one year off will not be subject to this policy.

All costs attributed to the sport will be allowed and covered, including uniforms, travel, competition costs, equipment, and facility costs.

1. Teams can begin a new sport if the sport is in their annual plan and budget and must get approval from their local Special Olympics Northern California (SONorCal) office.
2. In the 1^st year of the new sport being added:
   • The sport will be training only;
   • Only equipment and facility costs for training will be allowed and covered; and
   • No uniforms, travel costs, or associated hosting or attending costs for regional will be covered.
3. In the 2^nd year:
   • The sport will be fully functional for training and all competitions, as approved by the local SONorCal office;
   • All costs attributed to the sport will be allowed and covered, including uniforms, travel, competition costs, equipment, and facility costs.