Special Olympics Northern California
Policy for Walk-Up Athletes at Practice Sites
Revised
Athletes are strongly encouraged to register for the upcoming practice season and practice site prior to the start of the season via available registration methods from Special Olympics Northern California (SONorCal), including, but not limited to, online, phone and through a volunteer coach, team manager or area director.
Athletes must also have a current Athlete Application on file with the main SONorCal office. However, the following policy will apply to athletes who do not register or do not have a current Athlete Application on file prior to the start of the season:
- If an athlete shows up after the second week of practice, even with an approved application on file with SONorCal, there is no guarantee that they will be able to join the team, or may be limited to training only and not eligible to participate in competitions (regional and/or championship).
- If an athlete shows up to the first or second week of practice with an application, they can not participate in the practice, but can take part in the first practice meeting/orientation and sit in the stands during practice as well as subsequent meetings and practices.
- The athlete will be counted on any attendance sheet as a participant.
- The athlete will be able to fully participate once the application is processed AND approved by SONorCal.
- If the athlete’s application is submitted but is incomplete, the athlete will not be able to participate until he or she has an approved application on file.