Athlete Code of Conduct

An athlete shall:

1. Adhere to the Athlete Code of Conduct.
2. Maintain high standards of moral and ethical conduct that includes self-control and responsible behavior. An athlete should consider the physical and emotional well being of others and display courtesy and good manners.
3. Avoid profane or abusive language and disruptive behavior including behavior that is dangerous to self or others including acts of violence, physical or sexual abuse, or harassment.
4. Abide by the rules of competition especially the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules.
5. Abstain from transport, storage, and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products and/or illegal substances when participating in any Special Olympics sponsored or sanctioned activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, training/practice sessions and competition events.
6. Abstain from all illegal activity.
7. Honor the Special Olympics Oath.

This is an excerpt from the Special Olympics Maryland Participation Policy.A complete copy of the policy is available from the SOMD Chapter Office or any Area/County Director. Additional information is available in the SOMD Volunteer Handbook.

Code of Conduct Infractions
Special Olympics Maryland has sole and absolute discretion as to any disciplinary actions to be taken if a person violates the Code of Conduct. Any action taken is predicated with the good faith belief of Special Olympics Maryland that the disciplinary action is appropriate. Any disciplinary action that is taken can be appealed through either the Chapter Conduct Committee or the Area/County/City Conduct Committee. An appeal should be directed to the Chapter Office or the Area/County/City Director. The following disciplinary actions may be taken:

1. Issue a warning;
2. Place the individual on probation;
3. Suspension from further participation in any Special Olympics Maryland programs or activities; or
4. Expulsion from further participation in any Special Olympics Maryland programs or activities.

Immediate Suspension
A person may be subject to immediate disciplinary action, including suspension, for conduct which in the sole and absolute discretion of Special Olympics Maryland, is so inherently harmful or egregious as to warrant immediate action. Immediate disciplinary action, including suspension, may be imposed for any of the following:

1. Illegal Activity. Engaging in any illegal or criminal activity when Special Olympics Maryland and any Conduct Committee has a good faith belief that there has been illegal activity, whether or not there has been a formal charge made.
2. Behavior Problems. Any person behaving in a manner that is inherently dangerous to him/herself or others. This includes any violent acts, harassment, or any behavior which impacts the integrity of Special Olympics Maryland programs.
3. Alcohol or Illegal Substance. The use or consumption of alcohol or illegal substances whenever, as a volunteer, the person is responsible for the safety and well being of athletes. This includes but is not limited to all training/practice sessions, the duration of competition events, or any other Special Olympics sponsored or sanctioned activity where athletes are present.
4. Abuse. Any person accused or suspected of abusing (physical or sexual), molesting, assaulting, or harassing another person.

This is an excerpt from the Special Olympics Maryland Participation Policy. A complete copy of the policy is available from the SOMD Chapter Office or any Area/County Director. Additional information is available in the SOMD Volunteer Handbook.