Minimum Standards

To ensure a safe and appropriate environment for sport training, a number of minimum standards are required for all Special Olympics Saskatchewan programs.

• A minimum of one Special Olympics Saskatchewan (SOS) official or demonstration sport training program must be in place and delivered in accordance with all governing program policies as outlined by Special Olympics Saskatchewan and all SOC Official Rules and Regulations.
• Programs must operate in an appropriate and well maintained facility and have access to safe equipment.
• Each program/sport must have an emergency action plan and possess a first aid kit.
• Programming for SOS official and/or demonstration sports must include regular and systematic training for all SOS athletes. Training must include:
  • at least one scheduled practice per week
  • at least one hour per week
  • a minimum of eight weeks per year
• Programs must be led by at least one qualified head coach, in accordance with Special Olympics Saskatchewan Policy 4000-08 – Coach/Volunteer Qualifications. All coaches are encouraged to seek qualifications according to Policy 4000-08.
• Programs shall seek to fulfill the approved athlete: coach ratio of 4:1 for summer sports, and 3:1 for winter sports.
• All head coaches must adhere to a seasonal training plan as well as a weekly lesson plan, including the basic practice plan components:
  • -warm-up
  • -basic motor skills
  • -fitness activity
  • -sport skill development
  • -cool-down

Programs must complete all administrative requirements of Special Olympics Saskatchewan, including having a competition plan and commitment to supporting the Provincial Team Training Program.