Coaches Guide

1

2

Table of Contents

Mission Statement ........................................................................................2

Uniform Guidelines & Equipment ..................................................................3-4

Rink Layout .....................................................................................................5-6

SOMI Rules .....................................................................................................7

Speed Skating Rules ......................................................................................8-12

Registering for State Event ...........................................................................13

Divisioning Process ........................................................................................14

Training Requirements ..................................................................................15

Training Plans ................................................................................................16-20

Coaches Certification ....................................................................................21

Concussion Certification ...............................................................................22

Coaches Code of Conduct .............................................................................23-24

BBCIC & Universal Precautions .....................................................................25-26

Athlete Medical Procedures .........................................................................27

FAQ .................................................................................................................28

Resources ......................................................................................................29-30

3

SOMI-Specific Information Sport season December-February Culminating State Event State Winter Games Events Offered 100-meter 300-meter 500-meter 800-meter 3000-meter Unified Relay National Governing Body International Skating Union (ISU) Promenade 73 7270 Davos-Platz, Switzerland (41.83) 3757

4

Uniform Guidelines & Equipment

1. All speed skaters will wear long-sleeved uniforms, knee pads, shin guards, and cut resistant throat protectors, cut resistant and no protrusions (which might get caught on a blade) gloves/mittens of a protective nature, and an approved safety helmet with a hard shell and chin strap.

2. All helmets must be an ISU approved helmet and be free of protrusions. Helmet air vents shall not be large enough for the blade of a skate to pass through. Helmet selection should be made with the help of a knowledgeable speed skating coach or skate shop employee.

3. Elbow pads and Kevlar throat/neck protector are optional.

4. Skates: Speed skaters should wear speed skates. In the event speed skates are not available to the athlete, hockey skates may be used. Figure skates and Klap style speed skate blades are not permitted.

5. All competitors must wear competition numbers for both time trial and final races.

6. Competition equipment, such as skates, must pass all appropriate safety guidelines. All clothing should be made of material conducive to freedom of movement. Athletes are encouraged to bring warm clothing for after the competition.

I. Jewelry and denim may not be worn during competition or practice. Headwear for religious or medical reasons are acceptable but must be brought to the attention of the Games Director prior to competition.

5

Rink Layout 1. All events will be conducted in a short track format.

2. The track shall be set on an ice rink with a minimum length of 56.38 m and a minimum width of 25.90 m.

3. If the facility used for competition has an ISU 111 meter track surveyed on the ice surface, this track may be used for competition purposes. Proper notation must be made on competition reports on the size of track use. If a 111-meter track is used the distance and laps are:

1 lap = 111 m 3 laps = 333 m

4.5 laps = 500 m 7 laps = 777 m

4. The center of the track should be set at the middle of the rink.

5. The start/finish line shall be clearly defined using track markers on the sides of the track.

6. Nothing shall be placed in or above the competitors' paths, or on or above the ice (except markers).

7. Safety mats must be present during all training and competition periods.

8. Rink barriers shall be covered by mats from the curve apex block to the centerline of the rink. The mats shall be of double thickness along the rink barrier on the far side of the curve. Mats shall be attached to the rink barrier with their weight on the ice. Mats should be made in such a manner and of such materials that they will minimize debris which might accumulate on the ice as a result of use of the mats. Mat height must be adequate to cover the height of the wall of the ice rink. Outdoor non-barrier ice surfaces do not need mats but must have adequate fall lines to protect the skater from possible collision with any stationary object present; i.e. tree.

9. Start/Finish lines for races on a 111.12-meter track are indicated below:

6

Rules 1. Each athlete participating at Winter Games may only compete in one sport.

2. Each athlete may participate in two events within the chosen sport category. Special attention should be directed to recommend events for the athlete’s ability level.

3. Athletes may enter the 3000M Unified Relay as a 3rd event.

4. Speed Skaters must go to the middle of the rink to stop. A skater who uses the wall to maintain balance or to assist in propelling oneself forward is considered assistance and will be disqualified.

5. Start Equipment

I. A start pistol or whistle shall be used to begin each race. False starts will require a restart.

II. For hearing impaired skaters, dropping a hand or flag shall accompany the sound of the gun.

6. Track Markers

I. Moveable markers of rubber or other suitable material shall be used to mark the track. The number of markers should be sufficient to define the track clearly.

II. Seven markers shall be used to define each curve (turn) with the distance between every other marker being the radius of the curve.

III. No track markers shall be of such size and width, or be fixed to the ice, so that they will not move freely if they are struck by a skater.

IV. The height of the markers should not be over 5.08 cm in height as to be struck by a skater. Cones are too tall and are not acceptable for marking the track.

7. Race Start

I. All skaters shall start a race with both skates behind the start line. A speed skater shall finish the race when the blade of one of his/her skates first crosses the finish line after completing the appropriate number of laps in the race.

II. The starter shall give each skater a chance to do his/her best by:

i. Giving the skaters ample time to settle down and assume a balanced position after taking their marks

ii. Starting the sequence over if any skater is off-balance

iii. Not holding the skaters too long after the set signal,

iv. Always using the starting commands and signals

III. If a skater is interfered with and falls before the first apex block after the starting line, the skaters may be called back to make a new start. This will be signaled by the starter firing a double shot of the starter’s pistol.

7

IV. The starter shall position himself/herself in front of the start line in such a way that he/she is clearly visible and distinguishable as the starter to all skaters starting the race.

V. Races shall not start until the gun is fired or the whistle is blown. Skaters making two false starts shall be disqualified.

VI. Maximum effort rule will not be applied to events that have a semi-final and a final.

VII. There shall be exactly two competitors on the track competing at the same time unless there is an odd number of competitors in a particular division, then three competitors shall compete at the same time during one heat within that division.

VIII. When there is an even number of competitors within a division, the order of start shall be determined by a random draw of the competitor names. The first and second names drawn will be the first pair of skaters to come in that division, the third and fourth names to be drawn will be the second pair, and so on until all names are drawn.

IX. The skaters whose names were drawn on even numbered draws shall be assigned to the starting position toward the end of the starting line closest to the rink barrier, on the outside of the track.

X. The skaters whose names were drawn on odd-numbered draws shall be assigned the starting position toward the end of the line furthest from the rink barrier, on the inside of the track.

XI. When a skater has completed his laps and crosses the finish line, they need to return to the center of the rink.

Start Commands:

1. "Go to the start" (skaters step to start line and place skaters behind the start line),

2. "Ready" (skaters get down into start position),

3. Signal the start of the race with the firing of a start pistol or blowing a whistle.

8

Disqualifications

1. When overtaking, the responsibility for any obstruction or collision shall be upon the skater overtaking, provided that the skater being overtaken does not act improperly. A skater on the outside of the track shall be deemed to be the skater overtaking if the skaters are side-by-side entering the first curve.

2. A skater shall not deliberately impede or push another skater with any part of his/her body, thereby gaining an advantage. Any skater who willfully impedes, improperly crosses the course or, in any way interferes with another skater, or conspires with others to cause a race to result otherwise than on its merit, shall be disqualified.

3. Any skater, who unnecessarily slows down, thereby causing another skater to slow or collide, shall be disqualified.

4. A skater who permits himself/herself to receive physical assistance during a race that is not a relay shall be disqualified.

5. A skater who uses the wall to maintain balance or to assist in propelling oneself forward is considered assistance and shall be disqualified.

6. A skater shall be disqualified for intentionally moving the corner track markers or failing to skate at all times outside the corner track markers.

7. The Referee may disqualify a skater from a race if the skater deliberately kicks out a skate or throws his/her body across the finish line thereby endangering another skater at the finish line.

8. A disqualification must be announced at the end of each heat to the skater, team leader, or coach and over the public address system for the benefit of the spectators.

9

Unified Sports Relay Races 1. Each team shall consist of two Special Olympics Athletes and two Unified Sports®

Partners.

2. Selection of Special Olympics Athletes and Unified Sports® Partners of similar age and ability is required for Unified Sports® training and competition in Speed Skating. Significant risk of injury could result from teams where athletes and partners are poorly matched.

3. No more than two relay teams shall be allowed on the ice at any time.

4. Each team member must skate a minimum of three laps. The last two laps must be skated by a single skater that will be an Athlete member of the team.

5. Each team shall draw for which side of the track (near/far in relation to the finish line) on which they will be allowed to relay.

6. Each team shall be clearly identified by wearing the same uniform or by wearing the same color pinnie vest or helmet bib.

7. The relay zone will be between the blue hockey zone lines (middle portion of the straightaway).

8. The relay may be by either push start or tag of hand.

9. No other personnel, other than the referees, will be on the ice to allow the infield of the track to be used for marshaling and pacing for relay exchanges.

10

Registering for a State Event

1. Each coach must submit a Seasonal Intent form 8 weeks prior to the State Culminating event. The form will be emailed out 12 weeks before the event date.

2. Each athlete, unified partner, coach, chaperone and guest must be registered in GMS by the registration deadline.

I. All alternates must also be registered in GMS. For State Winter Games you are able to register 25% of your delegation as alternates. These can be athletes or Unified Partners, however athletes cannot replace Unified Partners and vice versa.

II. Alternates must be activated from your areas pool of alternates and the active roster rider must be dropped in order for the alternate to compete.

3. Once turned in, the Area Director will receive notification of any athletes with missing requirements, including missing/expired physicals or missing scores. If the information is not received, the area will be notified that the athlete has been dropped.

4. For an area to be in compliance for State Games:

I. All athletes must have a current physical on file at the State Office

II. All Unified Partners must have a Unified Partner form on file at the State Office

III. All coaches and chaperones must have current Protective Behaviors, General Orientation, and a Volunteer form on file at the State Office

IV. All coaches must have a current sport certification and concussion training on file at the State Office.

11

Divisioning Process

1. The procedures for divisioning have been developed to assist competition managers in applying the principles of fair and equitable competition to athletes of all ability levels. An athlete's ability is the primary factor in divisioning. Factors in establishing competitive divisions are age, gender, and times.

2. Ideally, a sufficient number of athletes or teams will participate at every competition so that equitable divisions can be structured. Experience has shown that in some competitions, however, there will not be a sufficient number of athletes to structure ideal divisions.

3. All coaches are reminded to review the sections in the Official Special Olympics Winter Sports Rules for clarifications of divisioning and age groupings. Novice, Intermediate and Advanced skiers shall have two runs on a modified Giant Slalom course of their ability level, with the fastest time used to determine their division for competition. If time in the race organizers schedule permits, divisioning time trials may be conducted for each event. In the first run of competition in each division, the fastest trial time starts first, slowest last.

All questions concerning divisioning can be directed to Heather Burke at burke1hn@cmich.edu.

12

Training Requirements

1. In order for an individual or team to participate in competition, the athlete or team must be involved in an eight-week training program and receive training and competition opportunities.

2. A minimum 10 hours of training must occur before a culminating event. Training usually consists of 1-4 hours each week for eight weeks.

3. Although it is the desire to include every athlete that is training in all the games we offer, due to the many athletes we have competing in the state, it is not always possible. That is why we offer area, regional and a variety of state events to give all the athletes quality competition opportunities.

4. Coaches who are training athletes in a particular sport should follow the established SOMI sports seasons. The sports season is 8-12 weeks prior to the state competition for that sport. SOMI establishes sports seasons to provide maximum training time for the athletes and to coincide with competition opportunities.

13

Eight-Week Training Program

Week One Practice One 1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Check all equipment for safety and proper fit. 3. Team talk in preparation for the season.

Week One Practice Two

1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Dry land practice, working on balance and stance in skates. 3. Introduce athletes to the concepts of speed skating. 4. Cool down and team talk.

Week Two Practice One

1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Dry land practice working in proper skating technique and balance. 3. Skating on the ice, getting used to skating and balance on the ice. 4. Cool down and team talk.

Week Two Practice Two

1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Continue working on teaching basic skating skills and balance 3. Begin teaching of starting and stopping during competitions. 4. Cool down and team talk.

Week Three Practice One

1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Begin working on starts with start gun or whistle. 3. Start conditioning for athletes working from one lap skated at a time up to three laps. 4. Cool down and team talk.

Week Three Practice Two

1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Continue working on starts with start gun or whistle. 3. Work on stopping using the skates rather than rink walls 4. Cool down and team talk.

Week Four Practice One

1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Set up a time trail for athletes to begin learning concepts of starts, stops and lap

numbers. 3. Continue working on conditioning working from 2 laps skated at a time up to five laps. 4. Cool down and team talk.

14

Week Four Practice Two

1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Determine which events each athlete will compete in, begin working on conditioning 3. Begin teaching athletes to move to the center of the rink to stop following their heats. 4. Cool down and team talk.

Week Five Practice One

1. Conduct safety check and re-fit of all equipment. 2. Go through a pre-event warm up and stretch. 3. Set up another time trail for all athletes. 4. Work on conditioning having athletes in longer races work up to the number of laps

they will skate. 5. Cool down and team talk.

Week Five Practice Two

1. Warm up and stretch 2. Emphasis starts and work on athletes getting of quickly at the sound of the start gun. 3. Work a fun activity into practice. 4. Cool down and team talk.

Week Six Practice One

1. Go through a pre-event warm up and stretch. 2. Focus on athletes turns; help them get their footwork correct to maximize their speed. 3. Conditioning for all athletes. 4. Cool down and team talk.

Week Six Practice Two—Host/Attend a local or regional competition. Week Seven Practice One

1. Warm up and stretch. 2. Work on athletes weaknesses which were found at the local/regional meet. 3. Work on turns again helping to maximize speed around the turns for all athletes. 4. Cool down and team talk.

Week Seven Practice Two

1. Warm up and Stretch 2. Focus on stride length with skaters, work on lengthening their strides to build speed. 3. Work on turns again if time exists. 4. Cool down and team talk.

Week Eight Practice One

1. Warm up and Stretch 2. Work on stride length and footwork around turns. 3. Hold a final time trial; make sure to get accurate times for each skater for divisioning

purposes when time trials at culminating events are not possible. 4. Final safety check and re-fit of all equipment. 5. Cool down and team talk.

Week Eight Practice Two—Compete in the State Tournament

15

Coaches Certification

1. The head coach or assistant coach for each team must be certified (in that sport) in order for the team to attend the state-culminating event and obtain an award.

2. To become certified in a sport the coach must:

I. Complete the on-line General Orientation and Protective Behavior quizzes at somi.org

II. Completion of a sport-specific training school or mentoring program.

III. Complete and turn in a Volunteer A form and Application for Sports Training.

IV. Complete and turn in Heads Up certification.

3. ** Coaches cannot train athletes unless all certification requirements and athlete medical forms are up to date.

4. A coach’s certification will expire after three (3) years. For a coach to become recertified they may:

5. View an online recertification video

6. Attend a training school or webinar

Concussion Certification

1. Sports-related concussions can be serious or even life-threatening situations if not managed correctly. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have teamed up to provide information and resources to help educate coaches, officials, parents and students on the importance of proper concussion recognition and management. To take the concussion training course visit one of the following websites:

http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/youth.html

http://www.nfhslearn.com/electiveDetail.aspx?courseID=38000

2. When you complete the training a box will pop up asking you to enter your name, Please put your FIRST & LAST NAME. If you do not do that right away, you will have to take the whole training over again!

3. When you have completed your certification in Concussion Training, please print your certificate and either fax it to the SOMI state office or scan/email to Kellie Murphy at murph4kj@cmich.edu

16

Coaches Code of Conduct

1. Places athletes' health and safety first

Coaches/chaperones shall place the health and safety of Special Olympics athletes above all else. When traveling to state competitions, coaches/chaperones are expected to provide for their athletes' physical and emotional needs 24 hours a day. Responsibility for the athletes does not stop after their competitions or after they have gone to bed in the evening. Coaches/chaperones must act at all times as the parent or guardian providing praise /commendation as well as discipline.

2. Knowledgeable in sports rules

Coaches shall be knowledgeable of all existing Special Olympics (both SOMI and SOI) and National Governing Body competition rules and regulations and prepare their athletes prior to competition in accordance with those rules.

3. Willing to follow the rules and model good sportsmanship

Coaches/chaperones shall abide by the letter and spirit of the rules and be responsible for conducting themselves with appropriate behavior and in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. Coaches who do not conduct themselves in this manner or who are offensive by action or language toward athletes, other coaches, volunteers, opponents, officials, and/or spectators may be prohibited from coaching.

4. Encourages athletes to put forth their best efforts

Coaches/chaperones shall be honest and instruct athletes to compete with maximum effort in all preliminary trials and finals, or he/she may be prohibited from coaching by the Games and/or Sports Rules Committee at the specific competition. Coaches should review the Athlete Code of Conduct with athletes before or at the first practice.

5. Follows no recreational swimming rule

It is the responsibility of the coach/chaperone to follow and adhere to the guideline of "no swimming" during all SOMI Culminating Events. The health and safety of athletes is all-important. If a coach/chaperone takes athletes swimming at hotels without authorization, this will be considered a violation of the Code of Conduct, and the persons responsible will receive a letter of warning and may be separated from the program.

6. Follows the “no alcohol/tobacco/or controlled substances” policy

The use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and/or controlled substances is not permitted at any training or competition venue per Section 4.09a of the SOI General Rules.

17

7. Carries all athletes' forms

It is the responsibility of the coach/chaperone to carry a copy of each athlete's Application for Participation form at practices and competition.

8. Obey all laws

I will obey all federal, state and local laws and facility, venue, and Special Olympics rules.

9. Responsibility

While attending tournaments, I am fully aware that I am responsible 24/7 for my athletes.

BBCIC & Universal Precautions

The following guidelines have been established regarding blood-borne contagious infection carriers participating in the Special Olympics Michigan program:

1. When an athlete is a blood-borne contagious infection carrier, specific reference will be indicated on the Health Appraisal Form, which is required for each participating athlete.

2. All identified carriers will be assigned a personal chaperone unless behavior warrants a less restrictive ratio of up to 4:1 athlete-to-coach ratio. Regardless of ratio, the athlete's chaperone will:

I. Monitor and restrict the athlete's interpersonal activities to those conducive to good hygiene.

II. Encourage good hygiene while the athlete is participating in team and individual sports.

III. Supervise sleeping quarters and eat meals with the carrier athlete to encourage proper eating habits.

IV. Report immediately to the medical staff any incident observed by the chaperone where the carrier athlete breaks the skin of another person by scratching, biting, etc.

18

Athlete Medical Procedures

1. In order for an athlete to compete in any Special Olympics Michigan event they must send a complete physical form to the State Office. This form must be signed by a physician. The physical must be completed every three (3) years. All athlete physicals should be in the possession of the head coach at all practices, tournaments, team functions, etc.

2. In the event that an athlete suffers from a sports related concussion, bring to medical staff immediately. If the athlete is diagnosed, an incident report form must be filled out and returned to the SOMI state office. In order for the athlete to return to play, they must receive written consent from a health care provider, which also must be turned into the SOMI state office.

3. It is your responsibility as a coach to have an emergency action plan in place for all practices, travel, or local tournaments you attend.

19

FAQ

Q: Can athletes compete at the state tournament without being on skates previously this year? A: No, all athletes who compete at State Winter Games need to be practicing on ice prior to competing. Q: How many events can my athletes compete in? A: Athletes competing in Speed Skating can compete in two events. They may, however enter the 800M race as a third race if they have the ability to complete the race. They may not be registered for any other winter sports outside of Speed Skating. Q: Are bike helmets acceptable for use on the ice. A: No, all athletes must have a proper ski helmet in order to compete. All helmets must meet ISU approved standards. Q: Are the walls of the ice rink exposed to the athletes? A: No, soft mats will be placed in the corners of the ice rink in case the athletes fall. These mats will cushion them against running directly into the hard rink walls. Q: Are there time limits athletes need to meet in order to enter a certain event? A: No, we currently do not have time limit requirements for each event. However, we do have recommended events for skaters based on their ability level. They are: Level I skaters - 100M and 300M, Level II skaters - 300M and 500M, Level III skaters - 500M and 800M. Q: Can an athlete dive across the finish line in order to win a race? A: No, athletes are not allowed to dive across the finish line. The finish is determined when one blade of a skater first crosses the finish line after completing the appropriate number of laps.

20

Resources

Heather Burke Sports & Training Director burke1hn@cmich.edu

Divisions, Rules, Competition, Roster Information Sheets

Nick Caudle Sports & Training Manager, Regional Programs caudl1n@cmich.edu

SW Specific Training Schools, Coaches Education, SW Regional Tournaments

Kellie Murphy Coordinator of Sports and Volunteers, State Office murph4kj@cmich.edu

Training Schools, Coaches Education, Volunteers

Rick Brady Sports & Training Coordinator, Regional Programs caudl1n@cmich.edu

SE Specific Training Schools, Coaches Education, SE Regional Tournaments

Janice Sager Senior Specialist Clerk janice.sager@cmich.edu

Athlete Medical Forms, Registration Materials, GMS

21

Resources

For the following SOI Resources please visit: http://www.somi.org/sports/sports.html

Speed Skating Coaching Guide Rules, Protocol and Etiquette Planning a Training Session Quick Start Guide Teaching Speed Skating Skills And many more

For the following SOMI Resources please visit:

http://somi.org/sports/coaches.html

Volunteer/ Guest Registration Form

General Orientation Participation Guide, General Orientation Quiz, Protective Behaviors

Training

Head’s Up: Concussion Training

Application for Sports Training Certification

Registration for Coaches Training

Recertification Quizzes

And many more

22

Notes

23

“Let me win.

But if I cannot win,

let me be brave

in the attempt.”

www.somi.org