Coaches Guide

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Table of Contents

SOMI-Specific Information .............................................................................3 Uniform Guidelines .......................................................................................4 Equipment .....................................................................................................5 Team Size ......................................................................................................6 General Rules .................................................................................................7 Scoring ...........................................................................................................8 Libero Player ..................................................................................................9 Modified Team Competition ..........................................................................10 Unified Team Competition .............................................................................11 Individual Skills Contest .................................................................................12-14 Registering for State Events ...........................................................................15 Divisioning Process.........................................................................................16 Training Requirements ...................................................................................17 Eight Week Training Program ........................................................................18-20 Coaches Certification ....................................................................................21 Concussion Certification ................................................................................21 Coaches Code of Conduct .............................................................................22-23 BBIC & Universal Precautions .......................................................................23 Athlete Medical Procedure ...........................................................................24 Resources ......................................................................................................25-26 Notes ..............................................................................................................27

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SOMI-Specific Information Sport season: April-June

Culminating State Events: State Summer Games Events Offered: Skills Team Competition Modified Team Competition Unified Team Competition National Governing Body: Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) 7 Place Chauderon 1003 Lausanne, Switzerland (41.21) 208932-33-34

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Uniform Guidelines

1. A volleyball uniform is a jersey, shorts, socks and shoes.

2. Kneepads are recommended. Players' jerseys must be numbered 1 to 99.

3. Numbers should be in the center on back and front of jersey. The numbers must contrast with the jersey color.

4. If undergarments, including but not limited to T-shirts, boxer shorts, tights, leotards, body suits, bicycle shorts, sports bras, etc., are worn so that they are exposed, they will be considered part of the uniform. In that case, they must be identical for any team member who wears such a uniform. Undergarments should be similar in color to uniform.

5. Hats, bandanas, du-rags, jewelry, and denim may not be worn during games or practice. Headbands, wristbands, and arm sleeves are acceptable.

6. Headwear for religious or medical reasons are acceptable but must be brought to the attention of the Games Director prior to competition.

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Equipment

1. Court size is 59’ long by 29’6” wide (18M x 9M).

2. The height of the net for team competition is Male & Coed teams 2.43 meters (7ft, 11 5/8 inches) Female teams 2.24 meters (7' 4-1/8" feet) Unified Men & coed teams 2.43 (7ft, 11 5/8 inches) Unified Women teams 2.24 meters.

3. The service line must be at least 14 feet 9 (28 ½ feet full court size) inches from the net.

4. A regulation size volleyball should be used. The size of the ball should be between 25.6 & 26.4 inches in circumference and weigh no more than 9.1 - 9.8 ounces. It should be as close as possible to the regulation-size volleyball.

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Team Size

1. A team roster shall consist of at least seven players and no more than 12 players. You must have 6 players to start the set. You can finish with less than 6 but cannot start next match with less than 6.

2. You may register 3 athletes as your team alternates.

3. All team members are required to play a match.

4. Alternates attend the event only when replacing a registered athlete who does not attend. When dropping an athlete prior to a SOMI Culminating Event or at the event site, only registered alternate athletes can be added. Awards are only given to team members listed on rosters and present the day of the event. (Ex. If you have 8 people listed on your original roster you can only bring 8 people to the event, if you drop one athlete they are replaced with one alternate.) It is strongly suggested to list alternate athletes.

5. Each coach must see to it that each athlete has frequent opportunities to participate.

6. Unified Competition

I. The roster shall contain a proportionate number of athletes and partners.

II. During competition, the lineup shall never exceed three athletes and three partners at any time.

III. Failure to adhere to the required ratio results in a forfeit. E

IV. Each team shall have an adult, non-playing coach responsible for the lineup and conduct of the team during competition.

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General Rules

1. A player may not play the ball twice in succession except when blocking.

2. Any ball hitting the ceiling will be considered playable by the team causing such contact, unless the ball crosses the plane of the net.

3. A served ball touching the net shall remain in play, and the receiving team has three plays to return the ball to the opponents.

4. Substitutes

I. A team will be allowed a maximum of 12 substitutions per set.

II. Each player may enter the set three times. Starting the game constitutes as one entry.

III. players reentering the set must assume their original position in the serving order in relation to their other teammates. This rule will be utilized in both regular and modified volleyball competition.

5. Each team will get two timeouts per set

6. If a team wins the first three sets of the match, the fourth game can be played only if it does not delay the start of the next scheduled match. Coaches and officials need to use their best judgment or play until the time is up. Coaches need to sign scorecards to verify results.

7. The first server of each set is the right back player. Thereafter, the right front player rotates to the right back position. The team receiving first service shall rotate upon the first side out.

8. The winner of the coin toss may choose to serve, receive or select a specific side of the court. If a deciding third or fifth set is necessary, a coin toss shall again be conducted with the same options.

9. The ball may be hit with any part of the body.

10. Touching any part of the net while playing the ball is a fault. Crossing completely over the centerline with any part of the body except the feet will not constitute a violation unless there is interference. It is a fault to cross completely over the centerline with the foot or feet.

11. Any ball landing on the line is considered “in”

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Scoring

1. All matches, including modified, will utilize Rally Scoring. You need not to be serving to score a point.

2. A match is won by the team that wins the best of three of five sets.

3. A playoff set is considered a match, and only one game will be played.

4. A one-game match is won by the team that scores 25 or more points with a two-point advantage. In the case of a 24-24 tie, play is continued until a 2-point lead is achieved.

5. In the case of a 1-1 or 2-2 set tie, the deciding set (3rd or 5th) is played as a tiebreaker with rally point scoring procedures to 15 points and no point cap.

6. Teams change sides when one team has scored eight points.

7. If a team fails to serve properly, return the ball, or commits any other fault, the opponent wins the rally and scores the point.

8. When the serving team wins a rally, it scores a point and continues to serve. If the receiving team wins the rally, it scores a point and gains the right to serve.

9. A match is equal to one full game, therefore 3 match scores are due to the State Office. Within a match there are sets; each set is played to 25 points except the deciding 3rd or 5th set, which is played to 15. Traditional division matches will play the best 3 out of 5 sets, with the winner being the team who wins three sets. Modified division matches will play the best 2 out of 3 sets, with the winner being the team who wins two sets.

Set 1 Set 2 Set 3 Set 4 Set 5 Winner

Team A 25 22 19 25 15 X

Team B 20 25 25 18 13

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Libero Player 1. Libero players are players that play defensive positions only. Any team has the option to

designate two Libero players on its roster for each match. There are special rules if the Libero player is injured and cannot continue.

2. The Libero jersey number(s) must be placed on the lineup sheet for the first set of the match, in addition to the numbers for the starting six players.

3. The Libero player must wear a uniform of a different and contrasting color and/or design than that of the rest of the team in order to be easily recognized on the court.

4. Libero playing actions:

I. The Libero is allowed to replace any player in a back-row position, except in Unified Sports competition when an athlete may only replace an athlete and a partner replace a partner.

II. He/she is restricted to perform as a back-row player and is not allowed to complete an attack hit from anywhere (including playing court and free zone) if at the moment of the contact, the ball is entirely higher than the top of the net.

III. A player may not complete an attack hit from higher than the top of the net if the ball is coming from an overhead finger pass by a Libero in his/her front zone.

IV. The ball may be freely attacked if the Libero makes the same action from behind the front zone.

5. Libero Replacements:

I. When the Libero replaces a player in the back zone, it is not counted as a substitution.

II. Libero replacements are unlimited.

III. Only the players whom he/she replaced may replace the Libero.

IV. Replacements may take place at the start of the set after the second referee has checked the lineup or while the ball is out of play, before the first referee blows the whistle for service.

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Modified Team Competition

1. The height of the net for modified team competition will be 7 feet 4-1/8 inches (15 meters x 7 ½ meters).

2. The modified volleyball (32 inches & 8 ounces) will be utilized at Summer Games.

3. One assist on a serve is allowed.

4. The serve line will be moved up to 14’ 9” (4.5 meters).

5. A time limit of 30 minutes may be set for each set.

6. A 3-point serving rule will be used. Once one player has scored 3 points on their serve, there will be an automatic side out.

7. Antennas will still be placed on the sideline of the smaller court.

8. Two of the three sets to 21 points will determine a match.

9. A team must win each sets by two points.

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Unified Team Competition

1. The roster shall contain a proportionate number of athletes and partners.

2. During competition, the lineup shall never exceed three athletes and three partners at any time. Failure to adhere to the required ratio results in a forfeit.

3. Each team shall have an adult, non-playing coach responsible for the lineup and conduct of the team during competition.

4. The serving order and positions on the court, at service, shall be an alternation of athletes and partners.

5. Once a server has scored three consecutive points, his/her team shall rotate to the next server and continue to serve.

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Individual Skills Contest

1. The Individual Skills Contest is designed for lower ability or new athletes who have not

yet developed the skills necessary to participate meaningfully in team competition and

wheelchair athletes.

2. Athletes may not be assisted by coaches.

3. Modifications will be made for athletes who have visual or hearing impairments.

4. The athlete's final score is determined by adding together the scores achieved in each of

the events.

Volleyball Individual Skills Contest

Overhead Passing

Serving

Passing (Forearm)

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Event #1 - Overhead Passing

1. Equipment: Use a regulation-size court that is 18 meters (59 feet) long and 9 meters (29 feet, 6 inches) wide, four volleyballs (modified ball permissible), net height at 2.24 meters (7 feet, 4 1/8 inches) for women and 2.43 meters (7 feet, 11 5/8 inches) for men, standards, antennae and ball box.

2. Description: Player is given 10 attempts from the center front position that is 2 meters (6 feet, 6 3/4 inches) from the net and 4.5 meters (14 feet, 9 inches) from the sideline. The player receives 10, two-handed, underhand-tossed balls from the tosser who is positioned in his/her backcourt, 4 meters (13 feet, 1 1/2 inches) from the baseline and 3 meters (9 feet, 10 inches) from the sideline in the left back position. The player sets the tossed ball toward a target (a person who has his/her hands above the head and who is standing 2 meters from the net and 2 meters from the sideline in the left front position). Tosses that are not high enough for the athlete to set are repeated. The goal is for the peak of the arc of each set ball to be above net height.

3. Scoring: The peak of the arc of each set ball toward the target is measured. The athlete will receive one point for volleying/setting the ball 1 meter (3 feet, 3 1/3 inches) above his/her head height and three points for volleying/setting the ball above net height. The following result in zero points: illegal contact, balls which go lower than head high and balls which go over the net or outside the court. The athlete’s final score is determined by adding together the points awarded for each of the 10 attempts. (It is suggested that the official stand on a chair to evaluate the height of each set).

Event #2—Serving

1. Equipment: Use a regulation-size court that is 18 meters (59 feet) long and 9 meters (29 feet, 6inches) wide, five volleyballs (modified ball permissible), net, standards, antennae, measuring tape, floor tape or chalk and ball box.

2. Description: The athlete stands 1.5 meters inside the end line and serves 10 volleyballs, one at a time, into the opponent’s court.

3. Scoring: The court is divided into three equal areas of 3 meters in width. Each of these areas is assigned a different point value. The athlete’s score is the cumulative point total of the 10 serves. A ball which lands on the line is assigned to the area with the highest point value.

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Event #3 - Passing (Forearm)

1. Equipment: Use a regulation-size volleyball court that is 18 meters (59 feet) long and 9 meters (29 feet, 6 inches) wide, five volleyballs (modified ball permissible), net, standards, measuring tape, marking tape and ball box.

2. Description: The athlete stands at the right back position, 3 meters [9’10‖] from the right sideline and 1 meter [3’3 1/3‖] from the baseline. A ball is thrown, using a two hand, overhead toss by a coach/official who is standing on the same side of the net in the center front position, 2 meters (6 feet, 6 3/4 inches) from the net. The athlete receives the toss and passes the ball toward a target (a person who has his/her hands above the head and who is standing on the same side, 2 meters away from the net, and 4 meters [13 feet, 1 1/2 inches] from the sideline away from the tosser). Target areas of varying point values are marked on the front court. The event is repeated with the athlete at the left back position, 3 meters from the left sideline and 1 meter from the baseline.

3. Scoring: The athlete must pass the ball so that the peak of the arc is at least net height in order to receive maximum points. A ball which lands on the line is assigned to the area with the higher point value. A ball which is passed below net height will receive only one point, regardless of where it lands. The athlete’s final score is determined by adding together the points scored from his/her five attempts at both the right back and the left back positions. It is suggested that the official stand on a chair to evaluate the height of each pass.

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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.

3. Each coach must submit a Team Evaluation Questionnaire (TEQ) & the results of 3 match scores.

I. A match is equal to one full game, therefore 3 match scores are due to the State Office. Within a match there are sets; each set is played to 25 points except the deciding 3rd or 5th set, which is played to 15. Traditional division matches will play the best 3 out of 5 sets, with the winner being the team who wins three sets. Modified division matches will play the best 2 out of 3 sets, with the winner being the team who wins two sets. Match scores, as well as the set scores within those matches, should all be turned in. For Traditional teams 3 Match Scores are due (minimum of 9 set scores); for Modified teams 3 Match scores are due (minimum of 6 set scores).

4. 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.

5. 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.

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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, TEQs, and game scores.

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 Sports Rules for clarifications of divisioning.

4. In order to structure the most equitable divisions we ask that you submit a true representation and assessment of your team on the Team Evaluation Questionnaire.

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

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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.

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Eight-Week Training Program

Week One Practice One

1. Introduce rules, expectations, and equipment

2. Warm up / Stretching

3. Assess athletes using Individual Skill Tests

4. Cool down and review

Week One Practice Two

1. Warm up / Stretching

2. 10-15 minutes

3. Basic skill drills

4. Reintroduce rules

Week Two Practice One

1. Warm up / Stretching

2. 10-15 minutes

3. Work on serving skills

4. Work on passing skills

Week Two Practice Two

1. Warm up / Stretching

2. Work on Hitting/Receiving

3. Work on setting up offense and defense

Week Three Practice One

1. Warm up / Stretching

2. Set up the Offense

3. Set up the Defense

4. Reintroduce rules/restarts

5. Hitting/Receiving

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Week Three Practice Two

1. Warm up / Stretching

2. Set up the Offense

3. Set up the Defense

4. Reintroduce rules/restarts

5. Hitting/Receiving

Week Four Practice One

1. Warm up / Stretching

2. Work on control

3. Team play/positions

Week Four Practice Two

1. Warm up / Stretching

2. Control

3. Team play/Positions

Week Five Practice One

1. Warm up / Stretching

2. Passing

3. Introduce Team play/support

4. Reintroduce rules

Week Five Practice Two—Play a game against a local team.

1. Warm up / Stretching

2. Introduce team play/ support

Week Six Practice One

1. Warm up / Stretching

2. Passing

3. Team play

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Week Six Practice Two

1. Warm up / Stretching

2. Passing

3. Team play/ Support

Week Seven Practice One

1. Warm up / Stretching

2. Team play

3. Team play/ Defending

Week Seven Practice Two—Play a game against a local team.

Week Eight Practice One

1. Warm up / Stretching

2. Team skill drills

3. Tournament prep

Week Eight Practice Two—Compete in the Area Tournament

1. Warm up / Stretching

2. Team skill drills

3. Tournament Prep

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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:

I. View an online recertification video

II. 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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Resources For the following SOI Resources please visit:

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

Volleyball Coaching Guide

Rules, Protocol and Etiquette

Planning a Training Session

Quick Start Guide

Teaching Volleyball 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

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Notes

“Let me win.

But if I cannot win,

Let me be brave

In the attempt.”

www.somi.org