Special Olympics Africa > Sports Rules

The Special Olympics Sports Rules govern all Special Olympics sports competitions worldwide. As an international sports movement, Special Olympics has created these rules based upon rules from International Sports Federations and National Governing Bodies. International Sports Federations and National Governing Bodies rules are employed except when they are in conflict with the Special Olympics Sports Rules. In those cases, the Special Olympics Sports Rules shall apply.

The Special Olympics Sports Rules are the result of recommendations and the practical experience of thousands of coaches, volunteers, Special Olympics athletes and their families worldwide. The rules have been developed to provide for the widest range of abilities to provide each athlete a reasonable chance to win.

Special Olympics Sports Rules are reviewed annually and posted with corrections each January. Volunteers, coaches and Program staff are encouraged to suggest rules clarifications or changes at any time. The timeline for review of those recommendations is posted here. If you would like to submit a rule change recommendation, please complete the Rule Change Recommendation Form and submit it using the directions on the form.

The fundamental difference that sets Special Olympics competitions apart from those of other sports organizations is Divisioning — athletes of all ability levels are encouraged to participate, and every athlete is recognized for his or her performance. Competitions are structured so that athletes compete with other athletes of similar ability in equitable Divisions.

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Special Olympics Summer Sports Rules
Special Olympics Winter Sports Rules
For more information, please contact Charles Nyambe, Regional Sports Manager on cnyambe@specialolympics.org