Sports rules

Special Olympics provides sports rules across all levels of competition. These are standardised to ensure all athletes of all abilities have the opportunity to participate and that the adjudication process is fair and equitable.

Special Olympics sports competitions must operate in accordance with rules established by the International Federations (IF) and National Governing Bodies (NGB) of each sport.

The sports rules are modifications that have been applied to IF and NGB rules where appropriate.  In cases where IF or NGB rules are in conflict with the sports rules, the sports rules will apply.

Rule Reviews

Special Olympics coaches, volunteers and staff are encouraged to suggest any rule changes that they feel are appropriate.  These recommendations are an integral part of the review process and can result in change or clarification of the rules.

Several of the latest rule changes that have been accepted were recommendations made by Special Olympics New Zealand.

Changes to rule modification proposals

As of September 2011 Special Olympics Incorporated will now only accept and review any proposed rule changes on a bi-annual basis rather than annually. After the 2012 posting of revised rules, the next revision will not be until 2014 unless health and safety issues require changes prior.

Useful Information

• Summary of changes to the winter and summer rules - PDF 139 KB
• Guidelines and Principles of Special Olympics Sports Rules provides the General Rules that apply to sports training and competitions, as well as guidelines to assist with implementation of some of the general principles - Article 1.

Sports offered in New Zealand

Information about the sports rules used at Special Olympics events can be viewed in full on the Special Olympics website.

New Zealand offers a selection of the sports that are listed on these pages with the exception of indoor bowls as this is a locally recognised programme.  Rules for Indoor bowls can be accessed on Our Sports page.  (Please note that these follow IBNZ current rules).

To view all of the sports offered by Special Olympics New Zealand please visit Our Sports.

Below you will find brief summaries of the latest changes to Special Olympics Incorporated's sports rules as they relate to our programme, please click on the sport that relates to you and you will be directed to a PDF file.

Summer Sports

Aquatics

Athletics, Track and Field

Basketball

Bocce

Bowling (no changes)

Equestrian (no changes)

Football

Golf

Powerlifting

Table Tennis

Winter Sports  (there are no changes to these sports)

Alpine Skiing

Snowboarding