Advancement to USA/World Games

State Games → USA/World Games

There is no bigger stage in the Special Olympics than that of the Special Olympics World Games and the Special Olympics USA Games.

This level of competition can be achieved through hard work, dedicated training, and fierce, equitable competition. There are thousands of athletes and unified partners across Montana, but only a handful of slots allocated to our program.

How do we make the final decision?

Special Olympics has developed a set of rules that govern advancement and the nomination process.

Our General Rules for athlete advancement are grounded in this fundamental principle: Athletes of all ability levels have an equal opportunity to advance to the next higher level of competition. Each program is bound to fulfill these principles.

What’s the Difference between “Nomination” and “Selection”?

The term “nomination” is used instead of selection because participants must successfully complete Team Trails (also known as Training Camp) to be officially selected or confirmed by Special Olympics USA. Team Trials involves many of the same experiences’ participants will be tasked with throughout the Games: long travels, extended time away from home, adapting to group schedules, and cohesion with coaches and teammates they may not have participated with before.

The goal of Team Trials is to ensure that participants who may represent Montana can work through these challenges without parents, family members or circle of care present.

Team trials may or not be utilized for USA Games selection.

Games to Games: What is the Process?

Advancement begins with allocations, which are essentially the number of slots available to Montana athletes or teams. In addition to quantity, allocations are further defined by gender, competitive ability, and sometimes specific events within the sport.

Next, we must nominate athletes in accordance with formalized Criteria for Advancement as defied by the Special Olympics General Rules, Article 3, section 3.06(e). This brings in a few key factors:

• Eligibility: To be considered eligible, athletes must have participated at the previous level of competition prior to advancing to the next higher level. Athletes or teams may not be barred from advancement or omitted from the draw based on prior competition or advancement experience.
• Non-Athletic Considerations: We also evaluate allocations based on medical, behavioral, and judicial consideration. There will be a pre-screening that is completed for all eligible participants prior to the random draw to ensure everyone meets the required criteria.
• Performance: Priority is given to all first-place finishers from all divisions of the specific sport/event in consideration. We are required to do the same with second, then third-place finishers and so on until we have filled our allocations. If the number of eligible athletes and or teams exceeds the quota, athletes and teams are nominated by random draw.
• Alternate Selections: When nominations are made for national and international games, alternates may also be nominated. Typically for individual sports, there are primary athlete nominations, secondary athlete nominations, and then alternate athlete nominations. An alternate is an athlete who may step into the place of the primary athlete in the event the primary or secondary athlete cannot compete. This is usually due to sickness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances. An alternate is expected to train as if they are attending the Games, but they may not be called up to compete. We recognize there is uncertainty about being chosen as an alternate athlete and those that are selected may decline the opportunity if they choose.

Your next question might be: “If only medal winners are eligible, how can each athlete get an equitable chance to advance to the next level of competition.”

Special Olympics Divisioning Rules ensure equitable competition for all athletes at all skill levels. At every competition, athletes are separated into heats of 3-8 competitors, having been divided by gender, age, and ability (with ability being the most important consideration). All athletes are evaluated through qualifying scores/ratings and are paired in a division of equally skilled and capable opponents. Therefore, all award-winning athletes from all divisions have an equal chance at advancement.

Our divisioning process is one-of-a-kind and designed by Special Olympics to create an even playing field for all athletes of all abilities. For an in depth look at this process, watch this video: Special Olympics – Divisioning

An Example in Action – World Games

Imagine Special Olympics Montana was granted a quota of one female athletics athlete to nominate for Special Olympics USA at World Summer Games. First, we need to determine our eligible athletes. These eligible athletes will have competed in the previous State Summer Games for athletics and placed first in their divisions. This imaginary pool may contain 25 athletes of varying skill and strength depending upon their divisions. Each participant will go through a pre-screening process to ensure that the required selection criteria are met. Athletes that meet the pre-screening requirements will move forward and be added to the pool of athletes eligible to be randomly nominated to join Special Olympics USA. Once nominated, our lucky and deserving athlete will attend Team Trials. Upon successful completion of Team Trials, our athletics athlete is recognized and officially selected to join Special Olympics USA and compete at World Games.

An Example in Action – USA Games

Imagine Montana has been granted a quota of 2 female and 2 male athletes in athletics for USA Games. First, we need to determine our eligible athletes. After the competition is complete, the SOMT Sports Department will compile a list of all eligible athletes who have competed at the qualifying state level competition. This list will be sent to the Local Program Coordinators, and we will ask them to review the initial list and recommend athletes for advancement in the selection process. These athletes will be put in a pool for a random weighted draw. Athletes will be drawn (depending on the number of competitors) and an interview process will begin. The SOMT Sports Department will consult with the Local Program Coordinator, coaches, and the family or caregivers of the athlete(s). Following the draw and conversations with the LPC, coaches, and family/caregivers – an interview will be conducted with the athlete. If the athlete meets the selection requirements and criteria for the sport, they are eligible for, they will be notified of their official selection to Team Montana.

Things to Consider Before recommending an athlete or unified partner for advancement:

• Length of Games: The USA Games experience may span anywhere from 10-14 days. The length of time required depends on the location of the Games and the pre-Games experience. For many Special Olympics athletes and unified partners, this length of time away from home can prove to be unsettling.
• Travel and Long Days:  The distance required to travel to the USA Games will be long and could require several days. Many times, this travel will involve differing modes of transportation, such as airplane and bus. In addition to the travel days being long, the actual days during the Games will be long. It is realistic to expect 12–15-hour days (sometimes consecutively). The general health and fitness of the athlete should be considered. Participants should expect to walk for extended periods of time, over various distances, and over multiple days.
• Adjusting to New Coaches: Coaches selected for Team Montana come from across the state. In some cases, selected coaches may be familiar with athletes selected for Team Montana. In others, they may be brand new to each other and work together virtually leading up to the games while training with a local coach.
• Importance of Local Support: Local coach and parent/guardian must be committed to ensuring the athlete/unified partner is trained/prepared appropriately, as well as being proactive and responsive in communicating with Team Montana Coaches and SOMT Staff, to include securing medical forms and registration materials to meet guidelines set forth by the USA Games Organizing Committee or LOC (Local Organizing Committee).
• Group/Adaptability: For Team Montana to function well, all members must adhere to team rules and the team schedules. Often this means that a sport/team may need to adhere to a schedule as a group – meaning an athlete or Unified partner cannot dictate his/her own schedule. There will be times when schedules change with little, or no notice and athletes/Unified partners must be able to adapt accordingly.
• Daily Living Skills:  While coaches can provide daily reminders, athletes must be able to independently handle all toileting, showering and daily hygiene needs in an efficient manner. Athletes/Unified partners must be comfortable sharing a living space with other team members of the same gender.
• Food/Diet: While accommodations are made for dietary restrictions such as diabetes, gluten-free, etc. Athletes/Unified partners will dine in settings which involve planned meals served to the group. While there will often be choices, it will be limited.
• Commitment to Training: Athletes and partners are expected to commit to their training, health and fitness leading into the Games. Being prepared to not only travel, but compete nationally, is very important.

If you have any questions, please contact Brittani Bush by email.