Page 29 - Revised Unified Sports Curriculum electronic version Rev. 8.1_2

CULTURAL INFLUENCES:
 Played worldwide.
 Youth, high school and collegiate programs encourage both male and female participation.
 People from all socio-economic backgrounds can play because athletics is an inexpensive
sport to play.

BENEFITS OF ATHLETICS:
 Health Benefits
 Increase energy level
 Increase cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility
 Decrease risk of diseases (heart attack, stroke, cancer, diabetes)
 Decrease stress and tension levels
 Social Benefits
 Learn concepts of teamwork
 Learn to follow rules
 Learn discipline and commitment
 Social interaction with peers and/or friends
 Enjoyment
 Travel opportunities and increase cultural awareness

SAFETY RULES:

Teachers/Coaches will provide adequate supervision as defined by Professional, Legal,
District, and Special Olympic Guidelines to ensure students behave properly in light of
any foreseeable dangers.

Listed below are the Guidelines:
 Misbehavior of any type must not be tolerated.
 Failure to act or improper action is grounds for liability.
 The greater the degree of danger, the higher the level of supervision should be.
 Students must never be left unattended, except in an emergency where the potential
harm is greater than the perceived risk to students. Even then, risk should be minimized
or responsibility transferred to another authorized person if the situation allows.

Points to remember:
 Teacher/Coaches should use the proper equipment and teach the athletes how to use and
perform all activities the “right” way the first time and every time.
 Teachers/Coaches should be aware of equipment problems and hazardous areas so as to
correct or avoid them.
 Teachers/Coaches should perform periodic safety inspections and preventative maintenance
on all equipment and playing field areas.
 Teachers/Coaches should review rules and stress the words “Let’s Play Safe Out There” on a
daily basis.

Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) 2 06.01.2011
Permission from PUSD #11