PRINCIPLE OF MEANINGFUL INVOLVEMENT 

Unified Sports™ embraces the philosophy and principles of Special Olympics.  Consequently, Unified Sports™ teams are organized to provide meaningful involvement for all participants.  All teammates should play a role and have the opportunity to contribute to the team. 

Meaningful involvement also refers to the quality of interaction and competition within a Unified Sports™ team.  Achieving meaningful involvement by all participants on the team ensures a positive and rewarding experience for all participants.  Meaningful involvement is key to the realization of the Special Olympics mission in Unified Sports™. 

Indicators of Meaningful Involvement

• Teammates compete without causing undue risk of injury to oneself or other.

• Teammates participate according to the rules of competition.

• Teammates have the ability and opportunity to contribute to the performance of the team, without significant accommodation by any person on their team.

Meaningful involvement is not achieved when certain team members (usually partners):

• Have superior sports skills in comparison to their fellow team members.

• Serve predominantly as on the field coaches rather than teammates.

• Control most aspects of the competition during critical periods of the game.

• Do not train or practice regularly and only show up on the day of competition.

• Lowering their level of ability dramatically so that they do not hurt others or control the entire game.

Note: It is important that all coaches and program leaders prior to the selection of team members understand the Principle of Meaningful Involvement.