Special Olympics Maryland - Inspire Greatness

Volunteer Code Conduct

As a Special Olympics Maryland volunteer, I agree that while serving as a volunteer, I will:

1. Provide for the general welfare, health and safety of all Special Olympics Maryland athletes and volunteers.

2. Dress and act in an appropriate manner at all times.

3. Follow the established rules and guidelines of Special Olympics Maryland, Special Olympics, Inc. and/or any agency involved with Special Olympics Maryland.

4. Report any emergencies to the appropriate authorities after first taking immediate action to ensure the health and safety of the participants.

5. Abstain from the consumption or use of all alcohol, tobacco products and illegal substances while involved with ANY Special Olympics Maryland event, competition or training school.

6. Not engage in any inappropriate contact or relationship with athletes, volunteers or other participants of Special Olympics Maryland.

7. Honor the Special Olympics Coach Oath.

8. For coaches, adhere to the Coaches’ Responsibilities as established by SOMD.

This is an excerpt from the Special Olympics Maryland Participation Policy. A complete copy of the policy is available from the SOMD Chapter Office or any Area/County Director. Additional information is available in the SOMD Volunteer Handbook.

Special Olympics Maryland has sole and absolute discretion as to any disciplinary actions to be taken if a person violates the Code of Conduct. Any action taken is predicated with the good faith belief of Special Olympics Maryland that the disciplinary action is appropriate. Any disciplinary action that is taken can be appealed through either the Chapter Conduct Committee or the Area/County/City Conduct Committee. An appeal should be directed to the Chapter Office or the Area/County/City Director.

3. Suspension from further participation in any Special Olympics Maryland programs or activities; or

4. Expulsion from further participation in any Special Olympics Maryland programs or activities.

A person may be subject to immediate disciplinary action, including suspension, for conduct which in the sole and absolute discretion of Special Olympics Maryland, is so inherently harmful or egregious as to warrant immediate action. Immediate disciplinary action, including suspension, may be imposed for any of the following:

1. Illegal Activity. Engaging in any illegal or criminal activity when Special Olympics Maryland and any Conduct Committee has a good faith belief that there has been illegal activity, whether or not there has been a formal charge made.

2. Behavior Problems. Any person behaving in a manner that is inherently dangerous to him/herself or others. This includes any violent acts, harassment, or any behavior which impacts the integrity of Special Olympics Maryland programs.

3. Alcohol or Illegal Substance. The use or consumption of alcohol or illegal substances whenever, as a volunteer, the person is responsible for the safety and well being of athletes. This includes but is not limited to all training/practice sessions, the duration of competition events, or any other Special Olympics sponsored or sanctioned activity where athletes are present.

4. Abuse. Any person accused or suspected of abusing (physical or sexual), molesting, assaulting, or harassing another person.