Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.

Special Olympics Athlete Oath

Sport Staff:
Jan Palchikoff
Jennifer Keurulainen
Brian Klavano
David Markland
Hector Tovar
Matt Setlik
Danielle Hamilton
Jenni Simcoe
Kara Toussaint
Kerry Farmer
Kevin Cantu
Michelle Woywitka Rossall
Geny Wu
Amy Woodward
Jared Agnew
Katrina Dorsey
Stephen Brandenburg
Stephen Morales

Senior Vice President, Sport & Athlete Experience

Vice President, Sport
Director, Sport Presentations & Awards
Director, Sport Planning-LACC
Director, Sport Planning-UCLA
Director, Sport Services
Manager, Sport
Manager, Sport Publications & Information
Manager, Sport Production
Manager, Sport Production
Manager, Sport Production
Manager, Awards
Project Coordinator, Sport, Athlete Experience, & Operations
Intern
Intern
Intern
Intern
Intern

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: GAMES INFORMATION

3.12 Athlete Uniform

1.1

Special Olympics Mission & Vision

3.13 Competition Equipment

1.2

LA2015 Contacts

3.14 Competition Format

1.3

Public Safety and Security

3.15 Competition Staging

1.4

Delegation Transportation System

3.16 Awards Staging

1.5

Language Services

3.17 Awards Ceremony

1.6

Medical Services

1.7

Clinics, Exhibitions, and Demonstrations

1.8

Opening & Closing Ceremonies

1.9

Credentials

CHAPTER 4: COACHES' INFORMATION

CHAPTER 2: SPORT INFORMATION

2.1

Competition Venues

2.2

Participation Statistics Per Sport

2.3

Sport Information Desks (SIDs)

2.4

Results

2.5

Refusal to Compete Special Olympics

2.6

Protests & Appeals Protocol

2.7

Maximum Effort Reminder

2.8

Athletes' Code of Conduct

4.1

Head Coaches' Meetings

4.2

Coaches' Code of Conduct

4.3

Coaches' Clinics

CHAPTER 5: OFFICIALS' INFORMATION

5.1

Officials' Meeting

5.2

Credentials & Uniform Distribution

5.3

Officials' Uniform

5.4

Check-In & Registration at Competition

Venues

5.5

Officials' Oath

APPENDIX
Acronyms

CHAPTER 3: HANDBALL RULES & INFORMATION

Delegation Codes

3.1

Participation Statistics

Glossary of Terms

3.2

Delegation Codes

Handball Ethos

3.3

Management Team

LA2015 App

3.4

Competition Schedule

Officials' Uniform

3.5

Events

Referees' Uniform

3.6

Venue Description

Social Media Accounts & Hashtags

3.7

Field of Play (FOP) Information

Sport Resources Portal on LA2015.org

3.8

Practice & Warm-Up Information

Sport Staff & Volunteer Uniform

3.9

Competition Regulations

Venue Map

3.10 Match Procedures

3.11

Divisioning

CHAPTER 1: GAMES INFORMATION

1.1

Special Olympics Mission

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic
competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual
disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate
courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their
families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
Special Olympics World Games LA2015 Vision
In a city full of movie stars and all-stars, the athletes of the Special Olympics World Games
will be the stars this summer. As the worlds media and entertainment capital, and as a city
that is the embodiment of diversity and inclusion, Los Angeles provides the perfect global
stage to highlight the talents, courage and determination of people with intellectual
disabilities.

1.2

LA2015 Contacts
Delegation Services Main Hotline: +1 (213) 986-9875
Delegation Services Fax: +1 (213) 986-9875
If you have a non-life threatening emergency while attending an event not affiliated with the
World Games, please contact the Delegation Services Main Hotline so that our staff can try to
assist you.
If you have a life-threatening emergency while attending an event not affiliated with the
World Games, please dial 9-1-1 to connect to the Los Angeles County Fire / Police
Department.

1.3

Public Safety and Security

The LA2015 Security Team will provide a safe and secure environment at the World Games
for Delegations, Officials, spectators, staff and volunteers by managing access points and
crowd control at all venues throughout Los Angeles. Security will also work closely with
transportation services to manage bus and vehicle access and traffic routes to parking and
shuttle locations.
Planned event security for participants and spectators includes:
Access Control checking credentials for access to specific buildings and venues,
monitored by Spectator Services staff.
Crowd Control monitoring and enforcing venue seating capacities, safety and
prohibited items.
Accommodations Security 24 hour security and credential access control at
Delegation accommodation locations.

1.4

Campus Security 24-hour security on campus and patrols around the perimeter of
campus at USC and UCLA.
Emergency Response working with local law enforcement agencies on execution of
emergency response plans.

Delegation Transportation System

The goal of the Transportation Department is to provide the safest, most efficient and
accommodating transportation system for all constituents, throughout the entire period of the
World Games. This goal will be achieved using comfortable air-conditioned buses.
Delegations will have access to an exclusive transport system offering scheduled Bus Service
to and from housing, venues and hubs. The following arrangements are being planned to
meet the needs of athletes, Coaches, and Officials.
Transportation Access
An LA2015 credential marked with a T-level will give delegates access to scheduled
transportation services. To ensure the safety of delegates at all times, only registered
members of a Delegation will be allowed to ride buses designated for Delegations.
Individuals without the LA2015 credential for delegates will not be permitted to board
Delegation buses under any circumstances.
Athlete Housing
Upon completion of the Host Town activities, Delegations will be picked up at their Host
Town and transported by motor coaches to the Athlete Villages at either University of
Southern California (USC) or University of California Los Angeles (UCLA).
Travel to Competition (On-campus)
The following sports will be held on-campus at USC and UCLA respectively. Athletes
competing in sports at USC or UCLA will travel less than 2 kilometers (1 mile) from their
housing site to reach their competition venue.
Distance To and From Competition Venues

From

To

Distance

UCLA

Balboa Sports Center

16 km (10 mi)

UCLA

Long Beach

54 km (34 mi)

UCLA

USC

20 km (12 mi)

From

To

Distance

USC

20 km (12 mi)

USC

Wilson & Harding Golf

Courses
LA Equestrian Center

USC

LA Convention Center

3 km

USC

Long Beach

40 km (25 mi)

USC

UCLA

20 km (12 mi)

24 km (15 mi)

(2 mi)

Games Vehicles
Delegation transportation vehicles will be equipped with air-conditioning and three-point seat
belts for optimal safety and comfort.
Vehicles' Markings
Buses will be identifiable by:

Destination sign

Service group (e.g. Delegations)

LA2015 branding

Opening and Closing Ceremonies

Delegations will be transported on air-conditioned school buses from USC and UCLA
housing to the Opening Ceremony. Closing Ceremony transportation on Sunday, August 2
will use the same plan as for the Opening Ceremony.
1.5

Language Services
The purpose of International Relations and Language Services is to ensure that guests from
more than 165 countries who speak 71 different languages can fully communicate, participate
and relate to each other without any language impediment. Language Services will provide
translation and interpretation services before and during the World Games. Multilingual Sport
volunteers will be available in every competition venue.

1.6

Medical Services
LA2015 will provide multiple levels of medical care as needed for all athletes participating in
the World Games as well as provide basic first aid to spectators and non-athletes attending
the World Games. The goal of the LA2015 Medical Team is to act in the best interest of the
individual, strive to return the athlete to the sporting event in an efficient and timely manner,
and provide all individuals a seamless transition into the community health care system if
necessary.
Medical Services will provide comprehensive treatment from initial intervention to definitive
care and discharge. The primary functions provided by Medical Services for athletes and
Delegation Members include:
Triage at the Field of Play
Treatment of Minor Injuries
Referral for Urgent Care at the Poly Clinic
Referral for Acute Care
Follow-up Care
Overnight Care at Accommodations Venues
Completion of the athlete medical form, which includes a physical exam, is mandatory for
each athlete to register and participate in the World Games and must be completed by a
physician prior to arriving in LA.

MedFest
MedFest, a Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program discipline, will operate on the USC
and UCLA campuses on July 24 and 25 to provide comprehensive sport physicals to clear
athletes for competition. In order to ensure the health of the athletes, they may only compete
if they submit complete and accurate athlete medical forms and once the LA2015 Medical
Team has cleared them.
Athlete Injuries On Field Of Play
A participant who is suspected of sustaining a concussion in a practice, game or competition
shall be removed from practice, play or competition at that time. During the World Games a
qualified medical professional will be available to render an evaluation, that person shall have
final authority as to the removal or return to play of the participant. The participants parent,
coach or guardian will be made aware that the participant is suspected of sustaining a
concussion.
A participant who has been removed from practice, play or competition due to a suspected
concussion may not participate in World Games sports activities until either of the following
occurs:

At least seven (7) consecutive days have passed since the participant was removed
from play and a currently licensed, qualified medical professional provides written
clearance for the participant to return to practice, play and competition; or

A currently licensed, qualified medical professional determines that the participant did
not suffer a concussion and provides written clearance for the participant to return to
practice play immediately. Written clearance in either of the scenarios above shall
become a permanent record.
The World Games Medical Team will utilize the ImPACT Concussion Management IDD Model
as the measurement tool. ImPACT IDD addresses the need for an accurate, medically
accepted assessment system that is used as part of an overall concussion management
protocol. ImPACT IDD at the World Games will follow these steps:
1. Athletes with prior head injuries, or who have experienced loss of consciousness,
and those competing in high impact sports will be required to complete a baseline
assessment evaluation during MedFest.
2. Athlete sustains injury and concussion is suspected.
3. Athletes with suspected head injuries during the Games will be evaluated and readministered ImPACT evaluation within 24 to 36 hours of injury to assess the level
of injury.
4. The World Games Medical Team will provide an assessment to determine if the
athlete is ready for non-contact activity.
5. Upon further assessment, the athlete may be determined safe to return to play.

Medical Protocols
All Medical personnel will be following Medical Protocols that Kaiser Permanente Physicians
have created. They include everything from Serious Conditions (heart problems, head

injuries, broken bones, etc.) to Common Conditions (Allergies sunburns, scrapes, etc.) and
lastly Behavioral Health conditions. These protocols will be distributed to all levels of care at
the World Games.
1.7

Clinics, Exhibitions, and Demonstrations

Please see the most current competition schedule on the Sport Resources portal at
LA2015.org for the most current schedule of the Special Olympics non-competition events.
See appendix for login instructions for the Sport Resources portal.
Coaches' Clinics
The purpose of the Coaches Clinics is to present best practices and techniques for Coaches
in order to improve their Coaching methods and tactics. Internationally renowned sports
experts will participate in these clinics. The date, time and location of the Coaches Clinics
will be announced at the first Head Coaches' meeting.
High Performing Athlete Demonstrations
The goal of High Performing Athlete Demonstrations is to showcase Special Olympics
athletes interacting and competing with Olympians/Sport Professionals in a Unified Sportstype competition. These types of competitions promote Special Olympics as a world leading
sports organization producing athletes that can compete at a world-class level. Sports
Demonstrations can also serve as a means of introducing a new sport to the Special
Olympics sports community. The High Performing Athlete Demonstrations are not part of the
official World Games competitions and thus the athletes do not receive medals or
participation ribbons for these events.
Motor Activity Training Program (MATP)
MATP is designed for athletes with profound intellectual disabilities who are unable to
participate in Special Olympics sport competitions because of their skill and/or functional
abilities. MATP is designed to prepare these athletes, including those with significant physical
disabilities, for sport-specific activities appropriate for their abilities.
Toys"R"Us #MyFirstSportsMoment Events
Toys"R"Us, a sponsor of Young Athletes program, is holding #MyFirstSportsMoment events
at ten Special Olympics Unified Sports events, where Young Athletes will have an
opportunity to experience their first sports moment on a world stage during activities such as
Aquatics, Softball, Bocce, Golf, Football, Roller Skating, Bowling, Tennis, Basketball and
Gymnastics.
Unified Sports Experiences
Unified Sports Experiences are a series of individual non-official Special Olympics exhibition
events. Stemming from the Special Olympics Unified Sports program, Unified Sports
Experiences provide an opportunity for internationally renowned sports and entertainment
personalities and fans to be paired up with Special Olympics athletes in a series of
competitive events.

Young Athletes Program

Young Athletes is a unique sport and play program for children with intellectual disabilities.
The focus is on fun activities that are important to mental and physical growth. Children ages
2 to 7 enjoy games and activities that develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Young
Athletes is an early introduction to sports and to the world of Special Olympics.
1.8

Opening & Closing Ceremonies

Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony will take place on Saturday, July 25 at the historic Los Angeles
Memorial Coliseum on the campus of USC. The star-studded event will celebrate the true
stars of the World Games - the athletes of Special Olympics - with exciting entertainment, the
Parade of Athletes and the culmination of the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run
and lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron. Broadcast live internationally by ESPN, fans
around the world will be able to participate in this memorable start to the World Games!
Closing Ceremony
To close out the World Games on Sunday, August 2, the Closing Ceremony will be held at
the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The final festivities will pay tribute to the athletes,
families, Coaches, volunteers and supporters who have come together for a successful and
inspirational event. World-class entertainers and celebrities will headline the celebration.

1.9

Credentials
Members of a Delegation must wear their credential at all times during the World Games to
ensure access to accommodations, dining halls and competition venues.
In the event that a credential is lost or stolen, please report it immediately to Delegation
Services. Refer to section 1.2 for contact information.

CHAPTER 2: SPORT INFORMATION

2.1

Competition Venues
Competition will be centered in six major hubs:
Long Beach, California
Beach Volleyball
Cycling
Half Marathon
Kayaking
Open Water Swimming
Triathlon
Sailing

Griffith Park (Wilson & Harding Golf Courses

& Los Angeles Equestrian Center)
Golf
Equestrian
The University of California, Los Angeles
(UCLA)
Gymnastics-Artistic
Gymnastics-Rhythmic
Football (5-A-Side)
Football (11-A-Side)
Judo
Softball
Tennis
Volleyball

Downtown Los Angeles:

The Los Angeles Convention Center
Badminton
Bocce
Bowling (Lucky Strike LA Live)
Handball
Powerlifting
Roller Skating
Table Tennis

The University of Southern California (USC)

Athletics
Aquatics
Basketball

Encino (Balboa Sports Center)

Football (7-A-Side)
2.2

Participation Statistics Per Sport* (as of June 22, 2015)

Sport

Athletes

Teams

Delegations

Aquatics

606

116

Athletics

953

157

Basketball

615

66

54

Bocce

279

40

96

Badminton

143

47

Beach Volleyball

34

Bowling

221

40

50

Cycling

178

34

Equestrian

127

36

Sport

Athletes

Teams

Delegations

Football

1,049

114

98

Golf

182

18

34

Gymnastics (Artistic)

139

34

Gymnastics (Rhythmic)

136

35

Handball

185

18

15

Half Marathon

28

15

Judo

105

24

Kayaking

67

13

Open Water Swimming

86

35

Powerlifting

170

41

Roller Skating

107

20

Sailing

55

28

Softball

144

10

Tennis

141

40

Triathlon

19

Table Tennis

206

70

Volleyball

298

28

23

*Participation numbers are subject to change

2.3

Sport Information Desks (SIDs)

The main purpose of the Sport Information Desk (SID) is to provide accurate and timely
information about competition to team representatives (registered Head Coaches and
Delegates). The SID is the liaison between the teams, the Technical Delegates (TDs), and the
Competition Management Team. The SID will also provide match lists, bulletins, results,
competition updates, technical forms, protest/appeal forms, and any other pertinent
information.
SIDs will be easily accessible to all team representatives/Coaches. Team representatives
must stop at the SID upon arrival and departure from the competition and accommodation
venues, in order to sign for and pick up all information updates.
See appendix for locations of SIDs.
SIDs at the Competition Venues
Sport Information Desks will open on the first day of training or competition and close the last
day of competition.
The SID will open one hour prior to the arrival of the very first bus with athletes, and will
remain in operation until 30 minutes after the conclusion of the final day's competition.

10

SIDs at Delegation Service Centers

2.4

SIDs at Delegation Service Centers will start operating on July 24 and close on August 2.
Updates and new information that concern the teams will be available at the Athlete
Village SIDs and will be distributed in the relevant pigeonholes/trays.

Results
Results will be posted at the SIDs and also available online at the official World Games
website, LA2015.org.

2.5

Refusal to Compete Special Olympics

Special Olympics must transcend all boundaries of race, gender, religion, national origin,
geography, and political philosophy, and offer sport training and competition opportunities to
all eligible persons with intellectual disabilities, in accordance with uniformed worldwide
standards.
A refusal by an athlete or team to compete or participate in any Special Olympics Games
event based on race, gender, religion, national origin, geography, political philosophy, or any
similar reason violates the principles of Special Olympics and is unacceptable. An athlete or a
team that refuses to compete at any Special Olympics Games for any such reason shall be
ineligible to compete further and will be asked to leave the Games.
Every Head of Delegation (HOD) and the Chief Executive of each Program that sends a
Delegation to a World or Regional Games and the Chief Executive of each Games Organizing
Committee (GOC) shall acknowledge and agree to this policy in writing prior to the relevant
Games.

2.6

Protest & Appeals Protocol

Only the Head Coach or a designated Coach registered as such (in the absence of the Head
Coach) can file a protest and must do so abiding by the rules of each sport. The Coach must
complete the protest form in order for the Sport Specific Jury to consider the protest.
Three (3) main guidelines for what is considered as a situation of protest:
1. Misinterpretation of sport rules.
2. Failure of the Referee or Judge to apply the correct rule at a given situation.
3. Failure to impose the correct penalty at a given violation.
Any protest involving the judgment of the Referee or Judge will not be taken under
consideration. Judgment calls are not to be protested or appealed. Divisioning
and meaningful involvement decisions cannot be protested.
The protest must cite each specific violation by stating the specific number noted in the 2014
version of the official Special Olympics Sport Rules and a clear description of why the Coach
feels that the specific rule has not been followed.

11

The protest forms will be available at the SID in each competition venue. All initial protests
must be filed no later than 30 minutes after the end of the game. Once the protest is filed
and the protest form is fully filled in, it shall be given to the SID and the relevant staff will then
accordingly notify the Sport Specific Jury, asking for a ruling. The exact time that the SID
receives the protest will be noted on the form.
The Sport Specific Jury, which consists of the Technical Delegate(s), the Competition
Manager and an appointed Official, shall review the protest. Once the Sport Specific Jury has
made its decision, the Coach can either accept the ruling or appeal against this ruling to the
World Games Jury of Appeals. Appeals against the decisions of the Sport Specific Jury are to
be submitted within 60 minutes after the relevant decision of the Sport Specific Jury. All
decisions made by the World Games Jury of Appeals are final.
Jury of Appeals
Jury Chair:

Venisha Bowler, Senior Manager, Sports, Special Olympics, Inc.

Members:

Bob Whitehead, Member, Sports Rules Advisory Committee

Jennifer Keurulainen, Vice President of Sport, LA2015
Lee Todd, Chief of Sports, Special Olympics, Inc.
Jon-Paul St. Germain, Senior Director, Unified Sports and Sports
Partnership, Special Olympics, Inc.

For the Sport Specific Jury please see section 3.3.

2.7

Maximum Effort Reminder

Athletes must participate honestly and with maximum effort in all divisioning and/or final
competition. Individuals or teams that are identified as not participating to their full potential
with the intent of being placed in a lower division may be disqualified from competition. Head
Coaches are responsible for assuring that the reported divisioning scores for their athletes
accurately reflect the ability of the athlete(s). At the completion of the divisioning process
Head Coaches will be given a report to sign off confirming individual players scores are a
reflection of their playing ability. If for any reason the Head Coach does not consider this
assessment or score correct, it is their responsibility to notify the Competition Management
Team.

2.8

Athletes' Code of Conduct

Special Olympics is committed to the highest ideals of sport and expects all athletes to honor
sports and Special Olympics. All Special Olympics athletes and Unified Sports partners agree
to the following code:
Sportsmanship

I will practice good sportsmanship.

I will act in ways that bring respect to me, my Coaches, my team, and Special Olympics.

12

I will not use bad language.

I will not swear or insult other persons.
I will not fight with other athletes, Coaches, volunteers or staff.

Training and Competition

I will train regularly.

I will learn and follow the rules of my sport.
I will listen to my Coaches and the Officials and ask questions when I do not understand.
I will always try my best during training, divisioning and competitions.
I will not "hold back" in preliminaries just to get into an easier final heat.

Responsibility for My Actions

I will not make inappropriate or unwanted physical, verbal or sexual advances on others.
I will not drink alcohol, smoke or take illegal drugs while representing Special Olympics at
training sessions, competition or during Games.
I will not take any drugs for the purpose of improving my performance.
I will obey all laws and Special Olympics rules.

I understand that if I do not obey this Code of Conduct, my Program or a Games Organizing
Committee may not allow me to participate.

13

CHAPTER 3: HANDBALL RULES & INFORMATION

3.1

Participation Statistics
Number of Delegations
15

3.2

Number of Athletes
185

Number of Teams
18

Delegation Codes
Please refer to the appendix for all three-letter Delegation codes.

3.3

Management Team
Competition Management Team
Competition Manager (CM)
Assistant Competition Manager (ACM)
Technical Delegate
Vice President, Sport
Venue Management Team
General Manager (LACC)
Assistant General Manager (LACC)
Sport Specific Jury
Chair:
Members:

Michael Hinson
Julio Sainz
George S. Bebetsos
Jennifer Keurulainen
Luke Hyvonen
Derrick Salisbury
George S. Bebetsos (TD)
Michael Hinson (CM)
Bruce Mosberg (Head Referee)
Julio Sainz (ACM)

Substitute member:
3.4

Competition Schedule (subject to change)

Divisioning:
July 26, 2015
Competition:
July 27, 2015 August 1, 2015

3.5

Events
Team Competition, Male & Female

3.6

Venue Description
Handball will take place in the South Hall at the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC).
Please see appendix for a Venue Map

3.7

Field of Play (FOP) Information

The South Hall at LACC will feature one (1) Handball court. The competition surface will be of
synthetic material (measuring 44m X 24m) and will be same as the ones used during any
Official Handball competition.

14

3.8

Practice & Warm-Up Information

Pre-Competition Warm-Up
There is one (1) warm-up Handball court, next to the competition court. The warm-up courts
surface is industrial concrete. Warm-up will take place at the warm-up court, 30 minutes prior
to each match. Ten (10) balls will be given to each team in the warm-up court. The last eight
(8) minutes of the warm-up will take place on the competition court with another ten (10) balls
available per team.
Practice/Training
There will be no specific training sessions throughout the entire tournament.

3.9

Competition Regulations
The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Handball shall govern all Special Olympics
competitions. As an international sports program, Special Olympics has created these rules
based upon International Handball Federation (IHF) rules for Handball found at
http://www.ihf.info/. IHF or National Governing Body (NGB) rules shall be employed except
when they are in conflict with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for Handball or
Article I. In such cases, the Official Special Olympics sports Rules for Handball shall apply.
In the current version, the official Handball Rules of the Game have been summarized and
edited in a more compact version. In any case, the full-length version of the Rules can be
found in the IHFs Rules of the Game book. The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for
Handball can be found at: http://media.specialolympics.org/soi/files/resources/Sports-RulesCompetitions/SportsRules/Handball_Rules_FINAL-April2014.pdf
Please refer to Article I, http://media.specialolympics.org/resources/sportsessentials/general/2014-Article-I.pdf for more information pertaining to Codes of Conduct,
Training Standards, Medical and Safety Requirements, Divisioning, Awards, Criteria for
Advancement to Higher Levels of Competition and Unified Sports.

3.10

Match Procedures
Pre-Game Procedure
Three minutes prior to the start of each match, the teams will line up in front of their benches
area with the referees in between of them, in front of the Secretariats Table. Players are
announced by their name and bib number, first those of the Guest (B) team and then
those of the Home (A) team. Upon hearing their name and number, players walk to the
center of the court, side-by-side, facing the VIP tribune. Coaches are announced next,
followed by the Technical Officials. As soon as the referees assume their position at the
center of the court, between the two teams, teams and referees exchange handshake.
Post-Game Procedure
Upon completion of the match, the team players and the referees will meet at the center of
the court, in order to congratulate each other and salute the spectators.

15

3.11

Divisioning

3.12

Divisioning will be according to the assessments of a Divisioning Committee. Teams will

be assessed in a 1-10 scale during matches at the divisioning phase for their physical
ability, team play ability, scoring ability and goalkeeping.
Initial placement in the Divisioning Round will be based on the Team Assessment
Score/Rating submitted on the teams' registration form or updated information submitted
by the Head Coach at Final Declaration.
Teams who do not submit complete assessment information will automatically be placed
in the highest Division (skill level) of the Divisioning Round.
Teams with less than seven (7) players to start the game will receive no points and the
match will be considered ended (score: 0-10).
Based on competition and observation, the Divisioning Committee reserves the right to
adjust the divisioning prior medal rounds.
Every effort will be made to guarantee the integrity of the games and the divisioning
process. The ultimate goal of the Committee is to select divisions with teams of similar
ability. The decision of the Committee is final and may not be appealed/protested.
It is very important for teams to come to the Games with experience competing in their
events.

Athlete Uniform
Color
All the court players on a team must wear identical uniforms. The combination of colors and
designs for the two teams attire must be clearly distinguishable from each other. All players
used as goalkeepers in a team must wear the same color; a color that distinguishes them
from the court players of both teams and the goalkeeper(s) of the opposing team.
Each team must have two (2) uniform sets of different colors (one light-colored and one
dark-colored). In case both teams appear on court in the same color, the team appearing as
Guest in the competition schedule (B) has to wear their alternate uniform.
Athlete Uniform Numbers
The players must wear visible numbers, of at least 20 cm height on the back of their shirt
and of at least 10 cm on the front. The numbers used shall be from 1 to 99. A player who is
switching between court player and goalkeeper position must have the same number in
both positions. The color of the numbers must contrast clearly with the colors and designs of
the shirt. Each players number is unique, meaning that each player will compete with the
same uniform number throughout the entire tournament.
Team Name/Logos
The name of the Program or athlete may also appear on the back of the athletes shirt. The
name of the Program may also appear on the front of the shirt. The team coaches must
wear identical shirts in a color that distinguishes them, different from the color used on the
shirts of the court players of the opposing team.

16

Athletic Shoes
Players should wear athletic shoes.
Uniform Restrictions
Players are not allowed to wear objects that could be dangerous to other players, such as
head protection, face masks, bracelets, watches, rings, visible piercing, necklaces or chains,
earrings, glasses without restraining bands or with solid frames (only sport type glasses are
allowed). Players who do not meet this requirement will not be allowed to participate until
they comply with the rules. Flat rings, small earrings and visible piercing may be allowed, as
long as they are taped over in such a way that they are no longer deemed dangerous to
players. Headbands, headscarves and captains armlets are allowed, as long as they are
made of soft, elastic material.
A player who is bleeding or has blood on his/her body or uniform must leave the court
immediately (through substitution), in order to have the bleeding stopped, the wound
covered, and the body and uniform cleaned off. The player must not return to the court
otherwise.
Commercial Messages and National Flags
The following rules apply to competition, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and Award
Ceremonies:

No national flags are permitted on the athletes uniform, caps, swimsuits, towels, etc.

Athletes are prohibited from wearing clothing, bibs, or signs with commercial names or
commercial messages, other than "normal commercial markings" of the clothing
manufacturer. Normal commercial markings include:
o On larger clothing items, such as shirts, jackets, pants, jerseys, and sweatshirts, one
logo or commercial name per clothing item is permissible, if that name or logo display
does not exceed an area of six square inches or 38.7 square centimeters (such as a
display measuring 2" x 3" or 5.08 cm x 7.62 cm).
o On small clothing items, such as caps, socks, hats, gloves and belts, one logo or
commercial name per clothing item is permissible, if that name or display does not
exceed an area of three square inches or 19.35 square centimeters.
o On athletic shoes, no logos or commercial names are permissible except for names or
logos, which are included by the manufacturer on athletic shoes that are sold to the
general public.
Athletes may wear, carry or use clothing and/or non-apparel items that are not part of their
sports equipment (such as tote bags), which contain small and attractively designed
identifications of corporate or organizational sponsors at Games venues (other than the sites
of competition, such as at training or practice sessions outside of competition venue).
For complete rules regarding athletes' uniforms, please see Article 5, Section 5.08 of Special
Olympics General Rules at:
http://resources.specialolympics.org/Topics/General_Rules/Article_05.aspx

17

3.13

Competition Equipment

3.14

Balls for warm-up will be provided to teams competing prior to their matches.
Resin for the competing athletes will be available at the Field of Play (FOP).
The Competition Management staff will provide two SELECT, Match Soft, number two
balls for each match.

Competition Format (subject to change based on team participation)

Divisions
Men:
Women:

Three (3) Divisions

One (1) Division

Events
Mens Team Play
Womens Team Play
After Divisioning, teams in each Division will compete in the following format depending on
the number of teams in each group:
Preliminary Round following the single round robin system
Finals (1 vs. 2, 3 vs. 4)
Double round robin system
Rankings
Teams are ranked by adding the points gained:
2 points = win
1 point = tie
0 points = lose
If, after completion of the group matches, two or more teams have gained the same number
of points, the following ranking system will apply:
Results in points between the teams concerned;
Goal point difference in the matches between the teams concerned;
Greater number of plus goals in the matches between the teams concerned.
If there is still a tie, the following system is used to decide between these teams:

18

Goal difference is subtracted in all matches;

Greater number of plus goal points in all matches;
Smaller number of minus goal points in all matches.

If a ranking is still not possible, a draw shall decide. The Competition Management will
make the draw, in the presence of one Coach per team concerned.
In the knockout matches, if there is a tie upon completion of the playing time, 7-meter throws
(penalties) will be executed immediately. No overtime will be played.
3.15

Competition Staging
Athletes should check-in at least 20 minutes prior to competition. Staging volunteers will
ensure that the athletes wear the appropriate competition attire. Athletes who fail to report to
the staging area 20 minutes prior to the event will be disqualified from competition.
Competition staging is an area close to the Field of Play and it serves as a holding area for
athletes prior to competition in order to ensure that all athletes will be present for their event.
The exact location of competition staging will be announced at the Head Coaches' Meeting.
Head Coaches must ensure athletes/partners are wearing their World Games Credentials at
all times, particularly at staging check-in.

3.16

Awards Staging
Teams will be asked to check in at the awards staging area. The awards staging area is
designated as a holding area for athletes prior to their awards ceremony in order to ensure
that all athletes are present for their ceremony.
The time and location of check-in for awards staging will be available at the first Head
Coaches' Meeting or at the on-site SID.
Head Coaches must ensure athletes/partners are wearing their World Games Credentials at
all times, particularly at staging check-in.
Athletes may not leave the awards staging area without permission of the Awards Supervisor
and may not leave without being accompanied by an assigned volunteer. After the awards
ceremony, Coaches, HODs or appointed Delegation representatives will be asked to collect
their athletes. The specific details of this process will be outlined at the Head Coaches
Meeting.
Family members are not allowed within the awards staging area. Coaches will be asked to
stay with their team and assist with team movements for the award ceremony.

3.17

Awards Ceremony
All awards ceremonies will take place in accordance with the official Special Olympics Sport
Rules, giving due respect to the athletes and highlighting their achievements. The awards
ceremonies will be held on the Field of Play.

19

Medals will be presented to athletes ranked in first through third place, while ribbons will be
presented to athletes in fourth through eighth place. Athletes disqualified for technical rules
infringements will be awarded a participation ribbon on the last position on the podium.
Athletes who are disqualified for un-sportsmanlike behavior will not receive an award.
Coaches will not receive awards.
No national flags are permitted during the awards ceremonies. As per Special Olympics
standards, no sponsor signage is permitted in the awards area.
In the event that an athlete misses the awards ceremony, their award will be handed to the
Coach to give to the athlete.
Detailed information about awards ceremony procedures will be distributed at the first Head
Coaches' meeting. Additional updates will be posted at the on-site SID.

20

CHAPTER 4: COACHES' INFORMATION

4.1

Head Coaches' Meetings

The Head Coach MUST attend the first Head Coaches' meeting.
Date: July 25, 2015
Time: 08:00 09:30
Location: LACC, 300/400 Level meeting room
All subsequent meetings will be announced at this meeting. The Head Coaches' meeting
schedule can be found on the Competition Schedule or at the SID.
Final Declaration will take place at Head Coaches' meetings. The purpose of Final
Declaration is for the Head Coaches to verify all registered athlete information. The Head
Coach will be provided with a list of all registered athletes, events and other entry
information. It will be the Coaches' responsibility to verify all information and/or athlete
information at this time.
According to the submitted Final Declarations, declared athletes may be scratched from an
event in which they are entered, but no substitution of any other athletes may be made.
Once Head Coaches have signed and submitted their Final Declarations, no subsequent
changes can be made.
It is the responsibility of the Head Coach to ensure that athletes are supervised during the
Head Coaches' meeting times. Athletes may not attend Head Coaches meetings.

4.2

Coaches' Code of Conduct

Special Olympics is committed to the highest ideals of sport and expects all Coaches to
honor sport and Special Olympics. All Special Olympics Coaches agree to observe the
following code:
Respect for Others

I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of athletes, Coaches, other volunteers, friends
and spectators in Special Olympics.

I will treat everyone equally regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion or ability.

I will be a positive role model for the athletes.

Ensure a Positive Experience

I will ensure that for each athlete I Coach, the time spent with Special Olympics is a
positive experience.

I will respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each athlete.

I will ensure each athlete competes in events that challenge that athlete's potential and
are appropriate to that athlete's ability.

21

I will be fair, considerate and honest with athletes and communicate with athletes using
simple, clear language.

I will ensure that accurate scores are provided for entry of an athlete into any event.

I will instruct each athlete to perform to the best of the athlete's ability at all preliminaries
and final heats in accordance with the official Special Olympics Sports Rules.
Act Professionally and Take Responsibility for My Actions

My language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation will demonstrate high

standards.

I will display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved in the sport
(athletes, Coaches, opponents, Officials, administrators, parents, spectators, media etc.).

I will encourage athletes to demonstrate the same qualities.

I will not drink alcohol, smoke or take illegal drugs while representing Special Olympics at
training sessions, competition or during Games.

I will refrain from any form of personal abuse towards athletes and others, including
inappropriate or unwanted sexual advances on others, verbal, physical and emotional
abuse.

I will be alert to any form of abuse from other sources directed toward athletes in my care.

I will abide by the Special Olympics policy on the prohibition of Coaches dating athletes.
Quality of Service to the Athletes

I will seek continual improvement through performance evaluation and ongoing Coach
education.

I will be knowledgeable about the Sports Rules and skills of the sport(s) I Coach.

I will provide a plan for a regular training program.

I will keep copies of the medical, training and competition records for each athlete I
Coach.

I will follow the official Special Olympics Sports Rules for my sport(s).
Health and Safety of Athletes

I will ensure that the equipment and facilities are safe to use.

I will ensure that the equipment, rules, training and environment are appropriate for the
age and ability of the athletes.

I will review each athlete's medical form and be aware of any limitations on the athlete's
participation noted on that form.

I will encourage athletes to seek medical advice when required.

I will maintain the same interest and support toward sick and injured athletes.

I will allow further participation in training and competition only when appropriate.
I understand that if I violate this Code of Conduct, I will be subject to a range of
consequences, up to and including being prohibited from Coaching in Special Olympics.

22

4.3

Coaches' Clinics
The purpose of the Coaches Clinics is to present best practices and techniques for coaches
in order to improve their coaching methods and tactics, or knowledge on the Rules of the
Game and discuss important issues on Handballs development within the Special Olympics
International framework. Expert Handball professionals will present in these clinics.
Topics will include:
Future changes in the Rules of the Game
Handball as a Unified Sport Event (USE): The introduction of Beach Handball in the
Special Olympics Program.
Handball Coaches' Clinic
Date: July 25, 2015
Time: 10:00 - 12:00
Location: LACC, 300/400 Level meeting room

23

CHAPTER 5: OFFICIALS' INFORMATION

5.1

Officials' Meeting
It is imperative that all Handball Officials attend the Officials' Meeting.
Date: July 24, 2015
Time: 17:00-19:00 (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
Location: LACC, 300/400 Level meeting room
In addition to reviewing all rules of Handball, specific venue information will be given and
Officials' credentials and uniforms will be distributed.

5.2

Credentials & Uniform Distribution

Credentials and uniforms will be distributed at the Officials' Meeting. Upon receipt, Officials
will have to sign a sheet acknowledging receipt.
More details will be communicated directly to each Official prior to the first Officials' Meeting
regarding access to parking.
Officials are required to carry their credentials with them at all times: to park, to enter the
venue, to get to any Officials' Lounges, to get on the Field of Play, etc.

5.3

Officials' Uniforms
Officials' Shirt: Officials will wear the GOC supplied purple polo shirt* while officiating the
Handball competition. Officials will also be given an official LA2015 hat and a hip-pack to
carry personal belongings.
Officials' Coordinating Uniform**: All Officials should wear tan shorts* and non-marking
athletic shoes.
Handball Referees' Shirt: GOC will provide a yellow Referee shirt.* Referees must provide
at least one more Referee shirt in a color of their choice (red, light blue, orange, grey or
black).
Referees' Coordinating Uniform**: All Referees should wear black athletic shorts*, black
socks, and non-marking gray or black athletic shoes.
*Please see appendix for Officials' Uniform photographs.
**Officials and Referees must bring their own coordinating clothes to wear with GOCsupplied shirts.

5.4

5.5

Check-In & Registration at Competition Venues

All Officials should check in with the Athletes and Officials Supervisor at the Officials'
Lounge, unless directed otherwise by the Technical Delegate or Competition Manager for
their sport.
Officials' Oath
"In the name of all Judges and Officials, I promise that we shall officiate in these Special
Olympics Games with complete impartiality, respecting and abiding by the rules which
govern them, in the spirit of sportsmanship.

24

APPENDIX
ACRONYMS
ATD: Assistant Technical Delegate
CM: Competition Manager
FOP: Field of Play
GMS: Games Management System
GOC: Games Organizing Committee (LA2015)
HOD: Head of Delegation
ITO: International Technical Official
LA2015: Special Olympics World Games Los
Angeles 2015

LACC: Los Angeles Convention Center

LMU: Loyola Marymount University
SID: Sport Information Desk
SOI: Special Olympics, Inc.
TD: Technical Delegate
UCLA: University of California, Los Angeles
USC: University of Southern California
USE: Unified Sports Experiences
USEC: Unified Sports Evaluation Committee

DELEGATION CODES
AFG
ALB
ALG
ARG
ARM
ARU
ASA
AUS
AUT
AZE
BAH
BAN
BAR
BEL
BEN
BHU
BIH
BIZ
BLR
BOL
BON
BOT
BRA
BRN
BRU
BUL
BUR
CAM
CAN
CAY

Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
American Samoa
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belgium
Benin
Bhutan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Belize
Belarus
Bolivia
Bonaire
Botswana
Brazil
Bahrain
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Cambodia
Canada
Cayman Islands

CHI
CHN
CIV
COD
COL
CRC
CRO
CUB
CUR
CYP
CZE
DEN
DMA
DOM
ECU
EGY
ESA
ESP
EST
FIJ
FIN
FRA
FRO
GBR
GEO
GER
GHA
GIB
GRE

Chile
China
Cote dIvoire
Democratic Republic of
Congo
Colombia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cuba
Curaao
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Spain
Estonia
Fiji
Finland
France
Faroe Islands
Great Britain
Georgia Republic
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Hellas (Greece)

Delegation codes continued on next page

25

GUA
GUY
HAI
HKG
HON
HUN
INA
IND
IOM
IRI
IRL
IRQ
ISL
ISR
ISV
ITA
JAM
JOR
JPN
KAZ
KEN
KGZ
KOR
KOS
KSA
LAO
LAT
LBA
LCA
LIB

Guatemala
Guyana
Haiti
Hong Kong
Honduras
Hungary
Indonesia
Bharat (India)
Isle of Man
Iran
Ireland
Iraq
Iceland
Israel
US Virgin Islands
Italy
Jamaica
Jordan
Nippon (Japan)
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kyrgyz Republic
Korea
Kosovo
Saudi Arabia
Laos
Latvia
Libya
St. Lucia
Lebanon

DELEGATION CODES CONTINUED

LIE
LTU
LUX
MAC
MAR
MAS
MAW
MDA
MEX
MKD
MLI
MLT
MNE
MGL
MON
MRI
MYA
NAM
NCA
NED
NEP
NGR
NOR
NZL
PAK
PAN
PAR

Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macau
Morocco
Malaysia
Malawi
Moldova
Mexico
FYR Macedonia
Mali
Malta
Montenegro
Mongolia
Monaco
Mauritius
Myanmar
Namibia
Nicaragua
Netherlands
Nepal
Nigeria
Norway
New Zealand
Pakistan
Panama
Paraguay

PER
PHI
PLE
PNG
POL
POR
PUR
QAT
ROM
RSA
RUS
RWA
SAM
SEN
SEY
SIN
SKN
SLO
SMR
SOM
SRB
SRI
SUD
SUI
SUR
SVK
SWE

Peru
Philippines
Palestine
Papua New Guinea
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Romania
South Africa
Russia
Rwanda
Samoa
Senegal
Seychelles
Singapore
St. Kitts and Nevis
Slovenia
San Marino
Somalia
Serbia
Serendib (Sri Lanka)
Sudan
Switzerland
Suriname
Slovakia
Sweden

SWZ
SYR
TAN
TGA
THA
TJK
TKM
TLS
TOG
TPE
TRI
TUN
TUR
UAE
UGA
UKR
URU
USA
UZB
VEN
VIE
VIN
ZAM
ZIM

Swaziland
Syria
Tanzania
Tonga
Thailand
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Timor-Leste
Togo
Chinese Taipei
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
Uganda
Ukraine
Uruguay
United States of America
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
St. Vincent and
the Grenadines
Zambia
Zimbabwe

GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Advantage (rule of): A clause in the Rules of the Game that gives the Referees the discretion to allow
play to continue even after a foul has been committed if stopping play would unfairly punish the fouled
team.
Announcement: Information released by the Competition Officials.
Appeal: Process for requesting a formal change to an official decision.
Court players: All the players except for the goalkeepers.
Credentials: A pass that officials, team members, media representatives, etc. receive to move freely in
certain areas of the sports hall.
Clarifications on the Rules: A clarification is used to make a statement in a Rule of the Game more clear.
Disqualification: A player may be disqualified by the referees for a number of cases specified in the
regulations. In this case the player cannot return on court for the remaining part of the game.
Equipment: The uniform, sports shoes and assorted accessories of the players.
Fair Play (or Fairplay): Upright conduct and equitable conditions; conformance to the rules, spirit, and
etiquette of sport. The ethos of sport.
Field of Play: The area where the game is played.
Finals: The last and decisive games of the competition.

26

Head Coach: The head of the team who gives instructions, makes substitutions and creates the tactics
during the game.
Match Report: The official document containing the list of participants, the score, the remarks of the
referees, etc. The match report is done by the officials seated at the jury table.
Players: The members of a team taking part in the game.
Player eligibility: The status whether an athlete fulfills all conditions to take part in a game or the
competition.
Preliminary round: The initial phase of the tournament with all teams competing.
Protest and appeals: Official complaint about irregularities experienced during a game, made by a team.
Table Officials (Judges): Timekeeper and scorekeeper.
Team: The unit with a maximum number of 14 players and four (4) Officials on the match report.
Technical (Coaches) Meeting: The event preceding the competition where the Technical Officials and
Team Officials check and agree on technical details, such as the competition regulations, clothing or the
team lists, etc.
Team Official: A person representing the team, registered in the match report.
Technical Delegate: The SOI Official carrying out tasks of event supervision and observation.
Technical Officials (TOs): The Technical Delegate, referees and table officials.
Uniform: A set of clothes worn by all players and officials of a team to differentiate themselves from the
players and officials of the opponent team.
Unsportsmanlike conduct/behavior: Physical and verbal expressions that are incompatible with the
spirit of good sportsmanship are regarded as constituting unsportsmanlike conduct.
Venue: The sports hall where a game takes place.

HANDBALL ETHOS FOR ATHLETES, COACHES AND TECHNICAL OFFICIALS

Handball in Special Olympics is based on the principles of Fair Play. Every decision has to be
taken in accordance with these principles.
Fair Play means:
Respect the health, integrity and body of the players;
Respect the spirit and philosophy of the game;
Respect the flow of the game, but do not tolerate an advantage taken by violating the
Rules.
LA2015 APP INFO
The Official LA2015 World Games app is available via Google Play for Android devices and
iTunes for Apple devices.
The app has been designed for social interaction for athletes and spectators. The app has
been designed with the following features:

Official results of the competition will be posted on the app.

Receive important notifications, follow other World Games app users, make friends
and message them personally.
Join the conversation in forums.

27

Get event information (with the ability to bookmark the events you plan to attend), and
easy access to all things World Games... and more!

OFFICIALS' UNIFORM

REFEREES' UNIFORM

SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS AND HASHTAGS

LA2015 SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
CHANNEL HANDLE

URL

Website

LA2015.org

Twitter

@LA2015

twitter.com/LA2015

lnstagram

@LA2015

instagram.com/LA2015

Facebook

@Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015

FB.com/LA2015

SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

CHANNEL

HANDLE

Website

URL
specialolympics.org

Twitter

@SpecialOlympics

twitter.com/SpecialOlympics

lnstagram

@SpecialOlympics

instagram.com/SpecialOlympics

Facebook

@SpecialOlympics

FB.com/SpecialOlympics

28

HASHTAGS
#LA2015 (@ mention is preferred)

#SpecialOlympics (@ mention is preferred)

#ReachUp

#PlayUnified

#ReachUpLA

#UnifiedSports

SPORT RESOURCES PORTAL

LA2015.org has a dedicated portal for Sport Resources including:

Technical Manuals
Competition Schedules
Officials' meeting schedules
Officials' training materials
Head Coaches' meeting schedules
Frequently Asked Questions
Sport Updates
Venue Information
Additional World Games information for Officials and Coaches

To login to the Sport Resources portal, go to: http://www.LA2015.org/delegation-services/sportresources.

Login Credentials:
Username: LA2015
Password: LA2015
SPORT VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF UNIFORMS
Sport Volunteers will wear lime green polo shirts. All Competition Management will have easy-toidentify credentials. More information will be available at the first Head Coaches' Meeting.

29

VENUE MAP
Los Angeles Convention Center

30

MAP KEY

31