Mission Statement

The mission of Special Olympics New Hampshire 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.

 Statement of Sportsmanship
Special Olympics New Hampshire promotes the demonstration of good sportsmanship by everyone involved in the program. Athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators are expected to conduct themselves with the highest level of respect for others, the integrity of sport and to demonstrate positive support for the event.

Athlete Code of Conduct
By agreeing to abide by the SONH Code of Conduct, each athlete agrees to adhere to the following behavior:

• Uphold the philosophy, principles and policies of Special Olympics, Inc. and Special Olympics New Hampshire.
• Behave in a manner consistent with Special Olympics core values of mutual respect, integrity, positive attitude, accountability, teamwork and dedication.

Sportsmanship

• I will practice good sportsmanship.
• I will act in ways that bring respect to me, my coaches, my team and Special Olympics.
• I will not use bad language.
• I will not swear or insult others.
• 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 try my best during training, divisioning and competition.
• I will not "hold back" in a preliminary competition just to get in an easier finals competition division.

 Responsibility for my Actions

• I will not make inappropriate or unwanted physical, verbal or sexual advances on others.
• I will not smoke in non-smoking areas.
• I will not drink alcohol at Special Olympics Competitions.
• I will not use illegal drugs.
• I will not take drugs for the purpose of improving my performance.
• I will obey all laws and Special Olympics rules, the International Federation and the National Federation/Governing Body for my sport(s).

 Volunteer Code of Conduct

• Provide for the general welfare, health and safety of all SONH athletes and volunteers.
• Dress and act in an appropriate manner at all times.
• Follow the established rules and guidelines of SONH, Special Olympics, Inc. and/or any agency involved with Special Olympics New Hampshire.
• Report any emergencies to the appropriate authorities after first taking immediate action to ensure the health and safety of the participants.
• While in the proximity of athletes involved with ANY SONH event, competition or training school, abstain from the consumption or use of all alcohol, tobacco products and illegal substances.
• Not engage in any inappropriate contact or relationship with athletes, volunteers or other participants of SONH.

 Family Code of Conduct

• I will let my athlete choose the sports in which he/she would like to participate. I will not force my choice upon him/her.
• I will remember that athletes participate to have fun and that the game is for them, not the family members.
• I (and my guests) will be positive role models for my athlete and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy and by demonstrating positive support for all athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators at every, practice and competition.
• I will teach my athlete that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that my athlete will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.
• I will refrain from coaching my athlete, or other athletes, during competitions and practices if I am not the assigned coach.

 Spectator Code of Conduct

• Lead by positive example. Display good sportsmanship.
• Let the coaches' coach the players - refrain from shouting instruction.
• Provide general cheers or positive comments after the play.