Special Olympics Northern California
Invitational Policy

Training and competition are key aspects of the sports program for Special Olympics Northern California (SONorCal). Invitational competitions provide additional competition opportunities for Athletes, Unified Partners and Coaches and can help better prepare athletes and teams for regional and higher competition. SONorCal has the following policy for invitational competitions:

1. All invitational competitions must have approval of the local SONorCal office.
2. The purpose of an invitational is to provide local teams within a community a “no-frills” opportunity to compete.
3. Special Olympics funding cannot be used to reimburse for food, van rentals, gas or any other expenses to host the tournament or to travel to and from the competition as participants.
4. Housing and/or meals are not provided for any invitational competition. Athletes, Unified Partners and coaches are expected to bring a bag lunch or purchase food from a snack bar if one is available.
5. For Volunteer-Run Areas, if an invitational competition is offered, it will be a one-day competition. Transportation to and from the competition will be covered (must be in annual plans as approved by SONorCal Staff) but must take place the same day as the tournament (no overnight housing). Meals and housing will not be offered. Exceptions may be made, if included in annual plans and as approved by SONorCal Staff, for areas that meet eligibility requirements as detailed in the current SONorCal Housing Policy. Athletes, Unified Partners and coaches should bring a bag lunch or money to purchase lunch (if snack bar available).
6. All coaches, Unified Partners and athletes must have current applications on file with the SONorCal main office in order to participate.
7. All teams must submit registration forms to their respective SONorCal Sports Staff person to check athlete, Unified Partner and coach eligibility prior to competition.