Special Olympics Basketball

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Many of you know that I have been involved in Special Olympics Basketball for 30 years. My query is to those officials who officiate S.O. Basketball in their home states.

I am seeking the specific rules, and any special rules, under which your state plays it regular season and post-season tournament games.

Please email any information that you may have to me at DeNucciBasketball (at) Hotmail (dot) com.

Thanks.

MTD, Sr.

[BillyMac]

Special Olympics Unified Sports School Programs
The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Association
Unified Sports School Based Basketball Rules

Roster: Maximum of 12 per team. The team may have males and females. No one who is currently participating on a varsity, junior varsity, or freshman basketball team may participate as a partner during the current season.

Players On Court: There will be two (2) partners and three (3) disabled players on the court at all times, except in Level 5, where there will be two (2) special athletes and one partner, plus any one-on-one aides as needed. Partners must be players without disabilities.

Uniforms: Teams must wear appropriate attire. All uniforms must be the same. Shirts must be numbered. Sneakers must be worn. No sponsor names may appear on uniform. Only digits 1-5 should be used with highest number being 55. Athletes must wear even numbered shirts. Partners must wear odd numbered shirts.

Rules: High School rules will be followed, with appropriate accommodations

The Game: Games will be 20 minutes running time for levels 1, 2, 3, & 4. Middle schools will play 16 minute games. Level 5 will play 10 – 15 minute running time games. Each team is entitled to one time-out per game.
No back court pressure will be allowed in any level. Substitutes can be made whenever deemed appropriate. No dunking is allowed at any level. Each player will be allowed five (5) fouls per game. Credit will be given for 3-point shots at the official’s discretion as many courts are not properly marked. This will apply to levels 1 or 2 games. Coaches are responsible for knowing and understanding the rules of the game, not only the modified rules listed here. The National Federation of State High School Associations provides the required rule book.

Scrimmage/Practice: Each team should schedule or host a scrimmage or practice game prior to tournament entry.

Medical: Each Special Olympic Athlete and Partner is required to have a medical on file at the participating schools health office. Schools must adhere to guidelines set up by your schools district to participate.

Division 5 Recreational
1. Special athletes need a one-on-one aide partner or aide
2. Wheelchairs allowed
3. All rules are modified for success
4. At least one partner participates at all times, but only to encourage the special athlete
5. No score is kept
6. No back court guarding

Division 4 Recreational
1. Basket is Regulation Height with modifications allowed
2. All players - limited ability to dribble
3. All players – low understanding of the game
4. Wheelchairs allowed, athlete must have use of hands

Division 3 Developmental
1. Slightly better ability to dribble, but will see shuffles, double dribbles, etc.
2. Only special athletes can score
3. Score is kept

Division 1 & 2 Competitive
1. Basic understanding of the rules
2. Ability to dribble
3. Both partners and athletes can score. 50% rule - partners may not score more than 50% of the points
4. Can play by high school rules