Special Olympics South Dakota,
as mandated by Special Olympics North America, has implemented a
mandatory volunteer screening policy.
The following three paragraphs
are a basic summary of this policy.
SONA classifies
volunteers as follows:
(1) Class A Volunteers
are those who have regular, close physical contact with athletes;
are in a position of authority or supervision of athletes; are in a
position of trust of athletes; and/or handle substantial amounts of
cash or other assets of athletes. Examples include: Coaches,
Chaperones and Unified Partners. These volunteers are required to
submit a signed, completed and truthful Volunteer Application at
least every three years. The information submitted will be used to
complete a criminal records check, and where applicable, a motor
vehicle records check.
(2) Class B Volunteers
are those who have limited contact with athletes or who have contact
with athletes only when accompanied by coaches and chaperones.
Examples of Class B volunteers include "Day of Volunteers", i.e.
timers, medical personnel. Class B volunteers must verify their
identity via a photo ID upon arrival at the competition site.
(3) Minor Volunteers are
those under the age of 18. These volunteers are not subject to a
criminal records check, but must submit a "Minor Volunteer
Application" form to the State Office. This form must include two
personal or professional references and a Parental/Guardian
release. This applies to Unified Partners under the age of 18.
These checks will be completed
at no cost to our volunteers and will help ensure the safety of our
athletes.
Download applications:
