General Information

Athletes and Unified Partners are expected to wear appropriate sports attire, specific to the sport, during training and competition at all levels of participation. Special Olympics is a true sports organization and should be viewed as such, with respect given to what clothing items will best enhance the athlete’s/unified partner’s experience and overall success during the season. Understanding that coaches and Area Directors are present and more readily available to assist with questions or decisions about uniforms at local (Area, school, group home, etc.) trainings and competitions, the Special Olympics South Carolina (SOSC) Uniform Policies and Procedures will be enforced to the best of their ability and with their discretion.

Expectations for Local Trainings and Competitions

Coaches are expected to teach their athletes/unified partners what attire for a specific sport is appropriate and safe to wear. These specifications should be given to the athlete/unified partner prior to the first practice. If an athlete/unified partner has difficulty meeting the specifications given to them, help can be given to them through the coach, Area Director, or SOSC state office.

If an athlete/unified partner attends a local competition in attire that is not appropriate for that sport, the Event/Competition Director, with aid from the Area Director, should decide if the safety of the athlete/unified partner and/or the safety of other competitors will be compromised should they be allowed to compete. The decision can be made to disqualify the athlete/unified partner due a uniform infraction. This decision would then be noted in the final results of the event/competition. The athlete/unified partner would then not be allowed to advance to regional, state, national, or international competition for the event/sport in question for that competition year. If the decision is made to allow the athlete/unified partner to compete in the event, the Event/Competition Director and the Area Director would then decide if a Participation Ribbon or Medal should be given. The awarding of a Participation Ribbon would automatically disqualify the athlete/unified partner from advancement to regional, state, national, or international competitions in the event/sport in question for that competition year.

Expectations for State Competitions

Athletes/unified partners are expected to wear appropriate competition attire specific to the sport in which they are competing for any screenings, preliminaries, and final rounds of competition. Such attire would generally be athletic shoes, socks, athletic/gym shorts, and t-shirts/sleeveless shirts. This applies to all sports unless specifically stated within the sports uniform policy listed below.

An athlete/unified partner will be disqualified from screening/preliminary rounds if the appropriate sports attire is not worn. This will serve as a warning to the athlete/unified partner that the attire is inappropriate and should be aware that to compete in later rounds, correct attire must be worn.

If an athlete/unified partner does not wear appropriate attire during a later/final round, the Event/Competition Director, with aid from the SOSC Sports Director, will decide if the safety of the athlete/unified partner and/or the safety of other competitors will be compromised should they be allowed to compete. If the athlete/unified partner is allowed to compete, the athlete/unified partner will receive a Participation Ribbon. Receiving this, the athlete/unified partner will not be allowed to advance to regional, national, or international competitions in the specific event/sport in question for that competition year.

Expectations for Regional, National, International Competitions

Sport Specific Uniform Policies

• Long underwear should be worn, made of material to evaporate moisture from skin while keeping skier warm.
• Wool socks are recommended, one pair. Not recommended to wear extra pair for warmth as will affect fit of boots.
• Turtleneck shirts worn over long underwear provides good layering affect.
• Jeans are prohibited during competition.
• Stretch ski pants/bib-overall ski pants worn over long underwear is recommended.
• Ski jackets are recommended which are hooded, waterproof and hip-length.
• Hat, goggles/sunglasses, and gloves/mittens are all essential to ensuring safety and warmth.

• No jewelry of any kind should be worn, except wedding bands/rings.
• Males - any brief swim suit made of smooth, quick-drying fabric (nylon, lycra). Gym shorts with waistbands that fit snugly around the waist are permissible.
• Females - any one-piece suit, close fitting and cut not to hinder movements, but substantial enough to stay on athlete’s body.
• A tight-fitting stretch swimmers cap is recommended.
• Swim goggles are encouraged.
• Nose clips are advised for those who have difficulty controlling their breathing or who have sinus problems. Only use when necessary.

• No jewelry of any kind should be worn, except wedding bands/rings.
• Comfortable athletic shoes.
• Socks varying length.
• Athletic/gym shorts, t-shirts/sleeveless shirts are required.
• Relay team members should have matching uniforms including, t-shirts/sleeveless shirts and athletic/gym shorts.
• Warm up suits are allowed due to weather as long are non-constricting.

• Comfortable tennis shoes, with adequate support.
• Socks of varying length, white.
• Shorts that are athletic oriented. Tennis dress or a blouse and skirt may be used for female athletes.
• Shirts athletic oriented, t-shirts or collared polo styles are appropriate.

• No jewelry of any kind should be worn, except wedding bands/rings.
• Comfortable athletic/basketball shoes, no black sole shoes are allowed.
• Socks varying length.
• Team members should have matching uniforms including, t-shirts/jerseys and athletic/basketball shorts. Team members must have a numbered jersey. Unified Teams number uniforms as athletes have odd numbers, unified partners have even numbers.
• Skills players (Individual and Team) should also wear t-shirts/jerseys and athletic/basketball shorts. Individuals in these events are not required to match others.

• Court shoes are preferred, tennis shoes/smooth-soled athletic shoes are permissible.
• Socks of varying length.
• Dress shorts/pants/jeans may be worn.
• White is the traditional color and is preferred, not required. A collared shirt is preferred, not required.
• Team members should dress alike if at all possible.

• Bowling shoes are required on the lanes, normally are available from the hosting venue.
• Socks of varying length, solid color.
• Dress shorts/pants are preferred. Skirts may be worn by female athletes.
• Collared shirts are preferred. T-shirts are allowed.
• Partners should dress alike whenever possible.

• No jewelry of any kind may be worn, except wedding bands/rings.
• Athletic/gym shoes with adequate support are required.
• Socks varying length.
• Athletic/gym shorts or skorts/”tennis-type” shorts or stretch pants.
• T-shirts, sleeveless tops, or a non-restrictive one piece uniform.
• Squad must appear as a unit, including how hair is fixed.
• Long hair should be pulled from the face.

• Clothing should be workmanlike and neat.
• Must wear heeled boot appropriate to the tack style they are competing in.
• Must wear protective SEI-ASTM or BHS approved helmets with full chin harness, fastened at all times.
• During practice, riders must adhere to the helmet, boot, and long pant rule but may wear short sleeved shirts.
• Competitors must wear their number prominently displayed on their back during competition.
• Attire specific to the athlete’s tack style (Western or English), please refer to the Special Olympics Sports Skills Guide for Equestrian.

• Recommended to wear the thinnest hose possible.
• Males - long pants that cover top of boot, but not touch the blade, should allow for unrestricted leg and hip movement. Shirt or sweater that is long sleeve and non-restrictive. Shirts should be tucked into pants at all times.
• Females - for beginners, long pants that cover the top of the boot, but do not touch the blade, should allow for unrestrictive leg and hip movement. Shirt or sweater that is long sleeve and non-restrictive. Shirts should be tucked into pants at all times. Intermediate/advanced, should wear tights and a skating outfit that is well fitted.
• Hair should be pulled away from face.
• Warm up suits and gloves may be worn for practice and before or after competition.
• Helmets are recommended for beginning skaters and skaters who lack muscle control.

• No heeled shoes. Golf shoes are recommended, but not required. Athletic shoes are permissible.
• Socks of varying length.
• Males - shirt must be collared with dress shorts or dress pants.
• Females - shirt must be collared with shorts of Bermuda length, long dress pants, or skirts. May wear sleeveless shirts.
• Jeans/athletic shorts are not allowed.
• Team members should dress alike whenever possible.

• Males - tank tops (leotards) and long gymnastics pants or gymnastics shorts, depending on the event. T-shirts may replace tank tops, as long as they are tucked in. May compete in white socks, gymnastics slippers, or bare feet.
• Females - long sleeve leotard, bare legs and bare feet/gymnastics slippers. Flesh colored tights with bare feet are allowed, not recommended. Sleeveless leotards may be worn due to temperature. Only jewelry permitted-stud earrings.

• One-piece, full length lifting suit of one-ply stretch material without any patches or padding.
• Non-supportive weightlifting/wrestling suit is also allowed.
• Undershirt of any color must be worn under the lifting suit.
• Socks may be worn; some type of boot or shoe must be worn.
• Please consult Special Olympics Sports Skills Guide for Powerlifting for further event specific instructions.

• No jewelry of any kind should be worn, except for wedding bands/rings.
• Socks of varying length, but should allow for ease of movement of the skate.
• Athletic shorts/pants are allowed. Jeans are prohibited.
• T-shirts/pullovers/other non-restrictive tops are allowed.

• Shoes should have non-skid soles.
• Other accessories – sailing gloves, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
• One piece waterproof dinghy suit, hooded waterproof jacket with suspendered pants, wet suit, or dry suit are all acceptable.
• Teams should dress alike whenever possible.

• No jewelry of any kind should be worn, except wedding bands/rings.
• Soccer cleats must not have metal cleats/studs.
• Socks (stockings) should be worn and cover the required shin guards.
• Athletic/gym shorts or soccer shorts.
• T-shirts/jerseys are allowed.
• Team members must have identical uniforms with numbered shirts/jerseys. Unified team members should have numbered jerseys as athletes wear odd numbers and unified partners wear even numbers.
• The goalkeeper must wear colors that distinguish him/her from the other players of the two teams and the referee.
• As a cold weather alternative, sweat pants and sleeves may be worn such as they do not constrict the movement of the athlete or alter the basic uniform requirements.
• Skills players (Individual and Team) should also wear t-shirts/jerseys and athletic/gym shorts. Individuals in these events are not required to match others.

• No jewelry of any kind will be worn, except wedding bands/rings.
• Athletes should wear a numbered jersey, appropriate shorts or softball pants and appropriate footwear, no metal spikes are permitted.
• Team members should wear like uniforms. Unified team members jerseys should be numbered as athletes wear odd numbers and unified partners wear even numbers.
• Caps, visors, headbands, etc are optional. If worn, they can be mixed, but must be worn properly.
• The catcher must wear a face mask and batter’s helmet and other protective gear as outlined in the Summer Sports Rules book.
• Batting helmets are required for all batters and base runners.
• Skills players (Individual and Team) should also wear t-shirts/jerseys and athletic/gym shorts. Individuals in these events are not required to match others.

• Traditional court shoes/tennis shoes are preferred, general athletic shoes are permissible.
• Socks of varying length.
• Shorts should be athletic/gym shorts or tennis-type shorts.
• Dark colored, collared shirts that are tucked in are preferred, t-shirts are permissible.

• No jewelry of any kind should be worn, except wedding bands/rings.
• Comfortable athletic shoes.
• Socks varying length.
• Team members should have matching uniforms including, t-shirts/jerseys and athletic/gym shorts. Team members must have a numbered jersey. Unified Teams number uniforms as athletes have odd numbers, unified partners have even numbers. Warm up suits are allowed due to weather as long as are non-constricting.
• Skills players (Individual and Team) should also wear t-shirts/jerseys and athletic/gym shorts. Individuals in these events are not required to match others.

• Black soled shoes are not allowed, athletic/gym shoes are permissible.
• Socks of varying length, white
• Shorts that are athletic oriented. Tennis dress or a blouse and skirt may be used for female athletes.
• Collared shirts are recommended.
• White is the traditional attire for tennis.
• Warm up suits and sweats will be allowed in the event of cold weather, as long as they do not restrict the athlete’s movement.
• Unified Doubles teams will dress in like uniforms whenever possible.

• No jewelry of any kind should be worn, except wedding bands/rings.
• Athletic/gym shoes are required.
• Socks of varying length.
• Athletic/gym shorts are appropriate.
• T-shirts/jerseys are appropriate.
• Uniforms may be one piece.
• Team members should look alike. Team Members must wear numbered jerseys. Unified team members should have numbered jerseys as athletes wear odd numbers and unified partners wear even numbers.
• Warm up or sweat pants will be allowed as long as it does not restrict movement or alter the team uniform.
• Skills players (Individual and Team) should also wear t-shirts/jerseys and athletic/basketball shorts. Individuals in these events are not required to match others.