What code of conduct applies to coaches and athletes?

Under Special Olympics Sports Rules Article 1 (September 2024), section 4:

• Codes of Conduct for athletes, Unified partners, coaches and officials are minimum standards. Each Accredited Programme's board can add to them.
• Every member of an official delegation (athletes, Unified partners, heads of delegation, coaches, medical and other staff) must sign a code of conduct promising not to drink alcohol, smoke, or take illegal or performance-enhancing drugs during competitions.
• Breaches can lead to warnings, suspension or loss of sport certification, and a written record is kept.
• Refusing to compete against other athletes because of their ethnic origin, gender, religion or political affiliation means disqualification from that event and no awards.
• A competitor who disobeys an official, behaves in an unsportsmanlike way, or is offensive to officials, spectators or competitors may be disqualified by the official or jury.

Athletes disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct get no award at all, not even a participation ribbon.