What paperwork must an athlete complete before training or competing?

Under Special Olympics General Rules 2.02, an eligible person must register with an Accredited Programme (in South Africa, Special Olympics South Africa). Registration includes:

• Medical form: a report and certification from a physician or trained medical professional on the results of the required initial physical examination.
• Athlete Release Form: signed by the athlete if an adult, or by the parent or guardian if the athlete is a minor or under guardianship. The release acknowledges the potential impact on an athlete with Down syndrome of taking part in certain sports.

Atlanto-axial instability (AAI)
Spinal cord compression, including at the top two neck vertebrae (C1 and C2), can expose some athletes, for example those with Down syndrome, to injury. An athlete showing symptoms may take part only after clearance by a specialist and a signed informed consent (General Rules 2.02(h); Sports Rules Article 1, Addendum E).

Unified Sports partners complete a separate Unified Sports Partner Application, covering medical history, a waiver and authorisation to obtain information.