Photo courtesy of Pete Conis

A message from Rhonda Schwarzkopf, Director of Field Services

Each year Special Olympics Iowa's (SOIA) programs are assisted by 14 volunteer area directors, more than 2,000 volunteer certified coaches and 15,000 other volunteers. It is no exaggeration to say that SOIA programs and services could not exist without the generous volunteer spirit of so many Iowans.

Volunteers provide valuable assistance to our athletes in each of our state games, competitions and special events. Volunteer assignments include announcers, award presenters, escorts, recorders, starters, timers and many other valuable positions. Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals, families, corporate teams, groups, etc. at the local level in communities across the state as well as at the statewide level for events coordinated directly by Special Olympics Iowa. Local program and fundraising events are managed by the area directors, to contact the individual for your area, please click here. The staff at SOIA will make every effort to match each volunteer's time and talent to the available tasks to create an atmosphere that is comfortable and inviting for all parties.

To join us at an upcoming event, please click here to view our calendar of events.

The Special Olympics U.S. Risk Management and Insurance Task Force have created new online Protective Behaviors training material. The new training material is a critical tool for protecting Special Olympics athletes from sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

Each U.S. program must incorporate the new Protective Behaviors training into its regular ongoing training for all Class A volunteers and staff members. Effective October 1, 2007, the new online version of the Protective Behaviors training will replace all previous Protective Behaviors materials.

All existing Class A volunteers (coaches, chaperones, volunteers who are one-on-one with Special Olympics athletes) must complete the online training by December 31, 2007, even volunteers who have already completed the SOI Protective Behaviors training are still required to complete this new online training. The training must then be completed at least once every three years.

New Class A volunteer applicants must complete the online training before they can become a Class A volunteer. The training must also be completed at least once every three years.

Please visit: www.specialolympics.org/protectivebehaviors to complete the online training.

After completing the online training, volunteers will be asked to complete a 10 question test and submit their name and contact information.

Volunteers who do not have access to the internet may request a CD or written version of the Protective Behavior Training. They will then complete a hard copy of the 10 question test and submit that test to the state office. Please contact Rhonda Schwarzkopf to receive the CD or written version of the online training, the hard copy test or addittional information regarding the Protective Behaviors Training.

For more information, please contact Rhonda Schwarzkopf at (515-986-5520, ext. 112).

As required by Special Olympics International (SOI), Special Olympics Iowa (SOIA) has revised the volunteer application and screening procedures. SOIA is committed to protecting the athletes, volunteers and staff within the program. Therefore, SOIA has developed a mandatory Volunteer Registration and Screening Policy for all Class A and Class B volunteers.

All volunteers must complete and sign a volunteer application. Failure to do so may result in rejection of the application or termination of any involvement with the program.

Volunteer Classifications

Class A Volunteers

• Have regular and close physical contact with athletes
• In a position of authority or supervision with athletes
• In a position of trust of athletes
• Who handle substantial amounts of cash or other assets of SOIA

Examples: coaches, chaperones, Unified Partners, Athlete Leadership Program mentors, family member who drives non-related athletes.

Class B Volunteers

• Have only limited contact with athletes or have contact with athletes accompanied by coaches and chaperones

Examples: Healthy Athletes program volunteers and day-of-event volunteers.

Screening Procedures

• Class A Volunteers (Adult): completion of a volunteer registration form, SOIA does a screening using a national vendor (with re-screening every three years), and must wear photo credential when volunteer at events.
• Class B Volunteers (Adult): completion of a volunteer registration form or sign in sheet and photo ID check or identity verification at events.
• Class B Volunteers (Minor): completion of a volunteer registration form, two personal/professional references (one of who is from the volunteer applicant's church, civic group, school, etc.), photo ID check at the time of registration and photo ID check or identity verification at events.

Results of Background Check

Automatic disqualifiers include conviction for:

• arson
• causing a child's death
• child abuse
• criminal sexual conduct
• DWI, DUI or comparable offenses or three or more moving violations within the past three years automatically disqualifies the volunteer from driving on behalf on SOIA
• felony assault
• kidnapping
• manslaughter
• murder
• neglect of child or any other individual for whom the potential volunteer has/had responsibility for
• sexual abuse of minor or adult

SOIA will have an appeals process if a volunteer applicant feels the background check is inaccurate.

Volunteer Applications

• Click here for the Class A (adult) volunteer application
• Click here for the Class B (adult) volunteer application
• Click here for the Class B (minor) volunteer application

For more information, please contact Rhonda Schwarzkopf at (515-986-5520, ext. 112).