Friendlies
Clubs are encouraged to plan low-key competition opportunities with other clubs. This may be a shared practice session, scrimmage, or mixed-team pick-up. Such events allow athletes who have never attended a Special Olympics event to gain experience in travel and the competition format.
- Allows the competition experience for clubs with fewer athletes, a longer season and / or fewer competition opportunities
- Planned with other clubs in the area
- Takes the form of a shared practice or scrimmage
- Coaches can have their athletes simulate competition
- This format may assist with seeding teams for competition
- Athletes apply the skills they’ve learned through training
- Athletes from the participating clubs gain travel experience and learn competition etiquette
- Safety for players remains a priority but venue standards may be relaxed and officials are not required