Special Olympics basketball is a favorite sport for players and spectators. Athletes begin playing basketball at all ages and abilities, from young players learning to handle the ball to older, more experienced players.

Basketball is a spring sport where athletes train and compete from December through April.


General Information

The Basketball Fact Sheet provides general information on the sport’s background, popularity and statistics in the Special Olympics sports world.

The Official Special Olympics Sports Rules for basketball shall govern all Special Olympics competitions. View the most updated Basketball Rules.

Article 1 provides general principles established by the Special Olympics Official General Rules that are not found in sport-specific rules. When there is conflict between a sport’s official rules and the general rules, the general rules in Article 1 will be followed.


Upcoming Events


Coaching Resources

Special Olympics New Jersey strives to provide additional sport training to our athletes so that they are at their best when it comes time for training and competition. Please make sure to check back regularly for new and upcoming training resources!

Coaches are encouraged to use the resources below to be as prepared as possible for basketball training and competition.

If you have any questions on coaching, visit our coach section for information.



Additional Basketball Information

Sports Registration Checklist

Read through and complete this checklist of to-dos before signing up for a local program.