Updated 8/18/21
Please contact SONJ by emailing sportsinfo@sonj.org.
All decisions were made with the safety of all participants at the forefront. As such, all safety measures and protocols are being created following the recommendations and guidelines of Special Olympics Inc., the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the State of New Jersey. These safety measures and protocols will be required and monitored throughout the season by the state of New Jersey and Special Olympics New Jersey Community.
Participants, parents, guardians and caregivers should be provided with education on Special Olympics guidelines and relevant acknowledgements or expectations (conduct expectations, waivers, etc.)
In terms of notification of other participants if there is a Special Olympics participant who is found to be COVID-19, SONJ will work with the Program to notify participants that were at the event that an individual in attendance tested positive (without disclosing identifying information) as soon as possible.
All Special Olympics participants (Athletes, Unified partners, Coaches, Volunteers, and SO Staff) must complete the forms. Failure to complete the COVID-19 Code of Conduct waiver and Risk Assessment waiver or the Communicable Diseases waiver will result in no in-person participation allowed.
No. Once the waiver is initially completed, it does not have to be done each season. Please only complete the waiver ONCE per person.
This needs to be renewed every 3 years.
Failure to complete the COVID-19 Code of Conduct waiver and Risk Assessment waiver or the Communicable Diseases waiver will result in no in-person participation allowed.
Special Olympics New Jersey is asking participants if they have received the COVID-19 vaccination as well as the date of their last shot. This information is for data collection purposes ONLY and will not prohibit participation.
Any participant that identifies as high risk and would like to participate will be required to complete the High Risk waiver.
- For all individuals attending a Special Olympics New Jersey event, including athletes, volunteers, Young Athletes and spectators:
- All VACCINATED individuals will not be required to wear a mask.
- All UNVACCINATED individuals are strongly advised to wear a mask for all INDOOR activities.
It is not known if face shields provide any benefit as source control to protect others from the spray of respiratory particles. At this time, clinical guidance suggests that a face shield should be used in addition to a facemask in certain clinical settings, not as a replacement for a mask. A face shield alone does not provide proper protection from the spread of COVID-19 via droplets in the air. At this time, it is not permitted for a face shield to be used instead of a facemask at Special Olympics activities.
- Must notify Jeff Baldino, jjb@sonj.org or 609.896.8000 x252
At this time, if an individual is unable to wear a mask for any reason, they will not be able to participate in Special Olympics New Jersey in-person activities. Virtual at home actives will be permitted.
Yes.
Athletes must get an updated medical form prior to their first practice. If athletes are having trouble obtaining a valid medical or getting a doctor’s appointment, please reach to Amelia Hamilton (ARH@SONJ.ORG)
Yes! We are continuing to provide opportunities through the Total Body Challenge.
Contact Amelia Hamilton, ARH@sonj.org with any questions.
A full list of testing sites in New Jersey can be found here.
Only if participants can adhere to all rules and regulations laid out in the Return to Activities Guidelines and the guidelines of the venue.
Currently, only approved Special Olympics New Jersey activities can be conducted.