Motor Activities Re-certification is available to those coaches who have been previously certified in the Sport of Motor Activities. If you have not been to a coach’s certification class in athletics you do not qualify to re-certify. To Re-certify, a coach must make sure that the Volunteer application and protective behaviors training is up to date. Please check the Certified Coaches List found on the Coach’s Corner page. Re-certification is not valid without an up to date volunteer application, protective behaviors class and concussion awareness.

Re-certification should only be done when you are close to expiration of your original certification. Please do not take the course until you have less than 3 months to go on your certification. Please check the Certified Coaches List found on the Coach’s Corner page. Certification is good for 4 years.

Eligibility

Special Olympics MATP is available to all persons age 8 and above, having been identified by an agency or professional as having an Intellectual disability, or a closely related disability which means having functional limitations in both general learning and in adaptive skills (such as recreation, work, independent living, self-direction, or self-care), and having registered to participate in Special Olympics. MATP is for athletes that are unable to participate in official Special Olympics Sports. MATP is viewed as a transition program, developed for Athletes to progress to a higher level official sport.

Application for Participation

– The Application for Participation in Special Olympics is commonly referred to as the Medical Release. This form is valid for a specific 3 year period. The valid dates are printed on the top center of the form. It is only good for this time period. Example – September 1, 2013 through August 31, 2016. Coaches should make copies of this form after completing all information. Please do not leave off any information. If there is information that does not apply please write does not apply in that space. This form must be signed by a Physician, Physician’s assistant, Nurse Practitioner or a Clinical Nurse Specialist. It must also be signed by either an adult Athlete ( with witness signature) or a Parent/ Guardian. Athletes will not be able to train or compete without the release. Coaches should have a copy of the medical release with them any time they have an Athlete with them. Coaches are also responsible for updating the forms whenever a change has taken place, such as, prescription medicine changes.

Coaches Responsibilities

Coaches have a lot of responsibility. It is imperative that coaches find enough assistant coaches to help cover all of the duties of a coach. The following is a list of responsibilities of the coach. This list will not cover everything a coach has to do in order for the team to be successful.

1. Coaches must have enough help to supervise athletes at all times.

2. Coaches must have a proper practice facility that is both safe and meets the needs of the athletes.

3. Coaches must have medical releases with them at all times. Coaches must be aware of all medical issues of their athletes.

4. Coaches must know first aid and have a phone available to call for help if needed.

5. Coaches must train their athletes for no less than 8 weeks prior to competition. The training must be appropriate.

6. Coaches must select sports and events that are appropriate for their athletes age and abilities.

7. Coaches must ensure that all athletes are uniformed appropriately.

8. Coaches must know how to complete entry forms and do so on a timely basis.

9. Coaches will be a positive influence on their athletes.

10. Coaches must keep a written training plan for all of their practices.

Divisioning

Special Olympics divisions Athletes based upon their age, gender, and ability, with ability being the primary indicator. This aspect of Special Olympics is what separates Special Olympics from all other sports organizations. Every Athlete will receive an award. Athletes disqualified will receive a participation award.

Registration

All Special Olympics paperwork is now available on-line. Coaches may complete the entry forms, medical release, down’s addendum, and coaches card on-line, then print the forms and submit. The medical release and down syndrome addendum must be signed by an authorized person. All entry forms and medicals are due by the deadline that you will see on the schedule. Most can be mailed in but some must be hand delivered. You must pay attention to the directions in the schedule. The deadline is the date that paperwork must arrive, not when it is to be mailed. Mail your forms in time for the paperwork to reach the Event Director by the deadline.

General Rules For MATP

Practices

Athletes must practice a minimum of 8 weeks prior to competition. Practices should be specific to build skills in the events that athlete will compete in.

Registration

It is the coaches’ responsibility to submit all forms required. If you do not understand please call your area director or the state office for help. Do not wait until the deadline to ask for help. Forms are due to the event director by the deadline. They are not to be mailed on the deadline.

Track events take precedence over field events. This means if an athlete has a track event and a field event scheduled at the same time they should do the track event first and then go to the field event. They should check in with the field event and let the venue director know what they are doing.

Motor Activity Guidelines

  • Motor Activities events will be held at the Area and State levels.
  • Athletes are NOT allowed to compete in both Motor Activities and Official Sports competitions.
  • Place ribbons will be awarded to all athletes participating in Area Motor Activities. Athletes will receive place medals and/or place ribbons at the State level.
  • The starting command for all Motor Activities shall be, “Ready, Go”.
  • A rope or bell may be provided to assist athletes who are visually impaired.
  • Athletes requiring auditory help may be assisted to the start position by the coach.
  • A tap may be used for an athlete who is deaf, blind or autistic.
  • The type of assistance or visual/verbal stimulation is noted for each event. If there is no notation listed, the event shall be performed independently by the athlete.

Exit Criteria

Due to the awarding of place ribbons for Motor Activities, strict guidelines will be followed concerning published Exit Criteria information for purposes of heating athletes for the events. Coaches need to pay particular attention to the exit criteria for each event in which his/her athlete is entered and comply with the criteria. If an athlete is able to walk 25 meters with or without assistive devices, he or she should be entered in Athletics events.

Exit Criteria are designed to ensure that the athlete’s abilities are similar enough to guarantee equal competition. If an athlete is capable of competing in an official Special Olympics Sport, that athlete should NOT be participating in Motor Activities. This rule will be enforced at both the Area and State levels.

If an athlete is inappropriately entered in Motor Activities, he or she will be allowed to participate and given a participation ribbon (rather than a place award) in that competition. In future competition, that athlete must enter other Special Olympic events (such as Athletics). It is recognized that there may be extenuating circumstances of individual handicapping conditions and these various exceptions will be ruled on by officials on a case-by-case basis.

A walk is defined as having one foot in contact with the ground at all times. Athletes that gain an advantage by breaking into a run will be disqualified in their events. All disqualified athletes will receive a participation ribbon.

Motor Activities Events

GROSS MOTOR EVENTS
1. Prone Head Lift
2. Turning Over

LOCOMOTOR EVENTS
1. Rolling
2. Crawling
3. 5 Meter Creep

FINE MOTOR EVENTS
1. Grasp and Lift
2. Novice Grasp – Hold – Move
3. Advanced grasp – Hold – Move – Release

PROPELLING EVENTS
1-A. Distance ball roll (for wheelchair athletes only)
1-B. Distance ball roll
2. Kick for Distance
3. 10 Meter Scooter
4. Ball Throw

AN ATHLETE MAY ENTER A MAXIMUM OF:

  • 1 – Gross Motor Event
  • 2 – Locomotor Events
  • 1 – Fine Motor Event
  • 2 – Propelling Events

Maximum Number of events for any one athlete is 6

DEFINITIONS

Prone Position – Body lying face down in a horizontal position.

Supine Position – Body lying flat on the back in a horizontal position.

Crawling – To move slowly by dragging the body along the ground with hands and/or arms.

Creeping – To move on all fours, close to the ground, as a baby on hands and knees.

Exit Criteria An athlete’s ability to successfully achieve a maximum score on a given event. If an
athlete can successfully achieve this task, he/she should move to a higher level event.

Gross Motor Events

Prone Head Lift

a. Set Up
• 3 athletes per division

b. Equipment
• Flat 1.5 by 2.1 meter (5’ x 7’) mat for each athlete
• Stopwatches

c. Rules
• Athlete is placed in prone position on flat gym mat.
• Athlete lifts head at the starting signal.
• No assistance (physical contact) may be given.
• Auditory and/or visual stimulation is permitted
• Positioning equipment, such as, bolsters or towel rolls may be placed on each side of the
athlete to help him or her maintain prone position. However, no bolsters ,wedges or other
equipment may be placed under the athlete.

d. Scoring
• Athlete is timed from when he/she lifts up the head until the head touches down on the mat.
• Any lift is acceptable as long as the head leaves the mat.
• Maximum time the athlete will be allowed to lift the head is 90 seconds.

e. Exit Criteria
• Ability to roll supine to prone or prone to supine.

Turning over

a. Set up
• 3 athletes per division

b. Equipment
• Flat 1.5 x 2.1 meter (5’ x 7’) mat per athlete – stopwatches

c. Rules
• Athlete is placed in either a prone or supine position on a flat gym mat.
• Athlete turns over from a prone position to a supine position, or from a supine position to a prone position on a mat.
• Athlete begins at the starting signal.
• No assistance (physical contact) may be given.

d. Scoring
• Athlete will be timed from the start until he/she has completed turning to either a prone or supine
position.
• Athlete must go from full supine to full prone or a full prone to full supine position for the turn over
to be legal.
• If, after 5 minutes, the athlete is unable to complete this event, the coach may assist him or
her to turn over and timing will end at that point.

e. Exit Criteria
• Ability to lateral roll 2 times completely.

Locomotor Events

For all locomotor events, athlete is to stay in his/her lane and may not interfere, obstruct or impede the progress of another athlete. Disqualification will result at the discretion of the judges.

Rolling

a. Set up
• Use flat mats as lanes.
• Mark start and finish lines 2.9 meters (8’) apart
• Cones and lane lines may be used to separate lanes.

b. Equipment • Flat mats approximately 1.5 x 2.1 meters (5’ x 7’) should be used – stopwatches – cones – Floortape
c. Rules
• Athlete begins behind the start line.
• Athlete starts the race on the start signal.
• Athlete may begin in either the supine or prone position.
• Athlete rolls laterally 2.9 meters (8’) on a flat mat.
• Athlete must stay on his/her own mat.
• An assistant may be allowed to physically guide the athlete, to prevent him/her from rolling
off the side of the mat, but may not assist with his/her forward movement.
• Auditory and/or visual stimulation is permitted.

d. Scoring
• Athlete is timed from the starting signal to when he/she complete crosses the plane of the finish
line with the entire body.
• If, after 10 minutes, the athlete is unable to complete the event, the coach may assist
him/her to finish and timing will end at that point.

e. Exit Criteria
• Ability to creep.

Crawling

a. Set up
• Use flat mats as lanes.
• Mark start and finish lines 5 meters (16.5’) apart.
• Cones and lanes lines may be used to designate lanes.

b. Equipment
• Mats – stopwatches – floor tape – cones.

c. Rules
• Athlete begins with entire body behind the start line.
• Athlete is in a prone position with head and chest raised off the ground and weight on hands and forearms
• At the start command, athlete crawls forward for 16.5’.
• Athlete must stay in his/her designated lane.
• Auditory and visual stimulation at the finish line is permitted.
• No physical assistance is permitted.
• Athlete will be disqualified if, in the judge’s opinion, he/she does not maintain correct position.
• Athlete should not be disqualified for stopping or resting during the race, but all forward movement should be in the correct position.

d. Scoring
• Athlete is timed from the starting command until his/her head crosses the finish line.
• If, after 10 minutes, the athlete is unable to complete the event, the coach may assist
him/her to finish and timing will end at that point.

e. Exit Criteria
• Ability to creep

5 Meter Creep (16.5’)

a. Set up
• Use flat mats as lanes.
• Mark start and finish lines 5 meters (16.5’) apart.
• Cones and lane lines may be used to designate lanes.

b. Equipment
• Mats – stopwatches – floor tape – cones.

c. Rules
• Athlete begins with entire body behind the start line.
• Athlete is in a 4-point stance with weight supported on hands and knees.
• On the start command, athlete creeps forward for 5 meters (16.5’) on a flat mat.
• Athlete must move forward using only his/her hands and knees in a creeping manner.
• Athlete must stay in his/her designated lane.
• Auditory and visual stimulation at the finish line is permitted.
• No physical assistance is permitted.
• Athlete will be disqualified if he/she does not maintain the correct position.
• Athlete should not be disqualified for stopping or resting during the race, but all forward movement must be in the correct position.

d. Scoring
• Athlete is timed from start command to when both knees cross the finish line.
• If, after 10 minutes, the athlete is unable to complete the event, the coach may assist
him/her to finish and timing will end at that point.

e. Exit Criteria
• Ability to walk 25 meters (82’) with or without assistive devices.

Fine Motor Events

Grasp and Lift

a. Set up
• Block is set from 0 to 31 centimeters (0-12”) away from athlete, depending upon the athlete’s
physical ability.
• Coach must inform the official of the starting position prior to the event start.

b. Equipment
• Block 2.6 x 2.6 centimeter square (1” x 1”) – stopwatch – 62 by 62 centimeter (24” x 24”)
flat surface.

c. Rules
• Athlete will attempt to reach 0 – 31 centimeters (0-12”) away.
• Athlete will grasp and pick up a 2.6 by 2.6 centimeters (1” x 1”) square block.

d. Scoring
• The score is the amount of time elapsed from the start command until the athlete completely lifts
the block off the surface.
• If, after 10 minutes, the athlete is unable to complete the event, the coach may assist
him/her to finish and timing will end at that point.

e. Exit Criteria
• Ability to grasp and move blocks 5.1 centimeters (3.2”) to the left or right.

Novice Grasp - Hold - Move

a. Set up
• Strips of tape 31 centimeters (12”) long, parallel to one another and 7.6 centimeters
(3”) apart are placed on a level surface.
• Athlete’s mid-line should coincide with midpoint of distance between 2 lines.
• Official sets block at any point on the starting line based upon athlete’s reach capabilities.
• Coach must inform the official of starting position prior to the event.
• After athlete moves one block, the official must remove block from athlete’s hand and place another block on the starting position. Official continues procedure until all 5 blocks are used.

b. Equipment
• Five 2.6 x 2.6 centimeter (1” x 1”) square blocks-colored tape-metric tape measure –
stopwatch – 62 x 62 centimeter (24” x 24”) surface.

c. Rules
• Athlete will grasp, pick up and hold a block.
• Athlete must move the block across both lines (either left to right or right to left).
• Athlete will make attempts to move all 5 blocks.
• Pushing the block without grasping it will constitute a disqualification.
• If the block does not go across both lines it will constitute a disqualification.
• Official will need to remove the block from athlete’s hand after the hand crosses the second line.

d. Scoring
• The score is the amount of time elapsed from the start command until the last block crosses
the second line.
• If, after 10 minutes, the athlete is unable to complete the event, the coach may assist
him/her to finish and timing will end at that point.

e. Exit Criteria
• Ability to release the block by him/herself, without any assistance.
• Ability to move block 31 cm. (12”)..

Advanced Grasp - Hold - Move - Release

a. Set Up
• Strips of tape 31 centimeters (12”) long, parallel to one another and 31 centimeters (12”) apart
are placed on a flat surface.
• Official sets block at any point on the starting line.
• The starting position of the block is determined and the official is informed by the coach.
• After athlete moves one block, the official places another block on the starting position. Official
continues procedure until all 5 blocks are used.
• Athlete’s mid-line should coincide with midpoint of distance between 2 lines.

b. Equipment
• Five 2.6 x 2.6 centimeter (1” x 1”) square blocks – colored tape – metric tape measure – stopwatch
– 62 x 62 centimeter (24” x 24”) surface.

c. Rules
• Athlete will attempt to reach 0 to 31 centimeters (0 – 12”) to the starting position, depending on the
physical ability to grasp, pick up and hold a 2.6 x 2.6 centimeter (1” x 1”) block.
• Athlete will move the block across both lines, either left to right or right to left.
• Athlete will release the block after it crosses the 2nd line.
• Athlete will make attempts to move all 5 blocks.
• Pushing the block without grasping it will constitute a disqualification.
• Block must be released by the athlete without physical prompt.

d. Scoring
• The score is the amount of time elapsed from the start command until the last block completely
crosses the 2nd line.
• If, after 10 minutes, the athlete is unable to complete the event, the coach may assist
him/her to finish and timing will end at that point.

Propelling Events

Distance Ball Roll (for athletes using a wheelchair only)

a. Set up
• Front wheels of the athlete’s chair must be behind starting line.

b. Equipment
• Basketball – Junior or regulation size – metric tape measure – weighted markers – 1.5 meter (5’)
starting line on surface.

c. Rules
• Sitting in a chair, place the ball in the athlete’s lap or on a tray.
• Athlete is allowed 3 consecutive attempts to roll the ball from the lap or tray using hands or head.

d. Scoring
• Distance is measured where the ball stops.
• Longest of 3 rolls is counted.

e. Exit Criteria
• Ability to grasp and lift and release a softball in one or two hands.

Distance Ball Roll

a. Set up
• Athlete must remain behind the rolling line.

b. Equipment
• Basketball – Junior or regulation size – metric tape measure – weighted markers – 1.5 meter (5’) starting line on surface.

c. Rules
• Athlete sitting or lying on floor, carpet or grass.
• Athlete may be supported, but roll must be independent.
• Athlete is allowed 3 consecutive attempts to roll the ball using hands or head.
• Athlete’s body must be behind rolling line, including arms and hands.

d. Scoring
• Distance is measured where the balls stops.
• Longest of 3 rolls is counted.

e. Exit Criteria
• Ability to grasp, lift and release a softball in one hand.

Kick for Distance

a. Set up
• Athlete must stand behind starting line or front wheels of athlete’s chair must be behind starting line.
b. Equipment
• Volleyball or soccer ball, deflated to app. ½ normal pressure – metric tape measure – weighted markers – 1.5 meter (5’) starting line on surface
c. Rules
• Athlete may sit or stand to kick the ball.
• Athlete stays behind the kicking line when kicking the ball. (A foul is called if athlete steps on the line.)
• Athlete makes 3 attempts to kick the ball.

d. Scoring
• Distance is measured where the ball stops.
• Longest of 3 kicks is counted.

10 Meter Scooter Race

a. Set up
• Starting line and width of race course is 10 meters (33’) across.
• Finish line is 10 meters (33’) from starting line.

b. Equipment
• Four-wheel scooter, square, round or rectangular – metric tape measure – finish line string – stopwatches.

c. Rules
• Athlete sitting up, kneeling or lying face down on scooter – on track or other hard surface.
• Athlete must propel him/herself independently to finish line. No physical contact with the athlete or the scooter is allowed by an outside source.
• Athlete must start behind the starting line – all body parts – and finishes when the entire scooter is across the finish line.
• Athlete does not have a lane that he/she must stay in.
• Maximum of 3-4 participants in each heat.

d. Scoring
• Athlete is timed from start to when scooter completely crosses the finish line.
• Time will be kept by officials with stopwatches. The fastest time is the winner in that heat.

e. Exit Criteria
• Ability to walk 25 meters (82’).

Ball Throw

a. Set Up
• Athlete must stand behind starting line or front wheels of athlete’s chair must be behind starting
line.
• Make sure there is a clear area for throwing.

b. Equipment
• Tennis balls – metric tape measure – weighted markers – 1.5 meter (5’) starting line on surface.

c. Rules
• Athlete must stay behind the starting line at all times.
• Athlete may take approach step(s) to throwing line prior to making throw.
• Throw may be either underhand or overhand.
• Athlete is allowed 3 throws.
• Athlete may stand or sit to throw.

d. Scoring
• Distance is measured from starting line to where the ball first lands.
• Longest of the 3 throws is counted.

e. Exit Criteria
• Ability to grasp, lift and release softball.

MATP Re-certification Test

Note: If you have not been to a coach’s certification class in Motor Activities you do not qualify to re-certify. To Re-certify, a coach must make sure that the Volunteer application and protective behaviors training are up to date. You cannot re-certify without an up to date volunteer application and protective behaviors class. SOOK only allows a limited number of attempts to take the MATP re-certification test as we are charged for each test that is taken.

Take our online test