Volunteer Registration Process

• All volunteers must complete the appropriate Volunteer Registration Form, present a photo ID (if available for minors) and meet eligibility requirements in order to be accepted as a SOVA volunteer.
  
• Providing false information on a Volunteer Registration Form will automatically disqualify an individual from serving as a SOVA volunteer.
  
• Approved volunteers must notify SOVA staff within thirty days if they are charged with or convicted of a criminal offense. If SOVA becomes aware that a current or potential volunteer was charged with or convicted of a criminal offense, SOVA reserves the right to suspend the volunteer pending the outcome of the criminal charge.
  
• Special Olympics athletes are welcomed and encouraged to volunteer in various roles within the organization. Athlete volunteers must meet eligibility and age requirements and cannot be put or left in charge of the safety and welfare of other athletes. For this reason, athletes cannot volunteer as head coaches, head of delegations, trip coordinators, drivers or chaperones.
  
• Volunteers are divided into two classes based on their contact with athletes in the program:
  
• Class A – Volunteers who have regular, close physical contact with athletes; volunteers in positions of authority or supervision; volunteers in a position of trust with athletes; and volunteers that handle substantial amounts of cash or other assets. Class A volunteers include, but are not limited to:
  • Coaches
  • Unified partners
  • Chaperones
  • ALP and Global Messenger mentors
  • Non-hired drivers of athletes
  • Area/local council members
  • Overnight games management team members
  • Volunteers who handle over $5,000
    
• Class B – Volunteers who only have limited contact with athletes who are accompanied by coaches and chaperones. Class B volunteers include, but are not limited to:
  • Single day or single event or fundraising volunteers
  • Healthy Athlete volunteers
  • Volunteers who drive vehicles not transporting athletes on behalf of Special Olympic