Join Team G

TEAM MEMBERSHIP and FORMS

There are 3 steps to joining Team G:

1. Complete the Contact Information Form!

  • Submit this form > Join Team G Contact Form .
  • We’ll contact you by email when your form has been received.
  • Once you join you’ll receive our emails and registration notices.

 2. Join Special Olympics Minnesota (This is required)

3. Read the following Team G Information and Membership Guidelines

Team G Membership Guidelines

Participation: The focus of the Special Olympics organization is to give an opportunity for sports competition. Using the Special Olympics MN guidelines and structure, Team G (part of Area 11) offers a variety of sports where athletes can train and compete in sports that they love. Our athletes learn about exercising, teamwork, commitment, training and the thrill of competition. We encourage athletes to participate in as many sports as reasonably possible. However, for several sports, State competitions are held on the same dates and this may present scheduling conflicts.

Team sports such as basketball, athletics, bocce, and swimming relay races require a commitment to attend both Area and State games. In addition, it is very important that athletes are present at the first several practices when timing/scores/teams are collected for competition registration.

Season: Most sport seasons are 10-12 weeks long. “Area competitions”, when our athletes compete against other Area 11 teams, are scheduled mid-season and State Games are at the end of each season.

Practices: Practices are generally held weekly for 60 to 90 minutes. Athletes are expected to attend a minimum of 8 of 10 scheduled practices. The head coach along with volunteer Level 1 and Level 2 coaches will help athletes and encourage proper techniques, good sportsmanship and physical fitness. Generally, we practice at sites in Hopkins, Plymouth and St. Louis Park.

Supervision: Please note that a parent/guardian or staff/PCA must stay with their athlete at practice or arrange for someone at practice, other than the head coach, to supervise and help the athlete. Athletes needing 1:1 assistance or supervision must bring their own support person. Our coaches want to encourage independence during practice and we are happy to guide your athlete but caregivers must manage the need for 1:1 supervision. If an athlete is using alternate transportation (i.e. Metro Mobility) please let the coaches know so that athletes are not left alone.

Fees: There are no fees to be a part of Team G at this time.

Competitions: Athletes ages 8 and up may compete in competitions. All athletes are eligible for competition regardless of their ability. Note that athletes who wish to compete at the State competition must compete in the Area competition for that sport. An athlete cannot skip “Area” and then compete at “State”. The SOMN organizes and runs the Area and State competitions.

  • The “Area” competition event includes other teams from Area 11 (Minneapolis and suburbs). Ribbons are awarded to participants. The Area times/scores are used to place athletes in appropriate competitive divisions for State Games.
  • The “State” competition includes teams from all over MN. Athletes are assigned to competitive divisions based on age, sex and qualifying times or scores that are established at the Area Games. Medals (gold, silver, bronze) and place ribbons are awarded to all participants.

Uniforms: Athletes will be given a free uniform for their sport.

Sport Registration: Team G athletes will register for sports using our on-line system, only. Enrollment will be on a first come first served basis. Preference will be given to existing Team G team members and brand new/outside athletes will be placed on a waiting list until openings are available.

Volunteering: Each year, all families are expected to volunteer in some way and participate in at least one fundraiser. Find out about volunteering here. Our coaches and athletes need and love your help.

Communication: Information is shared through the website and by Gmail from our Team G account. Subscribe to Team G News on our Home page.

Calendar: The web calendar is kept up-to-date with sport dates, times and location information. We attempt to add cancellations due to weather but they do not always get posted in time. Emails are sent out to athletes/volunteers by the head coach if cancellations are necessary.

Please see our Coaches & Volunteers and Fundraising pages for more information.

Thanks for your interest in Team G.

RENEWAL OF Medical and Consent FORMS

  • o    The Application and Medical form (2 pages) must be updated every 3 years.
  • o    Consent forms are renewed at age 18 years and then are permanent.

We’ll email you before your forms expire. Remember, athletes are not allowed to practice or compete unless forms are up-to-date and on file.

o    Print athlete forms: http://specialolympicsminnesota.org/who-we-are/athletes.

o    or visit www.somn.org

o    Submit completed forms to the Special Olympics MN office.

FAX or email is best method, 612-333-8782 See the form for information and instructions.

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