Differences of Special Olympics Basketball: Special Olympics Basketball offers a series of adaptations of FIBA rules that are optional when conducting team competitions. Some of these adaptations include adjusting the length of the game, allowing a player to take two steps beyond what is ruled by FIBA as traveling, allowing the free throw shooter 10 seconds to release the ball, enforcing a rule that allows only five seconds of closely guarded play in front court, and rewarding two free throws beginning with the seventh team foul in each half.
The differences and adaptations to the FIBA rules can be found here in the Official Special Olympics Basketball Sports Rules
The following are the five most important basketball fundamentals, in no specific order:
Divisioning at Special Olympics: Athletes in every sport and event are grouped by age, gender, and ability – giving everyone a reasonable chance to win.
At Special Olympics there are no World Records because each athlete, whether in the fastest or the slowest division is valued and recognized equally.
In every division, all athletes receive an award, from gold, silver, and bronze medals, to fourth through eighth place ribbons. This idea of equal ability groupings is the foundation for competition in Special Olympics and can be witnessed at all events, whether it’s athletics, aquatics, table tennis, football, skiing, or gymnastics.
All athletes are given an equal chance to participate, perform, and be recognized for doing their best by their teammates, family, friends, and fans.
The following is a list of the basic equipment required to run a basketball program:
Basketballs:
Whistle: use of a whistle by the coach teaches athletes that a whistle means they need to stop, look and listen as they will need to respond to a whistle used by officials during competition.
Scrimmage vests: these allow athletes to distinguish teammates from opponents during training scrimmages. Vests that slip over the head are preferred and should be made from lightweight fabric.
Markers: plastic marker cones or discs are useful during drills and for marking off skills assessment areas and Individual Skills Contest areas.
Chalk and/or masking tape: Chalk can be used to mark areas on outside surfaces or to diagram plays on the floor or blackboard. Masking tape can be used to mark specific areas on the floor as for the Individual Skills Contest and the Skills Assessment Tests. X’s marked on the floor can cue defensive positions during team play.
Clipboard or folder with training session plan: Once a training session has started, it is easy to forget what should be done next. A clipboard with the training plan will greatly help the coach organize practice, share information with assistant coaches, stay on task and monitor progress.
To train and compete successfully in any sport requires an athlete to be outfitted in appropriate sport attire. Inappropriate clothing and equipment can impact an athlete’s ability to move, as well as to play the game. An athlete dressed in a good looking, properly-fitted uniform and basketball shoes will feel good about himself or herself, be a part of a team and tend to play better.
Appropriate basketball attire is required for all competitors. As coach, discuss the types of sport clothes acceptable and not acceptable for training and competition. Discuss the importance of wearing properly fitted clothing, along with the advantages and disadvantages of certain types of clothing worn during training and competitions. For example, long-pant jeans to blue jean shorts are not proper basketball attire for any event. Explain that athletes cannot perform their best while wearing jeans that restrict their movement. Take athletes to other basketball competition and point out the attire being worn by the players. As coach, set the example by wearing appropriate attire to training and competitions.
Shirts
Shirts for practice should be T-shirt type or sleeveless and made of lightweight material. For competitions, the athlete should wear a clean uniform shirt that has a number on the front and the back. Check the competition rules regarding the size of the numbers. The shirt should fit properly and be long enough to tuck into the shorts.
Shorts
Shorts should be of a lightweight material, have an elastic waistband with no pockets, and allow freedom of movement in the hips and thighs.
Socks
One to two pairs of properly fitted cotton or cotton-blend socks are recommended to prevent blisters.
Shoes
Shoes are the most important item of clothing for the athlete. They must have a good tread for traction and while high-top basketball shoes provide the best foot and ankle support, any shoe with firm arch and heel support and a cushioned insole are appropriate. Ensure shoes do not leave marks on the court.
Head Bands
Head bands, rubber bands or ribbons are necessary for safety reason when the athlete needs to keep hair away from the face.