Policy for Emergency Procedures for Practices and Events

Special Olympics Northern California (SONorCal) will prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all athletes, volunteers and unified partners at all practices, competitions and other events, including providing specific protocols for emergencies.

The following procedures shall be used at all SONorCal practices, competitions and other events.

1. Athlete Application information, including emergency contacts, for ALL athletes, must be accessible by Coaches at ALL times, in digital or physical format.
2. If there is a medical emergency that requires emergency medical services, or a non-medical emergency that requires fire or police, dial 911 directly, unless the facility/venue has provided a different direct emergency number (such as at a university or other large venue). When in doubt, dial 911.
   1. If the emergency occurs during the day, notify SONorCal event organizers/staff once 911 has been dialed and emergency services have been activated or are on scene.
   2. If the emergency occurs during an overnight stay and SONorCal has provided overnight medical staff (such as at Summer Games), notify overnight medical staff once 911 has been dialed. Then, notify SONorCal event organizers/staff the following day.
   3. If the emergency occurs during an overnight stay, and SONorCal has NOT provided overnight medical staff, inform hotel/housing staff as able, once 911 has been dialed and emergency services have been activated or are on scene. Then, notify SONorCal event organizers/staff the following day.
   4. When calling 911, or emergency services, be prepared to state the following:
      1. WHAT the emergency is
      2. WHERE the emergency is
      3. WHO is reporting the emergency
      4. Give a TELEPHONE NUMBER if requested and REMAIN on the phone until released by the dispatcher
      5. ASSIST in directing emergency personnel to the site of the emergency

Following the initial response by emergency services, if one of your athletes is transported to the hospital via ambulance or private vehicle, a registered volunteer coach who is part of the delegation must notify SONorCal Staff as soon as possible and complete an Incident Report Form (available from your SONorCal Staff contact). A registered volunteer coach who is part of the delegation must remain with the athlete until the athlete is released to the care of the family member, guardian or other care provider (see Item 3a below).

3. If an athlete becomes ill, adhere to the following:
   1. Stay with the athlete at all times, including when the athlete is being checked by medical personnel (SONorCal medical staff or emergency medical services), if the athlete is referred to the hospital, urgent care or rest area (dorm, hotel, cooling tent, etc.) and remain with the athlete until the athlete is released to the care of a family member, guardian or other care provider.
   2. Send for assistance and ask the person to return.
   3. Access and have readily available, the athlete’s Application, so pertinent medical and emergency contact information can be shared with medical personnel, as required.
   4. Notify the Head of Delegation, Area Director, Head Coach and/or Games Director before leaving the area with or without the athlete.

Fluid loss/dehydration can be very dangerous so keep all athletes and coaches hydrated as much as possible, including before, during and after practices and competitions. Medications should be administered by the coaches, athletes and parents (if present) at scheduled/prescribed times, including double checking that the dosages are correct and that there is sufficient medicine for the duration of the event.

4. If an athlete becomes lost, adhere to the following:
   1. Notify SONorCal event organizers (Games Directors, venue directors, headquarters personnel, etc.) immediately that you have a missing athlete.
   2. Be prepared to identify yourself and to describe the missing athlete, including First and Last Name, any Nickname(s), Age, Gender, Physical Description & Dress (as last seen), and the Location and/or Sports event where the athlete was last seen, as well as their level of functionality.
   3. If is highly recommended that Coaches/HODs take group or individual pictures of ALL athlete members of the delegation prior to, or upon, arrival to the event and store the photo(s) on their mobile device or camera, to aide in the identification of a missing athlete.
   4. Indicate who, including the best phone number(s), is to be notified when the athlete is located.
   5. When the athlete is found, notify SONorCal event organizers (ideally the same you notified of the missing athlete initially) and they will take action to reunite the athlete with the delegation, as well as have medical staff perform an assessment of the athlete and administer any needed care.