Special Olympics Arizona reaches for the highest ideals of sportsmanship. A definition of sportsmanship is character demonstrated through observation of the rules of fair play, respect for others, and graciousness.   The Special Olympics Athlete Oath is: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”  Each Special Olympics Athlete recites these words before each competition.  The oath is a pledge, or promise, to try to achieve the highest level of good sportsmanship at trainings and competitions. 

Special Olympics Arizona Athletes Code of Conduct

As a Special Olympics Athlete, I understand and pledge to:

Sportsmanship:

• I will act in ways that bring respect to me, my coaches, my team, my family and Special Olympics.
• I will respect other Athletes, volunteers, officials and coaches by not swearing at them, using appropriate language, or demonstrating inappropriate gestures or actions.
• I will demonstrate appropriate behavior and actions with other Athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials and staff. 

Training and Competition:

• I will train regularly.
• I will learn and follow the rules of the sport in which I am training.
• I will listen and ask questions when I do not understand.
• I will always try my best during training, divisioning, and competitions.
• I will not “hold back” in preliminaries just to get into an easier final heat.

Personal Responsibility:

• I will not make inappropriate or unwanted physical, verbal, or sexual advances on others.
• I will refrain from using tobacco products except in designated areas away from the field of play and will not share or encourage others to use tobacco products with me. 
• I will not drink alcohol or use illegal drugs while representing Special Olympics at events, trainings, or competitions. 
• I will not take drugs for the purpose of improving my performance.
• I will obey all Special Olympics Arizona policies and Special Olympics rules.

It is important to know that each athlete understands that if he/she violates this Code of Conduct he/she will be subject to a range of consequences, up to and including being prohibited from training and competing in Special Olympics Arizona sports programs.