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Selecting Team Members The key to the successful development of a Traditional Special Olympics or Unified Sports team is the proper selection of team members. We have provided some primary considerations below.   Ability Grouping Unified Sports bowling teams work best when all team members have similar sports skills. Partners with abilities that are far superior to other teammates will either control competition or accommodate others by not competing to their potential. In both situations, the goals of interaction and teamwork are diminished and a true competitive experience is not achieved.   Age Grouping All team members should be closely matched in age. Within 3-5 years of age for athletes 21 years of age and under Within 10-15 years for athletes 22 years of age and over   For example, an 8-year-old should not be competing against or with a 30-year-old athlete. Creating Meaningful Involvement in Special Olympics Unified SportsŪ Unified Sports embraces the philosophy and principles of Special Olympics. When selecting your Unified Sports team, you want to achieve meaningful involvement at the beginning, during and end of your sport season. Unified Sports teams are organized to provide meaningful involvement for all athletes and partners. Every teammate should play a role and have the opportunity to contribute to the team. Meaningful involvement also refers to the quality of interaction and competition within a Unified Sports team. Achieving meaningful involvement by all teammates on the team ensures a positive and rewarding experience for everyone.   Indicators of Meaningful Involvement Teammates compete without causing undue risk of injury to themselves or others. Teammates compete according to the rules of competition. Teammates have the ability and opportunity to contribute to the performance of the team. Teammates understand how to blend their skills with those of other athletes, resulting in improved performance by athletes with lesser ability.   Meaningful Involvement Is Not Achieved When Team Members Have superior sports skills in comparison to their fellow team members. Act as on-field coaches rather than teammates. Control most aspects of the competition during critical periods of the game. Do not train or practice regularly and only show up on the day of competition. Lower their level of ability dramatically, so that they do not hurt others or control the entire game.

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