Unified Sports is a Special Olympics program where students with and without intellectual disabilities train and compete on the same team. Unified Sports was inspired by a simple principle: playing sports together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.

The following recommended safety guidelines have been adapted from the Special Olympics North America Physical Education guidelines and adapted to fit the SPHEReS Safety Guidelines structure

Supervision

• On-site supervision is recommended for set up and initial instruction.
• Proximity supervision is recommended following initial skill instruction and after all safety skills have been emphasized.

Instructional Considerations

• Code of etiquette should be taught and enforced (e.g. taking turns).
• Team sizes may be adjusted (singles, doubles, or 4-person) to best suit the needs of the group.

Adaptive Considerations

• A ramp, or sofer bocce balls (e.g. indoor bocce balls) can be used to adapt the game for different abilities.

Equipment/Facilities

• Typically played outdoors on grass or indoors on turf.
• Playing area should be inspected to ensure it is in good condition and avoid any potentially unsafe terrain or areas. All unsafe clutter or garbage should be removed from the playing area.
• Players and spectators should only walk outside of the playing area, never through a game or through a court.
• Court markings are useful, but not mandatory.