FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
11 September  2007

Attention Volunteers:

New required volunteer training

According to a new Protective Behaviors policy from Special Olympics Inc, all Class A volunteers must participate in an online training prior to December 31, 2007 to maintain active status. Protective Behaviors training is a critical tool for protecting Special Olympics athletes from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Volunteers are required to participate in this new training even if they have been involved with Special Olympics for a long time and have seen older training videos.

Available Online Today!

The training is available online and only takes about 10-20 minutes to complete. Once you complete the exam at the end of the training, fill out your information and SOMT will be notified that you completed this requirement. Volunteers will need to retake the online training every three years to maintain active status.

Look for the Internet Stations around campus, in the hallway, in front of the bookstore and in the Heritage Hall. You are welcome to use them. Ask for assistance at the registration table.

Go to this web site

Go to the Special Olympics Montana web site at www.somt.org. On the menu bar click “Forms.” Under “General Volunteer” click on the link to “Protective Behaviors Online Training,” 

or go to "http://www.specialolympics.org/protectivebehaviors".

Who is a Class A volunteer?

1. Volunteers who have regular, close physical contact with athletes

2. Volunteers in a position of authority or supervision with athletes

3. Volunteers in a position of trust of athletes

4. Volunteers who handle substantial amounts of cash or other assets of the Program

Who typically falls into the Class A Volunteer category?

·         Examples include coaches, Unified Partners, chaperones, ALP’s mentors, overnight hosts, drivers for athletes, and volunteers who have substantial administrative and/or fiscal authority.

·         Fundraising event committee members, Games management team members, and Board members who meet the definition of a Class A Volunteer are also subject to the screening requirements.

Additionally, parents and siblings of athletes are subject to the screening requirements when they are serving in a Class A Volunteer capacity. For example, if a parent or sibling is coaching or chaperoning an athlete as part of a Special Olympics activity, the parent/sibling would meet the definition of Class A Volunteer and would be subject to the screening requirements.  

Please note that a parent who serves as a Special Olympics coach for his or her child will be considered a Class A volunteer and is subject to the required screening (even if the only child who is being coached is the parent’s own child).   

How do I maintain my Class A Volunteer status? 
You must complete a Volunteer Application and take the online Protective Behaviors training.