USA Games Application

2026 USA Games Application
Thank you for your interesting in applying for the 2026 USA Games which will be held in Minnesota.

To start, please hit "Begin Application" below and select the role you are applying for.
- ATHLETE is for indiviudal sports
- TEAM is for team sports (Individual athletes CANNOT apply for this, an athletes head coach or coordinator must complete this)
As of March 1st, 2025, the Coach application deadline has passed.

As of May 1st, 2025, the spring sports application deadline has passed.

If you have any questions please contact: USAGames@specialolympicsma.org

Select what position you are applying for:
Coach
Athlete
Role for SF

AthleteCoach

Eligibility Requirements and Deadlines
To be considered for the 2026 USA Games, all athletes must meet the eligibility and selection requirements, outlined in the requirements document, which includes items related to training, travel and daily living skills. For team sports, 80% of the roster of the team, including coaches that qualified, must attend. For all team sports, SOMA allows for expanded roster sizes beyond the SOI Rules and for USA Games. Roster sizes will follow the roster size limits outlined in the SOI Rule book for that sport, NO EXCEPTIONS. This may mean that in most cases a teams’ roster will have to be reduced to meet the SOI rule.

All application deadlines MUST be met to remain elgible:
- November 1, 2024 | Soccer / Flag Football
- March 1, 2025 | Ten Pin Bowling / Traditional Basketball
- May 1, 2025 | Powerlifting / Tennis / Track & Field / Swimming / Volleyball
- August 1, 2025 | Bocce / Golf
Coaches selected to represent Team Massachusetts at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games must be well educated in coaching and demonstrate qualities that include sportsmanship, dedication to quality training, understand the rules of the sport, and have the ability to function well as a part of a team. All selected coaches will serve dual roles as both coaches and chaperones. Coaches selected as members of Team Massachusetts will work with other coaches and athletes from across the state. They will work under the direction of our Head of Delegation (HOD) and Management Team.

The deadline to register as a coach is March 1st, 2025.

Coach Information
Athlete Information
Team Information
Program ID
Local Program Name*
Team Name*
Please list any notes (if applicable) about the team*
Name*

First NameLast Name
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Email Address*
Home Phone*
Cell Phone*
Street Address*
City *
State*
Zip Code*
Employer
How many years have you been involved with Special Olympics?*
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Parent/Legal Guardian Information
Parent/Legal Guardian Name*

First NameLast Name
Legal Guardian Email Address*

Nominator Information

Please complete information on who is completing the application on behalf of the athlete or the team
Nominator is same as athlete's parent/legal guardian
Nominator Name*

First NameLast Name
Street Address*
City *
State*
Zip Code*
Nominator Email Address*

Schedule Commitment
As a coach you will be required to be available to attend the following:

a.       Special Olympics Massachusetts Training Camp Weekend – to be held in the spring of 2026. Date TBD

b.      2026 USA Games – June 19th-June 26th, in Minnesota (exact dates of travel will be set at a later date)

c.       Other events and trainings as determined by the HOD and SOMA Staff
Will you be able to attend all of these trainings and events?

YesNo

Final Details and Signatures
Please provide any additional information to support this athlete’s nomination to the 2026 USA Games
This application needs to be signed by the athlete’s Parent/Guardian and Head Coach or Local Program Coordinator. If not signed, the application will not be accepted nor reviewed. Once completed, a copy of the form will be emailed to the head coach or local program coordinator to review and sign.
Coordinator or Coaches Name*

First NameLast Name
Coordinator or Coaches Email*
Parent/Guardian Signature*
All team applications require the signature of the coach or program coordinator.
Team Coach/Coordinator Signature*
Please read the following statements and sign at the bottom.

The information presented in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Yes, I have carefully read and clearly understand the minimum standards required to be selected as a coach and I am willing to make a full commitment to Team Massachusetts for the duration of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
- I understand that if I am selected to be a coach that the major expenses will be covered but that I may have to cover various minor expenses (gas, telephone calls, postage, etc.) on behalf of the athletes I am responsible for coaching.
- I am willing and able to serve as both a sport specific coach and an athlete chaperone for all Team Massachusetts activities leading up to and during the Games.
- I am willing to maintain consistent contact with assigned athletes, their families/guardians, and their local coaches.
- I understand that if I do not meet all of the requirements, I can be removed from my position within Team Massachusetts without discussion.
Coach Signature
Should be Empty:

2026 USA Games Application

Select what position you are applying for:

Sport

Eligibility Requirements and Deadlines

Coach Information

Athlete Information

Team Information

Parent/Legal Guardian Information

Nominator Information

Schedule Commitment

Final Details and Signatures