Return to Play

Updated Protocol for Return to Play

Last Updated 2/17/2022

As we continue to monitor COVID-19 throughout the state, Special Olympics Nebraska is returning to in person competition. Programs can continue to train, practice and participate in any activity that is offered.

Upcoming Events/ Competitions

Regional Swimming- All Regions

• East: 3/12/2022, East Central: 3/26/2022, West Central: 3/12/2022 &  West: 4/23/2022
• Will be held as a typical regional event
• We will update regarding West Central and East Central competitions

Regional Track- All Regions

• East: 4/24/2022, East Central: 5/1/2022, West Central: 4/30/2022, West: 4/23/2022
• Competitions will be held as a typical regional event

Spring Games- 4/1- 4/3

• Bowling:
  • Doubles, Teams & Ramps: 4/1/2022 @ Sun Valley Lanes
  • Singles: 4/3/2022 @ Sun Valley Lanes
• Basketball
  • All competitions 4/2/2022 @ Lincoln 

Summer Games: 5/18- 5/22

• Wednesday 
  • Volleyball
• Thursday
  • Swimming
  • Level A Track & Field
  • Gymnastics
  • Opening Ceremony
• Friday
  • Level A Swimming
  • Roller Skating
  • Track & Field- Field Events
  • Healthy Athletes
• Saturday
  • Track & Field- Running Events

Unified Champion Schools-  Should continue to adhere to district and campus COVID-19 policies. 

Covid-19 Vaccine Information

All individuals participating in Special Olympics Nebraska activities are strongly recommended and encouraged to be vaccinated, though not required for training, league, and regional competition.  All athletes, coaches, Unified partners and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated or provide proof of a negative Covid test prior to participating in State competitions.  In order to be considered fully vaccinated, individuals 8 years and older must receive a primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine in one of the following:

For persons 18 and older, a primary series consists of:

• A 2-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or
• A single-dose COVID-19 vaccine of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

For children 8 years through 17 years of age a primary series consists of:

• 2 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine

Proof of Negative Covid Test

Acceptable forms for proof of negative Covid test:

• PCR or Antigen Test 
• Photo of negative at home test

Follow this link to find a testing site near you: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/COVID-19-Testing.aspx

Proof of vaccine or negative test is required for all athletes, coaches, Unified Partners and volunteers at a state competition, but is not required to practice or for a regional competition.

Below is a graph outlining the requirements for our upcoming events. Participants are not required to be vaccinated or provide a negative test to practice or attend a regional competition. Participants are only required to be vaccinated or have proof of a negative test for state competitions.

*If numbers reach 200+ per 100,000 new cases we will evaluate the status' of these events listed on a case by case basis.

After Summer Games we will revaluate these protocols based on the climate surrounding Covid at the time and the guidance of our state. We will communicate in June what to expect for late summer and fall events. 

*If a participant has not provided proof of vaccination or negative test by the deadline indicated for the event they will not be permitted to participate in the event. 

Mask Regulations

Regarding masks, we will be following local/venue guidelines. If a city or venue has a mask mandate then we will require participants and spectators to wear a mask. Otherwise, we do strongly suggest your wear a mask when indoors and in close proximity to others when socially distancing isn't possible. 

Travel/ Accommodations

Teams are permitted to travel and stay together when traveling to state competitions. Please adhere to SONE's Housing Policy. Also, anyone staying with another member of their team will need to be fully vaccinated or provided proof of a negative test, as per the rules for the competition.

Fundraising Events

Proof of vaccine or negative test is not required for fundraising events. Each event will be evaluated on a case by case basis and are required to follow the guidelines of any local mandates that are in place. 

Healthy Athletes 

Proof of vaccine or negative test is required for healthy athlete screenings. The same rules will apply to Healthy Athlete screening as are in place for all SONE state competitions. 

Covid Resources

Best Practices

Pre Event

• Turn in all required information to SONE office
• Read all SONE guidelines in preparation for the event
• Sanitize equipment

Post Event

• Sanitize equipment
• Notify SONE office if any one contracted Covid-19 after attending our event
  • Contact Nate Parks

*This allows for contact tracing. We will do our best to contact anyone who was in close contact with a positive case.