Following each competition, one or both teams should complete the Game Report.
Schools offering Unified Sports either as a part of UCS or under a self-funded model should plan to meet these standards:
Practices: at least once a week for 6+ weeks
Competitions: the goal is a minimum of 6
Coaches: at least one trained coach specific to this sport
Team Size: The size of your Unified Sports teams should allow for meaningful playing time for both athletes and Unified partners. Ideally, team sizes should be comparable to those of your Varsity teams. For example, a well-balanced Unified Basketball team should typically include no more than 12 players to ensure everyone has the opportunity to actively participate and contribute.
Culminating Event: established teams competing at the player development or competitive level should aim to participate in a culminating event if one is available (e.g. Unified Cup, NJSIAA post-season)
It is our hope that your Unified teams are treated as similarly as possible to your Varsity teams.
Hosting Unified Events and Tournaments
In addition to regular competitions between individual schools, some schools may wish to host larger Unified Sports events or tournaments. We enthusiastically support and appreciate your commitment to expanding opportunities for inclusive sports experiences! However, it’s essential that all such events adhere to the official guidelines and spirit of Unified Sports. Events that do not meet these standards may not be classified as Unified Sports and therefore may not use the Unified Sports name, branding, or logos.
To ensure your event qualifies as an official Unified Sports activity, the following core criteria must be met:
Official Sport Rules Must Be Followed: All competitions must adhere to the established rules for the sport. Visit the sport-specific dashboard for detailed rules and guidance.
Equitable Participation: Athletes and Unified partners must compete as teammates, with comparable roles and responsibilities. Unified partners may not act as helpers, coaches, or mentors during competition.
Independent Participation: All participants—both athletes and Unified partners—must be able to compete independently, without one-on-one assistance or modifications that alter the competitive nature of the sport.
Only events that meet these criteria will be eligible for reimbursement and will count toward a Unified Sports team’s official competition record.
If you’re planning a tournament or large-scale event and would like support or clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help ensure your event is successful, inclusive, and aligned with the mission of Unified Sports.
Uniform Guidelines
To maintain consistency and uphold the values of Unified Sports, the following guidelines apply to Unified Sports uniforms:
Branding & Pre-Approval
Uniforms must include a Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) and/or Unified Sports logo or reference.
All uniform designs must be pre-approved by the UCS team before purchase—even if UCS grant funds are not being used.
Consult Unified Sports Uniform Guidelines or visit the LINK for available logos and the pre-approval process.
Longevity & Expansion
Uniforms are intended for multi-year use.
Additional uniforms may be purchased as teams expand.
Swag & Spirit Wear
While we fully support Unified Sports teams having access to spirit wear (e.g., hoodies, warm-ups) similar to other school teams, UCS grant funds cannot be used for these items.
If your school is unable to provide these items, we encourage you to fundraise to support these purchases.
Individual Equipment
UCS grant funds cannot be used to purchase items for individual use, such as socks, bowling shoes, or personal gear.
Equity in Appearance
In the spirit of inclusion and equal treatment, Unified Sports uniforms should closely resemble your school’s varsity team uniforms in style and quality. This reinforces the message that athletes and Unified Partners are valued members of the school’s athletic community.
Reporting Scores
Reporting your scores benefits both you and us in many ways. It helps us organize UCS events more effectively, ensures fair post-season planning, and strengthens our ability to promote Unified Sports by increasing visibility and awareness. Importantly, it also supports equity in Unified Sports by aligning with the post-competition procedures followed by varsity programs—ensuring all athletes are recognized and treated with the same level of respect and structure.
