School Requirements

To participate in Unified Sports at any level, your school should meet these requirements:

  • Unified Champion School Status: All schools offering Unified Sports in any capacity—including Young Athletes, Unified Physical Education (PE), and Unified Sports—must be registered as an active Unified Champion School with SONJ. Not sure if your school is registered? Contact us at UCS@SONJ.org.
  • Coach Training: Coaches whose stipends are reimbursed through the SONJ UCS grant and/or who are participating in Unified Cups must complete required training provided. See below for more information on training opportunities.
  • Monthly Reporting: Please ensure that all Unified Sports activities at your school are accurately and completely reflected in the required monthly reports.

Student Requirements

Eligibility Guidelines:

  • To participate interscholastically and at the NJSIAA level, students must be able to participate independently.
  • NJSIAA single-sport rules apply to NJSIAA basketball and track & field.
  • Students competing in a Unified Sport may not also be a Varsity athlete in that sport.

Required Paperwork

Students participating in in-person UCS events, including Unified Cups, Unified Game Days, and Youth Summits, must have the required paperwork on file with SONJ at least 14 days prior to the event. Paperwork is valid for one year. This is in addition to any paperwork required by the school/district. Coaches and UCS Liaisons – you will be prompted at registration to verify that your each of your participants has completed their paperwork.

Student Paperwork One-Pager

Unified Partner (without IDD) Paperwork

Due to limitations within the registration system, Unified Partners without an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) must complete the registration process in a manner that may differ from the instructions provided within the forms.

  • Please review and follow the directions below carefully to ensure registration is completed correctly.
  • You will create an account as an Athlete
  • Select “Unknown” for athlete medical conditions.
Unified Partner Registration Instructions
Paperwork Portal

Athlete (with IDD) Paperwork

Athletes with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) may already have a SONJ account and current paperwork on file if they participate in traditional Special Olympics New Jersey sports.

  • If you need to create a profile, select “Athlete” regardless of your age.
  • Under LTP, select your county and Unified Champion School.
Athlete Registration Instructions
Paperwork Portal


Unified Sports Coach Training

With the exception of the Class A, these trainings are required for coaches whose stipends are reimbursed by the UCS grant, but are highly encouraged for anyone coaching Unified Sports! Each training is valid for three years. The Class A is only required for coaches and assistant coaches participating in any Unified Cups.

NFHS Coaching Unified Sports

  • Under the Coaching Unified Sports blue banner, click “Please Select Your State,” choose New Jersey, and click “Order Course.” It’s free!
  • Please email your completion certificate to UCS@SONJ.org

Heads Up Concussion Training

  • The UCS team will be notified automatically when you pass the training.

Protective Behaviors Training

  • The UCS team will be notified automatically when you pass the training.

Class A Volunteer Form