Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the Shine as One Team! For a sneak peak, check out the 2022 USA Games sizzle video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WC8OxuFjuPc) Before applying to become an official for the 2022 USA Games, please review the information below. Qualifications - Individuals applying to become an official for the 2022 USA Games should: *Have a current governing body certification or registration in their sport *Experience officiating their sport with a Special Olympics program *If you do not have Special Olympics experience, please note this on your resume *Consider contacting your Special Olympics program to learn if officiating opportunities are available prior to the 2022 USA Games *Be available for the full commitment of their sport’s schedule *Committed to attending all trainings leading up to the games *Embody the Special Olympics Official’s Oath “In the name of all judges and officials, I promise that we shall officiate in these Special Olympics Games with complete impartiality, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them, in the spirit of sportsmanship.” Selection Process & Timelines - All officials considered for the 2022 USA Games will complete this online application that will require general contact information, the sport the applicant wishes to apply for, a resume outlining the applicant’s sport officiating experience and Special Olympics officiating experience, and a passport style headshot photo. The 2022 USA Games LOC will review all applications and make selections based on the needs of each sport. If selected, the applicant will receive a contract of commitment. This contract must be signed and returned to the 2022 USA Games LOC with-in two weeks of the send date. Failure to do so will forfeit the spot and an offer will be made to the next qualified individual. Please note, to prevent anyone missing the deadline, the 2022 USA Games will make every effort to reach out during these two weeks. January 11: Officials application portal opens February 12: Officials application portal closes March 1: First round of letters and contracts sent to selected officials March 15: First round of official contracts due back to USA Games LOC March 16: Second round of letters and contracts sent to selected officials (wait listed as needed) March 30: Second round of official contracts due back to USA Games LOC Schedule of Events & Commitment Level - To provide the athletes attending at the 2022 USA Games with a world class competition experience, consistency will be a key factor. Officials who are available to commit through their sport’s entire competition schedule will be considered first. * June 3 & 4: Arrivals * June 5: On-sight training and venue walk throughs * June 6 – June 11: Competition * June 11 & 12: Departures * Date may vary for sports with shorter schedules Special Olympics Athletes as Officials - Special Olympics Athletes who apply to become 2022 USA Games officials will: *Have the approved certification and training with their selected sport's Governing Body prior to the application deadline of February 12 *Be recognized and have the same experiences as all other officials and, in the spirit of fair play, will not be considered a member of their delegation. *Inform their program that they have applied to be a 2022 USA Games official *Be accompanied by a chaperone that is the same gender (for housing). The chaperone will receive travel costs, comparable to the athlete who is selected.