2020-09-01.0 WG21 Rules and Regulations Handbook.pdf

01 September 2020 - OFFICIAL Release

2021 RULES AND REGULATIONS HANDBOOK

DOD Warrior Games Rules & Regulations Handbook

RULES AND REGULATIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE

GENERAL RULES

ULTIMATE CHAMPION

ARCHERY

CYCLING

FIELD

GOLF

INDOOR ROWING

POWERLIFTING

SHOOTING

SITTING VOLLEYBALL

SWIMMING

TRACK

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL

WHEELCHAIR RUGBY

WHEELCHAIR TENNIS

DOD WARRIOR GAMES SUPPORT FORMS

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PREFACE

The Warrior Games were established in 2010 as a way to enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of our Nation’s Wounded Warriors (W2) by introducing them to the world of competitive adaptive sports. Sponsored by the U.S. Olympic

Committee in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the inaugural Warrior Games hosted approximately 200 Wounded, Ill, and Injured Service Members and Veterans.

Under the ownership of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), the Warrior

Games have expanded in size and scope with hundreds of athletes from multiple countries competing in events across the sports of Archery, Cycling, Golf, Indoor

Rowing, Powerlifting, Shooting, Swimming, Track & Field, Sitting Volleyball, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby, and Wheelchair Tennis.

The DOD Warrior Games Rules and Regulations are unique to this annual event.

They are inspired by/similar to those used by other adaptive sporting events and organizations including but not limited to the International Paralympic

Committee (IPC) or the Invictus Games Foundation; however, they are separate, distinct, and ARE NOT under the purview of/oversight of those organizations.

They are governed by the US Services’ Wounded Warrior (W2) Program Directors, managed by the US Services’ W2 Adaptive Sports Program Leads and Warrior

Games Classification Committee, and reviewed/published by the Warrior Games

Sports Director. The DOD Warrior Games Rules and Regulations are driven by the collected Uniformed Services athletes’ varied wounds, injuries, or illnesses they have incurred while in the service of this country.

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GENERAL RULES

1 General Rules Overview

2 Service Team Composition

3 Athlete Selection Criteria

4 Service Team Sport Start Rights

5 Athlete Registration, Changes, and Substitution

6 Athlete Sport Classification

7 Transgender Athletes

8 Service Team Names, Colors, and Apparel

9 Medal Presentations

10 Athlete Assistants

11 Athlete Special Medical Considerations

12 Athlete Sport Classification and Competition Protests Procedures

13 Service Animals

14 Daily Mandatory Meetings

15 Prohibited Items

16 Disciplinary Protocols and Procedures

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1 General Rules Overview

1.1 The DOD Warrior Games Rules and Regulation Handbook serves as the official guide for participating Service Teams in support of their athlete selection and training processes.

1.2 The DOD Warrior Games Rules and Regulations Handbook establishes specific guidance on additions and/or modifications to sport governing entity rules and regulations.

1.3 The DOD Warrior Games are not qualifying events for the Olympic and Paralympic

Games, International Olympic and Paralympic Committees sanctioned events, Parapan

American Games, World Championships, or Continental Championships.

1.4 The DOD Warrior Games do not qualify athletes for selection to a National, International, or Professional Sports Teams.

1.5 The term “Service Team” is used to identify Warrior Games Teams within the DOD

Uniformed Services, the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), and all participating International Teams.

1.6 Service Teams are composed of both Military and Veteran athletes who are either currently enrolled in or have went through their respective Uniformed Service’s W2 programs prior to their date of separation or retirement.

1.7 International Teams must adhere to all athlete eligibility, disability/impairment classification criteria, and governing sport entity rules unless an exception rule has been cited in the Warrior Games Rules and Regulations Handbook.

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2 Service Team Composition

2.1 Service Team Size and Military/Veteran Status

2.1.1 Service Teams are allowed up to 45 registered athletes. There will be no athlete alternates above the allotted 45 who register into their respective sport events on the Warrior Games official website.

2.1.2 DOD Service Teams shall not be composed of more than a 30% Veteran population (14-Veteran limitation) at the time of registration.

2.1.3 If a DOD Service Team’s composition falls below the maximum total of 45 athletes due to a drop in the registered military athletes, the 14-Veteran limitation is not required to be adjusted after the close of registration.

2.1.4 DOD Service Team athletes who transitioned (separation or retirement) to Veteran status within the one year prior to the start date of the Warrior Games will count as Active Duty Service Members. DOD Service Team athletes who transitioned more than one year from the start date of the Warrior Games will count as Veterans.

2.1.5 International Teams are exempt from the 14-Veteran limitation established in General Rules Section 2.1 due to their varied internal regulations, polices, and selection processes native to their respective W2 programs; however, they must still adhere to all athlete selection criteria IAW General Rules Chapter 3.

2.2 International Team Sports Consideration: “Spirit of the Games”

2.2.1 If an International Team is unable to form a complete sport team comprised of their own athletes, a “Spirit of the Games” exception rule may be requested authorizing the formation of a Multinational Team. A Multinational Team will be formed first by combining athletes from other incomplete International Teams. If formation is still not possible, then DOD Service Team athletes competing within that sport, but not selected for their own teams, may compete as part of a Multinational Team. This exception rule overrides Service Team start right limits as applicable to the following sports/competitions:

• Archery Team Compound and Team Recurve competitions

• Golf Three-Athlete Team

• Track Relay Teams

• Sitting Volleyball

• Swimming Relay Teams

• Wheelchair Basketball

• Wheelchair Rugby

• Wheelchair Tennis

2.2.2 All athletes part of a Multinational Team placing in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will receive a medal.

2.2.3 Application of a “Spirit of the Games” exception rule must be requested through the Warrior Games Sports Director and will be approved on a case-by-case basis; its use must not adversely affect a sport event’s overall Run of Show.

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3 Athlete Selection Criteria

3.1 Athlete Eligibility

3.1.1 Athletes are allowed to compete a maximum of two times in the DOD Warrior Games.

3.1.2 Each Service Team is allowed a four-athlete exception to the two-year maximum competition limit; this exception rule may be used no more than three times on a single athlete. IAW this exception rule, the maximum number of DOD Warrior Games that any athlete may participate in is a total of five starting in 2016.

3.2 Athlete Sports Participation

3.2.1 Athletes may compete in a maximum of five individual sports and any/all team sports.

3.2.2 Ultimate Champion (UC) athletes are exempt from the five individual sport restriction established in General Rule 3.2.1. There is no restriction to the number of sport events a UC athlete may compete in; however, they must still adhere to the start rights and competition participation limits defined within each sport event.

3.3 Development Team Athletes

3.3.1 DOD Service Team athletes who are on developmental teams and/or receive the Veterans Administration Monthly Assistance Allowance (VMAA) are eligible to compete in the DOD Warrior Games.

3.4 Invictus Games Athletes

3.4.1 Athletes who have competed in the Invictus Games are eligible for the DOD Warrior Games provided they meet all selection criteria IAW General Rules Chapter 3.

3.5 Athlete Ineligibility

3.5.1 Athletes who have achieved any of the following standards/criteria 120 days prior to the start of the Warrior Games are ineligible to compete within that sport(s) in the Warrior Games:

• A current/former athlete on a National Team

• A current/former athlete on a Professional Sports Team

• A current/former athlete who has represented their nation, country, federation, or foreign state in a sport(s) in any Olympic or Paralympic Games, World Championship, and/or Continental Championship.

3.5.2 Athletes who are ineligible to compete in a Warrior Games sport(s) IAW General Rule 3.5.1, may still compete in any other sport(s) in which they have not met the above selection ineligibility restrictions.

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4 Service Team Sport Start Rights

4.1 Ultimate Champion (UC)

4.1.1 Each Service Team is allotted two UC athletes total across gender and classification.

4.1.2 UC athletes count against Service Team start rights in every sport event competition they compete in.

4.2 Archery

4.2.1 Each Service Team is allotted six athletes for OPEN Compound.

4.2.2 Each Service Team is allotted six athletes for OPEN Recurve.

4.2.3 Each Service Team is allotted six athletes total across SEATED Compound, SEATED Recurve, and VI Archery; start rights cannot exceed three athletes in any one these three individual competitions.

4.3 Cycling

4.3.1 Each Service Team is allotted six athletes per gender, per classification, per event competition (cycle type).

4.4 Field

4.4.1 Each Service Team is allotted six athletes per gender, per classification, per event competition.

4.5 Golf

4.5.1 Each Service Team is allotted six athletes total across gender and impairment categories.

4.6 Indoor Rowing

4.6.1 Each Service Team is allotted twelve athletes per event competition across gender and classification.

4.7 Powerlifting

4.7.1 Each Service Team is allotted ten athletes total across gender and body weight categories.

4.8 Shooting

4.8.1 Each Service Team is allotted twenty athletes total across gender, classifications, and event competitions.

4.9 Sitting Volleyball (SVB)

4.9.1 Each Service Team is allotted twelve athletes total across gender and classifications.

4.9.2 Each Service Team is allotted five substitution athletes total across gender and classifications.

4.10 Swimming

4.10.1 Each Service Team is allotted six athletes per gender, per classification, per event competition.

4.11 Track

4.11.1 Each Service Team is allotted six athletes per gender, per classification, per event competition.

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4.12 Wheelchair Basketball (WCB)

4.12.1 Each Service Team is allotted ten athletes total across gender and classifications.

4.12.2 Each Service Team is allotted five substitution athletes total across gender and classifications.

4.13 Wheelchair Rugby (WCR)

4.13.1 Each Service Team is allotted ten athletes total across gender and classifications.

4.13.2 Each Service Team is allotted five substitution athletes total across gender and classifications.

4.14 Wheelchair Tennis (WCT)

4.14.1 Each Service Team is allotted four athletes total across gender to form two “doubles” teams.

There are no sport classification categories for this event.

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5 Athlete Registration, Changes, and Substitutions

5.1 Athlete Registration

5.1.1 Service Team athlete registration will be conducted using the Warrior Games official website; the URL and registration dates (initial registration window) will be provided directly to the Service Team Leads by Warrior Games Operations.

5.1.2 The Service Team Lead/Action Officer (AO) will register their 45-athlete team by sports, classifications, and individual/team competitions with the following team competition exceptions:

• Archery Compound Team

• Archery Recurve Team

• Swimming Relay Teams

• Track Relay Teams Service Athletes for the event competitions listed above will be selected from the registered athletes in these sports following results from their individual competition efforts.

5.1.3 From the 45 registered athletes, Service Teams may identify up to five substitution athletes for each of the following Team Sports:

• Sitting Volleyball

• Wheelchair Basketball

• Wheelchair Rugby

5.1.4 In order to create competitive sport event competition rosters, Service Teams must submit scores/times/distances for the following sports during registration:

• Golf

• Swimming

• Track

• Field

• Indoor Rowing

5.2 Athlete Registration Changes: During Initial Registration Window

5.2.1 Athlete registration changes may be made to the 45-athlete team prior to the closing of the initial registration window; changes are not required to be the same gender, sport classification, or compete in the exact same sport events/competitions; they may be dropped and added.

5.2.2 Athlete registration changes must adhere to the start rights and event/competition participation limits defined within each sport’s rules.

5.2.3 Athlete registration changes will be made by a Service Team Lead/AO using the Warrior Games official website; no special coordination with the Warrior Games Sports Director is required for initial registration window changes.

5.3 Athlete Registration Changes: During Post-Registration Window

5.3.1 Athlete registration changes may be made to the 45-athlete team after the closing of the initial registration window up to the start of the Warrior Games.

5.3.2 If requested NLT 30 days prior to the start of Warrior Games, athlete registration changes are not required to be the same gender, sport classification, or compete in the exact same sport events/competitions; they may be dropped and added.

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5.3.3 If requested less than 30 days before the Start of Warrior Games, athlete registration changes are required to be the same gender, sport classification, or compete in the exact same sport events/competitions; they may be dropped but cannot be added.

5.3.4 Athlete registration changes must adhere to the start rights and event/competition participation limits defined within each sport.

5.3.5 Team sports registration changes are exempt from set conditions as the individual sports identified above; the team sports’ rosters must still remain IAW each team sport’s classification restriction limits. Caution must be exercised when making changes to team sport rosters due to the official sponsor sport-specific numbered jerseys that will be issued to these athletes.

5.3.6 Athlete registration changes during the post-registration window will be submitted by a Service Team Lead/AO directly to the Warrior Games Sports Director to ensure they have been correctly applied to the sport event competition rosters.

5.4 Athlete Registration Changes: During Warrior Games

5.4.1 Changes to a Service Team’s registered 45 athletes “on the ground” may be made during the Warrior Games; an athlete substitution from a Service Team’s own internal Alternates Roster is not authorized.

5.4.2 Changes during Warrior Games must be the same gender, sport classification, and compete in the exact same events/competitions as the athlete they replace; they may be dropped but cannot be added.

5.4.3 Team sports roster changes will follow specific substitution rules IAW their respective Sport Event’s Chapter 2 Rules.

5.4.4 Changes to the five-athlete team sport substitution rosters are not allowed during the Warrior Games.

5.4.5 Changes during Warrior Games will be submitted by a Service Team Lead/AO to the Warrior Games Sports Director NLT 36 hours prior to the sport event/competition (at the Sport Technical Meeting) to ensure they have been correctly applied to the sport event competition rosters.

5.4.6 It is mutually understood that emergent situations may require substitutions after established deadlines. These changes will be situation-driven and approved by the Warrior Games Sports Director on a case-by-case basis.

5.5 Warrior Games Sport Event Competition Rosters

5.5.1 NLT ten days after closing of the initial registration window, the Warrior Games Sports Director will submit the first draft of the athlete sport event competition rosters to the Service Teams for validation.

5.5.2 NLT ten days after receipt of the sport event competition rosters, the Service Teams will return them to the Warrior Games Sports Director with their corrections and/or post-registration window changes. Timely return is critical due to the concurrent deadline with the Warrior Games Uniform Apparel order.

5.5.3 NLT ten days after receipt of the Service Teams’ requested changes, the Warrior Games Sports Director will return the amended sport event competition rosters to the Service Leads.

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5.5.4 It is mutually understood that updates to the sport event competition rosters may be required;

revised event competition rosters will be distributed by the Warrior Games Sports Director to all Service Teams as they arise.

5.6 Warrior Games Sport Event Management and Operations

5.6.1 The Sport Venue Manager will provide official sport event competition rosters to Service Teams NLT 48 hours prior to the start of the sport event/12 hours prior to the Sport Event Technical Meeting.

5.6.2 The Sport Event Technical Meeting will be held NLT 36 hours prior to the start of the sport event.

This is the final opportunity for Service Team Leads or their appointed representatives to verify or request changes to the official sport event competition rosters; these changes include but are not limited to:

• Request corrections (to errors) with athlete names, gender, classifications, sport event/competitions, and equipment types.

• Report athlete drops/request substitutions if authorized/applicable by each sport event.

• IAW General Rules Section 11.2, request a medical waiver for use of athletic tape if authorized/applicable by sport event.

• IAW General Rules Section 12.3, request an athlete classification protest.

5.6.3 The Sport Venue Manager will provide the final official sport event competition rosters NLT 24 hours prior to the start of the sport event; additional sport event arrangements may be provided as/if applicable to that sport.

5.6.4 Service Team Leads or their appointed representatives must reverify the final official sport event competition rosters.

5.6.5 All errors to the final official sport event competition rosters made by the Warrior Games Sport Event Staff after the 24-hour deadline will be corrected at the Sport Event check-in.

5.6.6 Requests for changes to errors to the final official sport event competition rosters made by the Service Teams after the 24-hour deadline will be approved at the Sport Event check-in on a case-by-case basis provided they do not present an adverse impact to the sport event’s overall Run of Show.

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6 Athlete Sport Classification

6.1 Scope

6.1.1 The Warrior Games classification system is sport-specific in which classification protocols such as testing impairments for flexibility, range of motion and/or strength, and functional observation are taken into account to ensure correct athlete classification specific to each sport.

6.1.2 Athlete sport classifications will be determined prior to athlete registration and arrival at the Warrior Games and in accordance with Warrior Games classification criteria. Accurate athlete sport classification is required to register athletes IAW start rights criteria. Athlete sport classification is the responsibility of each participating Service Team and performed at their respective Warrior Games team selection trials and/or sport camps.

6.1.3 Athlete sport classification by Service Teams will be performed by professional personnel who possess certification or experience in adaptive sport classifications such as: Sports Medicine Physician, Occupational or Physical Therapists, and Athletic Trainers.

6.2 Warrior Games Classification Committee

6.2.1 The Warrior Games Classification Committee is comprised of a Classification Chair, Classification Chair Alternate, and supporting classifiers. These individuals are formally trained or possess extensive experience in Paralympic, Warrior Games, and/or other adaptive sports classification systems.

6.2.2 The Warrior Games Classification Committee will be responsible for reviewing athlete sport classification documents for appropriate classification assignments prior to the start of competition. The Classification Chair reserves the right to change an athlete’s sport classification at any time during the execution of the Warrior Games.

6.2.3 Immediately upon arrival to the Warrior Games, any athlete whose sport classification is unclear, will require the athlete to be evaluated by the Classification Committee.

6.2.4 In the event an athlete sport classification is officially changed before competition (NLT the Sport Event Technical Meeting):

6.2.4.1 The athlete will be placed in the correct sport event by competition and/or classification category without penalty to that Service Team’s sport start rights.

6.2.4.2 Service Teams will be allowed to substitute a registered athlete into the now open sport competition(s) start rights vacated by the athlete with the sport classification change NLT 36 hours prior to competition (NLT the Sport Event Technical Meeting).

6.2.4.3 The substitution athlete must meet the substitution criteria for that sport competition(s) IAW General Rules Section 5.4.

6.2.5 In the event an athlete sport classification is officially changed during competition due to a classification protest:

6.2.5.1 The athlete’s performance will be entered and tabulated against the results of the newly assigned sport event competition and/or classification category without penalty to that Service Team’s sport start rights.

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6.2.5.2 Service Teams may submit a request to the Warrior Games Sports Director to substitute a registered athlete into the now open sport competition(s) start rights vacated by the athlete with the sport classification change; requests will be approved on a case-by-case basis provided they do not present an adverse impact to the sport event’s overall Run of Show.

6.2.5.3 If approved, the substitution athlete must meet the substitution criteria for that sport competition(s) IAW General Rules Section 5.4.

6.2.6 Questions or concerns regarding an athlete’s sport classification must remain confidential and shall only be discussed directly with the Warrior Games Classification Committee. All participants shall refrain from open discussions amongst athletes, coaches, team staff, or others not associated with the Warrior Games Classification Committee until formal discussions and decisions are made.

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7 Transgender Athletes

7.1 Transgender Competition Eligibility

7.1.1 The following policies clarify the participation of transgender athletes undergoing hormonal therapy when determining eligibility to compete in male or female gender-specific competitions.

7.1.2 Female to Male (FTM) Transition

7.1.2.1 Those who transition from female to male (FTM) are eligible to compete in the male category without restriction.

7.1.3 Male to Female (MTF) Transition

7.1.3.1 Those who transition from male to female (MTF) are eligible to compete in the female category under the following conditions:

• The athlete has declared her gender identity as female. The declaration cannot be changed (for sport competition purposes) for the duration of the Warrior Games.

• Upon request, the athlete must demonstrate that her total testosterone level in serum has been declared stable; usually defined as “at or below 10 nmol/L” for at least 12 months prior to her first competition.

7.1.3.2 Compliance with these conditions must be demonstrable within the athlete’s medical records or through a certified letter from her treating Endocrinologist or Service Central Coordination Cell (SCCC; Active Duty athletes only).

7.1.3.3 MTF Transgender athletes who have undergone social transition only (defined as involving social, cosmetic, and legal changes without medical intervention) will compete in their gender assigned at birth.

7.1.4 Non-binary Identification

7.1.4.1 All active duty athletes are assigned a binary gender; however, Veteran or International athletes may identify as non-binary. For the purposes of competition, these athletes will use binary designation as/if required by sport.

7.2 Transgender Protest Protocol and Procedures

7.2.1 Protest regarding participation of a transgender athlete in their declared gender shall be made prior to the start of the sport technical meeting.

7.2.1.1 The athlete’s submitted medical documentation will be reviewed by the Warrior Games Medical Director, the athlete’s team physician, and a third team physician from a different service. The three reviewing physicians will present a joint formal opinion and recommendation to the Head Official.

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8 Service Team Names, Colors, and Apparel

8.1 DOD Service Team Names and Colors

8.2 DOD Service Team Apparel

8.2.1 DOD Service Team athletes must wear the official sponsor apparel issued to them by Warrior Games Operations for all sport competitions, ceremonies, and related events unless an exception is cited in a specific sport or below.

8.2.2 As an exception rule to General Rule 8.2.1, DOD Service Team athletes may wear apparel provided by their respective Service Teams in the event the official sponsor apparel does not fit properly or is unavailable in their size. DOD Service Team athletes must still adhere to the standards assigned to their Service Team uniform color scheme IAW General Rules Section 8.1 as/if applicable.

8.2.3 As an exception rule to General Rule 8.2.1, DOD Service Team athletes may wear competition apparel exclusive to a sport that is authorized for wear IAW with the sport governing entity’s rules and regulations provided it has not been restricted for wear IAW the sport event’s Warrior Games Rules and Regulations.

8.2.4 As an exception rule to General Rule 8.2.1, DOD Service Team athletes may wear their own personal footwear (relevant by sport) in the event the official sponsor footwear does not fit properly or is unavailable in their size.

8.2.5 Due to official sponsor apparel licensing agreement and restrictions, all other apparel brands and logos on unsponsored apparel must be covered in a manner/mechanism set forth by Warrior Games Operations.

8.3 International Service Team Names and Apparel

8.3.1 International Service Teams use their home country as their team name.

8.3.2 Competition uniforms are not provided to International Service Teams. International Team Leads are responsible for ensuring their athletes are properly uniformed and meet the minimum standards for sport performance and safety.

8.3.3 If a specific apparel item has been restricted from use in a sport; International Teams must adhere to that restriction.

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9 Medal Presentations

9.1 Medal Award System

9.1.1 Medals are awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place athletes for each individual sport competitions.

9.1.2 Medals are awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams in both relay and team sports competitions. Every athlete on a team will receive a medal.

9.1.3 IAW General Rule 2.2.2, All athletes part of a Multinational Team placing in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place will receive a medal.

9.1.4 Warrior Games athletes who are part of the five-athlete substitution rosters for SVB, WCB, and WCR do not receive a medal unless they have been substituted into a medal winning game. The athlete that was substituted out will not receive a medal.

9.1.5 Rules and restrictions related to medal presentations for persons serving in VI athlete assistant roles identified in General Rule 10.1.1 are governed by Warrior Games Operations.

9.2 Ultimate Champions

9.2.1 Ultimate Champions will be awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals following final calculation of their collected points earned in each individual competition IAW the Ultimate Champion Scoring System Metrics Table located in the Ultimate Champion Rules; UC Rule 2.1.2.

9.2.2 When competing in any sport competition (individual and team), an Ultimate Champion will also be awarded a medal(s) if they place 1st, 2nd, or 3rd amongst every other athlete competing within the same sport/classification category.

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10 Athlete Assistants

10.1 Athlete Assistant Authorization

10.1.1 Warrior Games athletes are authorized athlete assistants. Athlete assistant roles and responsibilities vary from sport to sport. In addition to mobility and general support functions, specialized roles and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• VI Archery Competition Athlete Assistant

• VI Shooting (SH3) Competition Athlete Assistant

• VI Cycling Competition Athlete Assistant (Tandem Pilot)

• VI Track Competition Athlete Assistant (Running Guide)

10.1.2 The following personnel may serve as an athlete assistant:

• Coaches and Assistant Coaches

• Adult family members and friends

• Non-Medical Attendants (NMA) and Primary Care Givers (PCG)

• Military personnel

• Federal employees

• Current Warrior Games Service Team athletes

• Former Warrior Games Service Team athletes

• Contracted assets (limited liability restriction as/if applicable by sport)

10.1.3 All athlete assistants must be registered on the Warrior Games official website; assistant authorizations will be dictated by their corresponding roles and access permissions defined on their Warrior Games credentials.

10.1.4 Former Warrior Games Service Team athletes selected to serve in an athlete competition support role do not count against Service Team start rights and are exempt from the maximum DOD Warrior Games participation limit of five years IAW General Rule 3.1.2. The former Warrior Games athlete’s role is exclusively limited to the athlete’s competition support functions.

10.1.5 Contracted assets with a limited liability restriction may request a liability waiver through Warrior Games Operations prior to registration.

10.1.6 Not all Warrior Games athletes will be authorized an athlete assistant. The Sport Venue Managers will validate which athletes are permitted an assistant; this validation is typically supported by but not limited to the athlete’s official sport classification categories, sport competition requirements, and/or their daily use of a wheelchair or other assisted devices as a primary means of mobility and/or support.

10.1.7 It must also be understood that not every athlete assistant identified within General Rule 10.1.2 will be allowed into every Sport Event Venue’s field of play. Some Sport Events will have very confined spaces; for safety reason, the number of people that can be in the immediate vicinity of the athlete will be limited. An athlete’s Head Coach and/or Assistant Coaches will have priority in athlete assistant support duties in those Sport Events. Athlete assistant field of play access will be managed by the Sport Venue Managers with oversight by the Warrior Games Sports Director.

10.1.8 Athletes and their assistants must be recognizable as partners. Individuals serving as athlete assistants will be identified in a manner/by mechanism set forth by the Sport Venue Managers.

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10.2 Athlete Assistant General Responsibilities and Restrictions

10.2.1 Unless authorized by either the Sport Venue Manager or dictated by sport-specific rules, athletes are allowed only one person to serve as their assistant.

10.2.2 Athlete assistants may be specialized and participate in the competitive processes with the athlete, provide mobility assistance with the athlete’s movement in, around, and out of the sport competition venue field of play, and/or prosthetic support as/if applicable.

10.2.3 Once the athlete is in position and they are no longer actively engaged in their general support functions, the Sport Venue Manager may direct the athlete assistant to exit the sport competition venue field of play if they are in not in direct support of the competitive processes as dictated by sport.

10.2.4 Unless dictated by sport-specific rules, an athlete assistant is not permitted to touch an athlete during the competitive processes unless there is imminent risk of danger or safety concern.

10.2.5 Unless dictated by sport-specific rules, an athlete assistant is not permitted to help, converse with, or coach an athlete during the competitive processes; however, cheering for and motivating the athlete are permitted.

10.2.6 Additional details relating to an athlete assistant’s sport-specific responsibilities are located within every Sport Event’s Rules Section 5.1 as/if applicable.

10.2.7 An athlete assistant must not be a disturbance to/interfere with other athletes.

10.2.8 Individuals identified as an athlete assistant but not performing their sport functions may be asked to leave the competition venue field of play.

10.2.9 Children under the age of 18 are not authorized to serve in any capacity as an athlete assistant.

10.3 Sport Event Volunteer Support

10.3.1 Volunteers may provide sport and mobility support to athletes as well as general support at a Warrior Games Sport Event.

10.3.2 Volunteers do not register on the Warrior Games official website; their registration and assignment process will be managed by the Warrior Games Operations Volunteer Coordinator.

10.3.3 Volunteer roles and access permissions at Warrior Games Sport Events will be managed in a manner/mechanism set forth by the Warrior Games Sports Director and/or Sport Venue Managers.

10.3.4 Volunteers are prohibited from serving in any of the athlete assistant roles identified in General Rule 10.1.1 There are no exceptions to this rule.

Jarrett Jongema

Jarrett Jongema

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11 Athlete Special Medical Considerations

11.1 ADA Accessibility Requirements

11.1.1 It is critical that Warrior Games Operations accommodate all Service Team athletes, coaches, and support staff IAW their specific ADA accessibility requirements. Service Leads are asked to ensure that said requirements be annotated during each individual’s registration process on the Warrior Games official website.

11.2 Athletic Taping Authorizations and Restrictions

11.2.1 Athletic taping is the process of applying tape directly to the skin or over pre-wrap in order to maintain a stable position of bones and muscles during athletic activity. It is a procedure that uses athletic tape attached to the skin to physically hold muscles and/or bones at a certain position. This practice reduces pain and aids in recovery. Athletic tape is typically used to help an athlete recover from overuse and other injuries. Athletic tape may be applied to parts of an athlete’s body to address a sports-related injury incurred during the Warrior Games with the following provisions:

11.2.2.1 Powerlifting: Use of athletic tape and/or small medical/bandages must be requested by the Service Team and approved by the Warrior Games Medical Officer NLT the Powerlifting Event Technical Meeting.

11.2.2.2 Shooting: Use of athletic tape must be requested by the Service Team and approved by the Warrior Games Medical Officer NLT the Shooting Event Technical Meeting.

11.2.2.3 Swimming: Use of athletic tape and/or small medical bandages must be requested by the Service Team and approved by the Warrior Games Medical Officer NLT the Swimming Event Technical Meeting.

11.2.2 Athletes are not authorized to apply athletic tape to parts of their body and/or their competition-related equipment in a manner/mechanism that will provide an unfair advantage during any sport event competition.

11.2.3 Any use of athletic tape that is not IAW Generals Rules Section 11.2, or additional restrictions defined within every Sport Event’s Rules Section 5.1. may result in the athlete’s disqualification in that sport event.

11.3 Additional Support Padding

11.3.1 If an athlete is unable to maintain the required sitting position due to an anatomical or impairment limitation, a “Spirit of the Games” exception rule may be requested by the athlete, their Service Team, or Sport Head Coach. This exception rule will allow the athlete to use additional support padding as determined by their classification and/or impairment.

11.3.2 The Sport Venue Manager, Warrior Games Sports Director, and Warrior Games Medical Officer will validate the athlete’s limitation(s); this validation will be based upon both the athlete’s official sport classification(s) as well as any challenges witnessed during training. Application of this “Spirit of the Games” exception rule will be approved on a case-by-case basis. A request for use of additional support padding must be approved by the Warrior Games Medical Officer NLT the Sport Event Technical Meeting. Upon approval, additional support padding such as but not limited to additional foam, towels, and/or pillows may be added to ensure the athlete’s safety, support, and stability requirements during the Sport Event without providing an unfair advantage.

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11.3.3 The use of additional support padding without approval, or in a manner/mechanism that is not IAW General Rules Section 11.3 may result in the athlete’s disqualification.

11.4 Ostomies

11.4.1 Ostomies may be for bowel (large or small) and/or bladder (urine); athletes are authorized to compete with an ostomy bag and rash guard.

11.4.2 It is mandatory for all athletes who use ostomy devices to prevent spillage by ensuring said medical devices are securely fastened at all times.

11.4.3 Similar torso coverings are authorized for medical reasons and must not include any flotation or provide the athlete with a competitive advantage in event competitions such as Swimming.

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12 Athlete Sport Classification and Competition Protest Procedures

DOD Warrior Games Official Sport Protest Form

12.1 Service Team Action Officer and/or Head Coach

12.1.1 Each Service Team will designate an Action Officer (AO) and/or Service Team Head Coach (SHC).

12.1.2 These designees are the only authorized personnel permitted to submit a protest.

12.2 Competition Questions and Concerns

12.2.1 During the Warrior Games, if there is a question or concern about sport rules during competition, (i.e. start, finish, conduct of play, Officials’ calls, etc.), the AO or SHC may approach the Head Official and/or Sport Venue Manager to discuss without the need to submit an official written protest.

12.2.2 The Head Official and/or Sport Manager may choose to confer with anyone affiliated with that sport event to come to a resolution.

12.2.3 Should a question or concern not be resolved to the satisfaction of the AO or SHC, the AO or SHC may submit an official written protest to the Sport Manager of that sport.

12.2.4 Service Teams are reminded that it would not be in the “Spirit of the Games” or good sportsmanship to make frivolous protests.

12.3 Protest Credits

12.3.1 Each Service Team will be allowed 10 protest credits to use throughout the duration of the Games.

There are no restrictions on how many protests a Service Team may use per sport/event while protest credits exist. Should a Service Team exhaust their allotment of protest credits, they cannot use another Service Team’s protest credits on their behalf. Protest credits once used, will be subtracted from the Service Team’s allotment whether the protest was upheld or declined.

12.3.2 Athlete classification protests are not allowed during sport execution time frames. Each sport technical meeting will be the last time to protest athlete classifications. After a sport technical meeting adjourns, all athlete classifications as related to that sport are final.

12.3.3 Use of protest credits are not required to protest athlete classifications at Sport Event Technical Meetings; consumption of protest credits only occurs during the sport competitions.

12.4 Protest Procedures

12.4.1 In the event a sport question or concern is not resolved by the Sport Head Official and/or Sport Venue Manager, an official written protest may be submitted by the Service Team Leads or their appointed representatives. Sport protests must be submitted to the Sport Venue Manager no later than one hour after official announcement of results of the sport competition event (i.e.

heat, flight, race, game, etc.) in question.

12.4.2 Upon notification of a sport protest, the Sports Venue Manager will inform all AOs and SHCs through a group communications platform and/or on-site public address system to convene a meeting and discuss the protest.

12.4.3 The Sport Venue Manager will then submit the DOD Warrior Games Sport Protest Form to the Warrior Games Sports Director no later than 30 minutes of receipt from AO or SHC.

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12.4.4 No later than one hour from conclusion of sport competition event in question, the sport protest will be reviewed by a Protest Decision Committee consisting of the Warrior Games Sports Director, the Sport Venue Manager of that event, and Classification Chair/Classification Chair Alternate.

12.4.5 The sport protest decision will be communicated immediately to the protesting AO or SHC following conclusion of review.

12.4.6 Videotape review may be used as a means to settle a protest at the Protest Decision Committee’s discretion.

12.4.7 In the event of a sport protest, all competition(s) and/or medal ceremonies will continue uninterrupted and as scheduled.

12.4.8 If necessary, official sport event results and awards will be corrected.

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13 Service Animals

13.1 Service Animal General Rules

13.1.1 The following rules clarify the accompaniment of service animals with athletes and staff participating in the Warrior Games.

13.1.2 A service animal is defined as a dog that has completed individual training to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.

13.1.3 Service animals are authorized at Warrior Games events under the following conditions:

13.1.3.1 Complete a Service Animal Travel Application Form and submit to the Warrior Games Medical Officer through Warrior Games Operations. This form will be distributed by Warrior Games Operations; date TBD.

13.1.3.2 Upon request, the service animal's vaccination records must be presented.

13.1.3.3 Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the person’s disability prevents use of these devices. In that case, the person must use voice, signal, or other effective means to maintain control of the animal.

13.2 Service Animal Restrictions

13.2.1 If the service animal exhibits unacceptable behavior, the handler and the service animal may be asked to withdraw from participation. The ADA considers unacceptable behavior as but not limited to uncontrolled barking, jumping on other people, or running away from the handler.

13.2.2 Service animals are allowed in all athlete areas with the exception of active fields of play.

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14 Daily Mandatory Meetings

14.1 Morning Huddle

14.1.1 Time/Location TBD

14.1.2 Battle Operating System (BOS) leads, Warrior Games Sports Director, and Sport Event Manager(s) of that day’s competition. Service Team representatives are invited but not required.

14.1.3 Purpose of Meeting: Review the day’s events and provide necessary updates.

14.2 Evening Huddle

14.2.1 Time: 1800/Location TBD

14.2.2 Battle Operating System (BOS) leads, Warrior Games Sports Director, Sport Event Manager(s) of the following day’s competition, and Service Team representatives.

14.2.3 Purpose of Meeting: Review the following day’s events and provide necessary updates.

14.3 Sport Technical Meetings

14.3.1 Time: 36 Hours prior to sporting event/location TBD.

14.3.2 Warrior Games Sports Director, Sport Event Manager, Sport Event Officials, Service Team representatives, Coaches, Classification/Medical Committee.

14.3.3 This meeting will discuss the specific athletic competition, finalize sport event competition rosters, request athlete substitutions, answer questions regarding sport rules and classifications, the execution of all competitions within that sport event, file an athlete classification protest, and request a medical waiver as/if applicable.

14.3.4 Purpose of Meeting: Review of all actions/requirements IAW General Rule 5.6.

14.4 Other Meetings

14.4.1 Time/Location TBD

14.4.2 CDR’s CUB; JOC personnel; BOS leads; Service Team representatives.

14.4.3 Purpose of Meeting: TBD; as/if applicable.

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15 Prohibited Items

15.1 Alcoholic Beverages

15.1.1 Alcoholic beverages may be available for purchase at certain Warrior Games events/locations.

15.1.2 Service Team Leads are responsible for proving guidance to their athletes and staff at locations that offer alcoholic beverages for purchase.

15.1.3 Alcoholic beverages will not be brought into any Warrior Games Sport Competition Events.

15.2 Firearms

15.2.1 All firearms are PROHIBITED at the Warrior Games to include but not limited to competitions, training venues, and ceremonies.

15.2.2 Service Teams are responsible for providing guidance to their athletes and staff at locations they may have oversight.

15.3 Knives

15.3.1 All knives of a tactical purpose and appearance are PROHIBITED at the Warrior Games.

15.3.2 Examples include but are not limited to automatics/out-the-front (OTF), switchblades, combat knives, tactical/personal defense fixed and folding blade knives.

15.3.3 Simple pocketknives and/or utility knives such as Gerber and Leatherman multi-tools are allowed at the Warrior Games due to their potential use in on-site sports equipment self-maintenance and tune-ups.

15.4 Noisemakers

15.4.1 All Noisemakers are prohibited from use at the Warrior Games. At the request of the Service Teams, noisemakers are not allowed in sport practice or competition settings.

15.4.2 Examples include but are not limited to portable speakers/PA systems, fireworks, cowbells, airhorns, blowhorns, whistles, or clickers.

15.4.3 An enthusiastic audience is encouraged to cheer, clap, chant, or sing without the use of ancillary noisemakers.

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16 Disciplinary Protocols and Procedures

DOD Warrior Games Code of Conduct Form

16.1 Disciplinary Applicability

16.1.1 The DOD Warrior Games Disciplinary Protocols and Procedures apply to the following personnel:

• Service Team athletes

• Service Team Staff/Support Staff

• Contracted personnel in direct support of the Warrior Games

• Any/all other personnel associated with the Service Teams

16.2 Disciplinary Board

16.2.1 The DOD Warrior Games Director, or their designee, will name a Disciplinary Board, including the designation of a Disciplinary Board Chair. The Disciplinary Board will review, on a case-by-case basis, disciplinary actions.

16.2.2 The Disciplinary Board will be composed of DOD O-6 W2 Program Directors and/or Service Team Action Officers who will decide the severity of the disciplinary action.

16.2.3 The Disciplinary Board will be convened if an incident occurs requiring disciplinary action.

16.2.4 Each DOD Service Team has one vote.

16.2.5 When the Disciplinary Board vote is tied, the DOD Warrior Games Director, or their designee, will cast the deciding vote.

16.2.6 The Disciplinary Board will review the disciplinary action and democratically (majority rule) decide the penalty to be imposed.

16.3 Disciplinary Process

16.3.1 At the discretion the Disciplinary Board, any medals earned by the athlete(s) may be removed and awarded to the next placing athlete(s).

16.3.2 Only the athlete(s) DOD Service Team 0-6 W2 Program Directors and the DOD Warrior Games Director, or their designee, may:

• Determine whether or not to remove applicable person(s) from the present and future Warrior Games.

• Determine whether or not the applicable person(s) will depart.

16.4 DOD Warrior Games Code of Conduct Form

16.4.1 During registration on the Warrior Games official website, the DOD Warrior Games Code of Conduct Form will be available to complete online. Service Leads registering their teams are encouraged to have their athletes complete this form and submit them to Warrior Games Operations in advance to streamline their check-in processes upon arrival to the Warrior Games.

16.4.2 NLT arrival/check-in at the Warrior Games, all personnel identified in General Rules Section 16.1 will sign a DOD Warrior Games Code of Conduct prior to receiving their Warrior Games credentials.

16.4.3 If anyone violates the DOD Warrior Games Code of Conduct, they will not be able to continue their participation in the present nor future Warrior Games.

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ULTIMATE CHAMPION

1 Ultimate Champion Overview

2 Ultimate Champion General Rules

3 Ultimate Champion Apparel Rules

4 Ultimate Champion Primary Equipment Rules

5 UC Special Equipment, Considerations, and Restrictions

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1 Ultimate Champion Overview

1.1 Ultimate Champion Sport Competitions

1.1.1 The UC is the athlete who has earned the most points (based upon their individual results) in the following eight individual sport competitions:

• Archery Individual Compound or Recurve

• Cycling Time Trial

• Field Shot Put or Club (As determined by classification)

• Indoor Rowing One-Minute Sprint Race

• Powerlifting Body Weight Category

• Shooting Air Rifle Prone

• Swimming 50m Freestyle Race

• Track 100m Sprint Race

1.2 Ultimate Champion Competition Details

1.2.1 IAW General Rules Section 4.1:

• Each Service Team is allotted two UC athletes total across gender and classification.

• UC athletes count against Service Team start rights in their eight individual sport competition requirements.

1.2.3 UC athletes can be both male, both female, or one male and one female.

1.2.4 Male and female UC athletes compete for the same UC medals.

1.2.5 UC athletes must be both eligible and able to compete in all eight individual sport competition requirements IAW UC Rule 1.1.1 to medal in the UC competition.

1.3 Optional Sport Competitions Details

1.3.1 IAW General Rule 3.2.2, UC athletes are exempt from the five individual sports restriction. There is no restriction to the number of sport events a UC athlete may compete in; however, they must still adhere to the start rights and competition participation limits defined within each sport event.

1.3.2 No points will be awarded to a UC athlete’s points total for their participation in any of the optional sport competitions.

1.4 UC Competition Management and Operations

1.4.1 The Warrior Games Sport Director will maintain oversight of all UC individual sport requirements (placement and points scoring metrics)…