How to Become an Athlete for Special Olympics of Howard County

Are you interested in becoming a Special Olympics Maryland Howard County athlete and participating in an upcoming sport? Complete the steps below.

Step #1: Check Eligibility Requirements

Eligible athletes are all children and adults, at least eight-years-old, with an intellectual disability, a cognitive delay, or a closely related developmental disability. There is no maximum age limit. Children ages six and seven may participate in Special Olympics training, but may not compete. All Special Olympics programs are offered at no cost to our athletes. Eligible athletes have functional limitations in both general learning and in adaptive skills. This typically includes all individuals with intellectual disabilities, combination deaf-blindness, autism, traumatic brain injury, and most individuals with cerebral palsy and specific learning disabilities.

Step #2: Complete U.S. Athlete Registration Form

All persons who meet the above eligibility requirements must first complete the U.S. Athlete Registration Form (a.k.a. athlete medical history form). This form must be completed annually. If your medical history form is expired, download the U.S. Athlete Registration Form.

Pages 1 and 2 need to be completed by the parent/guardian. Be sure to review all sections of the form. If the athlete has a rescue device (e.g., inhaler, epi pen), please include this in the list of medications.
Read the waivers on pages 3 and 4. Athletes ages 18 and over must sign page 4. Parents/guardians must sign for athletes under age 18. Legal guardians can sign for athletes 18 and over. Note that we need actual handwritten signatures. Typed signatures cannot be accepted. Electronic signatures such as DocuSign can be accepted.

Once completed, mail the form to Special Olympics Howard County, 8970 Route 108, Suite A-1, Columbia, MD 21045, or send via email to info@somdhc.org. Forms can also be dropped off at the office. When the office is closed, forms can be left in the secure black mailbox outside the office door. Athletes cannot practice unless we have a valid U.S. Athlete Registration Form form on file.

U.S. Athlete Registration Form