Policies
Subscribe to our NewsletterNJ Hawks Sports Philosophy & Policies
The NJ Hawks was founded to provide competitive recreational and social programs for children with special needs. The program has since evolved to encompass an even broader mission although participation in a variety of Special Olympics sports and leagues remain at the core of the program. The NJ Hawks is an inclusive program, accepting all individuals who have expressed an interest in joining and we strive to serve the needs of all. Some participate in all of the sports and activities offered, some in only a single activity but all are welcome.
The Special Olympics leagues in which we compete have a variety of rules that we must adhere to, most notably roster size. In soccer and basketball, each team must have a minimum of 7 players and a maximum of 10. When assembling teams for league play coaches take into consideration a number of factors including athletic ability, age, competiveness, and ability to follow directions. Teams are composed as much as possible of players of similar ability. Attempts are always made to place classmates and friends together but ability is paramount to ensure player safety and the most positive experience for the maximum number of players. The purpose of adhering to these principles is to place the athletes in the best situation so as many as possible will derive a positive experience from the practices and games. Coaches’ responsibilities include working with players to develop and enhance individual skills, build effective team play and increase the team’s level of competiveness. Parents must try to arrive at practices and games on time (30 minutes prior to games is a Special Olympics policy) with their children properly attired and ready to play. All children require adequate preparation time; this is particularly important for special needs children. There are no minimum playing time rules in any of the Special Olympics leagues we compete in. Regular season league games are used as a gauge to assess the appropriate competitive level of a team. A sincere attempt is made to balance playing time over the course of a season. A player who plays most of one game will see reduced playing time in another game. In addition, the focus and attention of our players vary widely from game to game and day to day impacting their interest and ability to follow directions. Since this necessarily impacts the entire team, coaches have to take this into consideration during practices and games. In playoff and festival games when teams are competing for medals, the level of competition increases. In these situations, playing time will be balanced among the athletes with the goal of winning and advancing further into medal competition.
Soccer matches are 30 minutes and basketball games are 32 minutes. It is often difficult to provide everyone with substantive playing time although the coaches try hard to do so. In this light we attempt to keep the roster sizes as small as practicable and still have enough players for every game. If a parent has any questions about the Hawks (most questions surround which team their child is placed on or the amount of playing time a child gets) they should feel free to contact the coach. Contact after a practice is the best time to speak with a coach to discuss any issues. Of course an email or phone calls are appropriate or when both parties can conveniently meet. Typically, immediately after a game is not the best time to discuss playing time. Also, since we try to balance playing time over the course of a season, focusing upon a single game is not an accurate way to gauge many issues like playing time. If resolution of an issue cannot be achieved by speaking with a coach, a parent should feel free to contact the individual in charge of the specific sport or ultimately, the Local Training Program Coordinator.
The efforts of coaches and many other volunteers are vital to the growth and success of the New Jersey Hawks. All of these efforts are focused upon the appropriate athletic and social development of our athletes. We ask all participants and parents to support these efforts and to please “assume good will” when contacting coaches or volunteers.
NJ Hawks COVID Guidelines
Guiding Principles
The health and safety of all members of the HEI community is paramount.
Participation is completely optional, and we respect, understand and fully support anyone who is unable to or uncomfortable returning to practice.
Anyone considered high risk (per the High Risk Waiver) must read the information on these pages.
Guidance is based on current medical information and state guidelines at the time of publication and is subject to change as guidance evolves.
Everyone must use hand sanitizer or wash hands upon arrival.
Those that have been or may have been exposed and or exhibit signs or symptoms of COVID-19 they must go home and remain quarantined for fourteen (14) days or until a negative COVID-19 test is produced in order to return to activities.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Unvaccinated athletes, coaches, staff, volunteers, family members, and caregivers are recommended to wear a mask at all times during active and inactive competition.
Athletes should arrive and depart wearing a mask and are encouraged to wear it when not actively participating in a sports activity.
All participants are encouraged to provide their own masks.
If 6 feet of social distancing cannot be maintained at any point during active participation, a mask should be worn by all participants. (i.e. a golf partner helping an athlete line up a shot)
If an athlete exhibits signs or symptoms of Covid-19 they must go home and remain quarantined for fourteen (14) days or until a negative COVID-19 test is produced in order to return to activities.
The activity must be suspended for at least 2 weeks (or until a negative test has been produced), and all participants will be notified while maintaining privacy, that an individual at an SONJ activity has tested positive for COVID-19.
Food & Beverages
All participants must bring their own beverages and water bottles must not be shared.
Do not share snacks and avoid snack breaks or meals during practice and events. All social distancing recommendations should be followed during any breaks.
NJ Hawks Bowling Policies
TIME: Warm up begins at 9:55…games start promptly at 10:00 am. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early to get shoes, ball, lane assignments, etc.
LATE: anyone who arrives after the second frame will need to wait it out and bowl the next two games. Anyone who arrives after the second frame of the second game will be deleted from their assigned lane for that week and are welcome to inquire at the front desk about open bowling at the discounted league rate (1.99 per game plus tax and shoe rental fee).
REFUNDS: WE MUST BE OUT BY 11:45. There are no refunds for missed games due to late attendance or games unfinished by 11:45 pm. The “late” policy is enforced to allow bowlers adequate time to complete their games without delays, interruptions and confusion.
TOURNAMENT: fifteen game minimum (5 weeks x 3 games each week) by deadline. Deadline is set by Special Olympics and announced at the beginning of each season. No bumpers or assistance other than ramps is allowed during tournament.
PAYMENT: Cost per week: $6.75 per bowler includes 3 games & free shoe rentals. Payment will be collected each week.
LANE ASSIGNMENTS: Lane assignments will basically stay the same each week with adjustments for absences when applicable.
CANCELLATIONS: Please call or text Tracey Starker at (908) 389-0686 as soon as possible if you are unable to attend so lane assignments may be adjusted, computers be updated and delays avoided.
NEW BOWLERS: Medical Forms are required.
As with all High Expectations/NJ Hawks programs, sports and activities are for disabled individuals. Friends, siblings and parents are respectfully requested to refrain from participating as it diminishes the opportunity and experience of those the programs were intended for. Bowling on open lanes can disrupt the scoring, and attempting to bowl with the group often causes crowding in the lanes the Hawks players are using. In bowling, all are welcome to inquire at the front desk if lanes are available and to bowl independently of the Hawks group however, first priority for lanes is for the Hawks and only the Hawks are entitled to the Special Olympics rate. The whole mission of Special Olympics is to provide disabled individuals an environment where they are not competing with non-disabled people.
Very Important - Please read
It has come to our attention that bowling balls are being taken out of Strike and Spare by parent(s) in order to ensure that their bowler can have the ball the next Saturday. This is totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. As anyone who remembers the lanes we used to bowl at can tell you, we are extremely lucky to be bowling at Strike and Spare. The entire staff bends over backwards to accommodate us as a group and no one should do anything that puts our ability to bowl there in jeopardy. The lanes are mostly empty at 9:30. You will have a very good chance of finding the ball you need if you arrive by then.
