Season: Winter (December to March)
Email: AdultBB-Inter@SOMDmontgomery.org
Overview: Players play full court games in a 5v5 format. Our 5v5 teams train at practice and compete in regional Qualifiers and in State Games.
There are two formats available:
(1) Traditional teams made up entirely of Special Olympics athletes
(2) Player Development Unified (PDU) teams, which consist of three Special Olympics athletes on the court along with two unified partners that play with the team and provide on-court coaching. Availability of PDU teams is sometimes limited by a lack of Unified Partner volunteers
Coaches will determine placement on a Traditional or PDU team based on try-outs during the first two weeks of the season and based on Unified Partner availability.
| Coaches | – Jeff Connolly |
| Season Dates & Times | Practices: Tryouts at The Barrie School, Attendance Required December 3, 2023, 10:00 – 12:00 December 10, 2023, 10:00 – 12:00 Qualifiers: Required Qualifier 3/17/2024 St. Mary’s College of Maryland others TBD State Games: University of Maryland College Park 4/6/2024 |
| Medical & Volunteer Expiration Date | Sport’s State Games competition date The expiration date on an athlete’s Medical form, or a Volunteer’s certification, must be after the above date to participate in the upcoming season. Check athlete status here. Check volunteer status here. |
Athlete Assessment & Placement (Try-Outs): Coaches use the two try-out sessions in December to assess player skills. Athletes should attend both Try-Outs. Coaches place athletes on teams based on ability, athlete age, and coach/volunteer support available to that team. Coaches also consider an athlete’s past record of strong commitment to the sport when making team assignments.
Roster Spots are Limited: SOMO has a limited number of courts and coaches to support our Intermediate Basketball program. Athletes who have registered online before year-end, who are returning athletes, and who attend the first practice, receive first priority when assigning limited roster slots.
Equipment: SOMO provides all equipment.
Uniform Requirements: Athletes should wear appropriate athletic apparel and basketball shoes to practice. SOMO provides team uniform to be worn at Qualifiers and State Competitions.
Practice Overview:
Location: The Barrie School gym, 13500 Layhill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906
Timing: Practice occurs on Sundays from early January through the end of March.
Activities: Athletes begin with warm-ups followed by basketball skills training. Practice concludes with game play within the team to build skills
Qualifiers: Teams will participate in at least three Qualifiers. One Mandatory Qualifier will be at St. Mary’s College of Maryland in St. Mary’s County.
State Competition: At the University of Maryland College Park.
Eligibility for State Competition: Athletes must attend a minimum of 8 practices and participate in at least three Qualifiers in order to be eligible for the State Full Court 5v5 Tournament. Since this is a team sport, it’s important that all players commit to attending practices and competitions to keep their team eligible for State Competition.
Participation in Other SOMO Sports: Competitive Adult Basketball (Intermediate) athletes must choose Basketball as their only Winter Sport.
Athlete Participation Contract: Athletes are required to sign an Athlete Participation contract. The contract asks athletes to commit to their teammates that they will attend at least the minimum number of practices, all qualifiers and the State Tournament. It’s a commitment that the athletes as teammates make to each other. Coaches will email the Athlete Participation Contract to signed-up athletes before the first practice.
Volunteers: The more volunteers we have, the better we can support all athletes! As noted above, volunteer support is one factor in assigning athletes to teams. SOMO especially welcomes any family members and staff caregivers who often accompany the athlete to practice as volunteers. If you want to volunteer, please sign up for the sport using the link under the Volunteer Tab on the website or email the Head Coach using the email at the top of this page. Thank you for helping us support our athletes!
Other Considerations: Athletes should show up to both try-outs. You will not necessarily be contacted by a coach or coordinator before the first practice/tryout. If you have questions, contact us at the email at the top of the page. Otherwise, we’ll see you on the court!
Teams will be determined by the available volunteer coaching and unified partner support and the number of athletes who come out. Coaches will determine the best fit for a player.