The Honest Effort Rule

aka the maximum effort or best effort rule

For Athletes: Try Your Best Every Single Time!

At Special Olympics, the most important rule is to give 100% of your effort in every single race—both in the practice trials and in the finals.

We use trial races to group athletes with others who run, swim, or play at the same speed. If you go slow on purpose during a trial race to get an easier group, and then go much faster in the final race, you can be disqualified. Always do your personal best from start to finish!

For Parents & Coaches: Divisioning & The Honest Effort Rule

• Special Olympics uses preliminary events ("divisioning") to ensure athletes compete against peers of similar ability level for fair, meaningful competition

• The Goal: Athletes must give maximum effort in preliminary trials so they are placed in the correct division

• The Rule: Intentional underperformance during divisioning violates the Honest Effort Rule

• The 15% Standard: If an athlete’s final performance improves by more than 15% over their preliminary trial time without a clear medical or environmental reason, they may be disqualified

• Encourage your athlete to run or swim their fastest every time they step up to the line!