FAQ's

• Leander Lazers 

• Must be at least 8 years old to compete, and be a student currently enrolled in Leander I.S.D. and attending a Leander I.S.D. campus.

• Is identified as intellectually disabled (ID) and/or a closely related developmental disability

• Possesses a level of self-help skills that allows the athlete to perform necessary skills in competition with little assistance from volunteers (Exception: ramp bowling and Fundamental Skills Athletes)

• Is medically stable so as not to be endangered in any way by various external conditions (noisy environments, large group settings, hot or cold weather conditions, long periods of wait time during training and competition)

• Is able to work successfully with volunteers through training and competition (can follow directions, is not physically aggressive toward peers or volunteers, understands redirection, and can perform the necessary tasks in the training and competition format). See Athlete Code of Conduct.

• The first step towards registering your athlete to participate in the Leander Lazers is to complete a doctors physcial and our athlete and family code of conducts and a photo release form.  These forms can be found under the forms tab.  Once those forms have been turned in, Coach Ryan will send you additional information. 

• Information is sent out through a general email list, and sport specific email lists.  You will be included on that list when you have contacted Ryan Gough (ryan.gough@leanderisd.org) and turned in your athlete's physical and other required forms. 

• Athletes must purchase a team shirt ($15) which is used for all sports.  Contact Ryan Gough or an Adapted Physical Education (APE) Teacher to get one ordered.  Jerseys are provided for basketball and soccer competition. Athletes must wear appropriate athletic shorts/pants and shoes for all conditions.

• Most teams are coached by LISD teachers and staff who are certified through Special Olympics Texas.  All Adapted PE Teachers are certified coaches.  Some teams are coached by parents or volunteers who are certified through Special Olympics Texas.

• We welcome parent volunteers and coaches.  Please visit the Special Olympics Texas website to complete the appropriate volunteer forms and to find out when coaching certification classes are scheduled.  http://www.sotx.org/

To become a Unified Partner you will have to complete the Class A Volunteer form, Class A Minor Volunteer Reference Form (if under 18), Unified partner form, and complete the general orientation. 

• Aquatics: Summer/Fall Sport. (For athletes in grades 7-12) Weekly practice.  One area competition.

• Bowling: Fall Sport/ Individual and Team Competition. Weekly practice. One area competition. Parents may be responsible for a portion of weekly practice fee.

• Powerlifting: Fall Sport/Individual competition. For athletes ages 16+. Must be able to lift the bench press bar - 45lbs. Athlete must have good behavior and follow directions to promote safety. Weekly practices. One area competition.

• Basketball: Winter Sport/ Individual and Variety of Team Competitions.  Weekly practice.  Local Basketball Showcase.  One area competition.

• Track and Field: Spring Sport/Individual Competitions.  Weekly practices.  One area competition. 

• Tennis: Spring Sport/Individual Competition.  Weekly practices.  One area competition.

• Soccer: Spring Sport/Individual and Team Competition.  Weekly practices. Multiple scrimmages for teams. One area competition.

• Cheerleading: All year.  For High School students.  Weekly practices on their HS campus, Once a month practices at Stiles MS.  Events throughout the year.

• End of Season Celebration – Middle of May