Training & Coach Education
How to become a certified Special Olympics coach:
After completing the General Orientation training an individual will
- Attend an approved training school (registration form)
- Complete an exam (instructor’s discretion)
- Complete a 10 hour practicum (local training site)
- Be authorized by local and state SO representatives verifying such experiences and coaching competencies. Complete a sport training application
Goals and benefits of Coach Education:
- Promotes the mission of Special Olympics
- Provides athletes with the safest and most effective training sessions possible
Description of Courses at SOPA Training Schools:
- General Orientation - online training including Protective Behaviors
General Orientation
- New Coach (skills) - Specific to your Sport Training Schools
- Coaching Special Olympics Athletes - this course is an overview of four components: athlete, coach, training and competition. If you are a new coach with sport experience you are encouraged to take this course instead of a basic Skills Course. Pre-approval is required. Sport History Application
- Continuing Education Training - this training is for certified coaches. Coaches must receive continuing education training every 4 years to maintain their certification. Without this training coach certification expires which means the coach would need to take the new coach course over again.
Examples of continuing education training are Tactics, Principles of Coaching, Unified Sports®, Officials Training, Educational Updates on Sport Specific rules and strategies and Online Training. *Please note: There is no online training available for new coaches.
If you are hesitating about becoming a coach then please review our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about this rewarding volunteer position.
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