Why Become A Special Olympics Coach?
Becoming a Special Olympics coach is more than just teaching sports -- it's about making a real difference in athletes' lives. Coaches learn what makes each athlete unique and create personalized training that helps them grow and feel confident. They also teach important life skills like teamwork and communication while creating a sense of belonging. This strong coach-athlete bond boosts both physical and mental well-being, helping athletes succeed in all areas of life.
It is encouraged for prospective coaches to have sport experience, but education opportunities and resources are available to properly prepare individuals for their role as coaches. Please note that the nature of the coaching role typically requires a greater time commitment than other volunteer opportunities.
In addition to the basic requirements, coaches responsibilities include:
Coaches Requirements
Becoming a Special Olympics coach is more than just teaching sports -- it's about making a real difference in athletes' lives. Coaches learn what makes each athlete unique and create personalized training that helps them grow and feel confident. They also teach important life skills like teamwork and communication while creating a sense of belonging. This strong coach-athlete bond boosts both physical and mental well-being, helping athletes succeed in all areas of life.
It is encouraged for prospective coaches to have sport experience, but education opportunities and resources are available to properly prepare individuals for their role as coaches. Please note that the nature of the coaching role typically requires a greater time commitment than other volunteer opportunities.
In addition to the basic requirements, coaches responsibilities include:
- Being available for practices, training and competition
- Registering athletes for competition
- Obtaining equipment for athletic training
- Recruiting assistant coaches for your local training program (LTP)
Coaches Requirements
- General Session: must be completed one time only.
- Volunteer forms and waivers: must be completed every three years.
- Background check: must be completed every three years.
- Protective Behaviors training: must be completed every three years.
- Concussion certification: must be completed every three years.
Click below to learn more about...
new coaches
Coaches that are brand new to the program and have not registered to be a coach for Special Olympics Arkansas. Certifications are good for 3 years.
- Complete the on-line Registration Portal.
This is general information that all athletes, coaches, unified partners, volunteers, etc. must complete in order to be involved with Special Olympics Arkansas. You will also use this portal to register everyone on your team as you will be given access to your delegations sheet to add everyone
- Complete the on-line General Session and Quiz- This one time training gives you an introduction into Special Olympics!
- Complete Protective Behaviors Training- This training is done by all Special Olympics Coaches around the world which aims to help ensure the athletes’ protection
- Complete Waiver and Release for Communicable Diseases
- Must have a current Class A Volunteer background check completed
- Those coaching in Unified Sports complete the course “Coaching Unified Sports”
This can be taken face to face at pre-determined locations throughout SOAR or on-line, both are free of charge - Become Certified in Sport(s) you are looking to coach - Your initial certification should be done at an in person training. Please check the SOAR Calendar for upcoming trainings, and yes, you can attend a training in any area. If you run into issues finding a training and it is getting close to competition time, please contact Irvin Humphrey
- Submit all of your completed documents here!
Existing coaches
Coaches who are currently certified and looking to recertify, must be completed every 3 years
- Complete Protective Behaviors Training- This training is done by all Special Olympics Coaches around the world which aims to help ensure the athletes protection
- Must have a current Class A Volunteer background check completed
- Those coaching in Unified Sports complete the course Coaching Unified Sports
This can be taken face to face at pre-determined locations throughout SOAR or on-line, both are free of charge - Recertifying in sports- Take one approved continuing education course and submit the form once completed (For course options check the drop down titled “Continuing Education for Recertification”.
Unlisted courses may be accepted pending prior approval. Coaches can not retake a course more than once. Contact Irvin Humphrey for questions - Submit all of your completed documents here!
continuing education for recertification
Continuing Education for recertification - Here is a list of some approved courses. Unlisted courses may be accepted pending prior approval. Coaches cannot retake a course more than once and some courses listed may include a fee which is 100% on the coaches to cover.
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coach progression plan
Intended for coaches who want to go above and beyond the required Certified Coach Level
The Bronze Level requires a coach to complete the basic level above. Bronze Level enhancements include education course, coaching Special Olympics Athletes and implementing Fit 5 for athlete training
- Complete all Certified Coach Level requirements
- Have coached Special Olympics Athletes for a minimum of one year
- Complete CPR Certification
- Actively participate in Fit 5 Wellness Program (turn in yearly exercise, nutrition and hydration tracking sheet)
- Complete the Coaching Special Olympics Athletes Course ( coming soon!)
- Submit all of your completed documents here!
The Silver Level requires the coach achieve Bronze Level. Enhancements for coaches in the this level include education course, principals of coaching, athlete goal setting, athlete leadership, and year round training
- Complete all Bronze Coach Level requirements
- Appoint an athlete to lead Healthy Habits/Fitness for a portion of practice. ( Resources for Wellness Plan / Wellness Resources)
- Include individual athlete goal setting in your trainings
- Increase your training program from 8 weeks to 12 weeks. (Must submit example of your training schedule) Training examples one and two
- Submit all of your completed documents here!
The Gold Level coaches must have exceeded all other levels. This level includes advance tactics for sport of choice and work, one elective course, and tracking athlete advancement and personal bests
- Complete all Silver Coach Level requirements
- Complete a minimum of one Tactics (advanced training) course.
- Increase your 12 week training program to practice a minimum of 24 weeks. (Must submit an example of your training schedule) Training examples one and two
- Work with athletes to develop a year-round training/wellness plan. (Resources for Wellness Plan / Wellness Resources)
- Submit all of your completed documents here!
coaching resources
- Special Olympics Arkansas Coaches Corner - BE SURE TO BOOKMARK THIS ON YOUR COMPUTER!
This will have most up to date information just for Special Olympics Arkansas Coaches - Concussion Card
- Safety Protocols
- Coaches Health Education Resources
- "Sport Teaches Us" Video
* Important note- all documents completed must be submitted through the Coaching Forms Portal !
