Coaches' Information

Special Olympics coaches inspire the greatness in each of our athletes by sharing your spirit and skills. In return, our athletes will help you remember why you love the game.

Our volunteer coaches are both role models and character-builders for our athletes. They give Special Olympics athletes the most immediate awareness of their own worth, ability, courage and capacity to grow and improve. 

Coaches' Oath                                                                                                           

In the name of all coaches,
I promise that we shall take part in these Special Olympics Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them,
in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams.                                                                                                             

It's easy to be a Special Olympics coach.

Regardless of whether you've coached before, you can be the inspiration for Special Olympics athletes. We provide training in the sport, tips to help you coach your team, and a simple certification process that makes it easy for you to get started. On the right side of this screen, you will find the documents available to coaches, including coaching guides, competition guides and training opportunities.

Opportunities are also available for volunteers who are experienced in a particular sport, but haven't coached before. You can assist other coaches and provide instructional training at practices, camps and special events.

There are 21 sports to choose from and thousands of athletes who need a coach. More than 15,000 athletes from around the state benefit from participation in the program.

To learn more about coaching opportunities throughout Missouri, contact an area director.

Experience the rewards of coaching.

Whether you're a returning coach or just considering the opportunity to coach, Special Olympics Missouri offers support and a rewarding experience. Often, Special Olympics coaches find that the personal rewards received are equal to or even outweigh the benefits they offer the athletes.

Special Olympics coaches get to experience the way sports should be. Our athletes are excited to play, respectful of players and officials, and devoted to their coaches. With a little encouragement from a coach like you, these exceptional athletes can do anything.

Steps to becoming a Special Olympics coach:
1. Complete the General Session.
2. Complete Principles of Coaching.
3. If you haven't already, you'll need to fill out a Class A Volunteer Form.
4. Complete a CPR/First Aid course through American Red Cross or other provider. Each year thereafter in order to remain up to date you may take the renewal course online at www.firstaidweb.com . Complete the quiz and then print out the last page with your scores, write your name at the top send it into your area office. We require that every coach retake the CPR/FA course every three years ( for example if you expire in 1/1/08 you need to take a class course in 1/1/2011).
5. You will be contacted by a Special Olympics representative to complete the process.