Become a Coach

Become a Coach

It's incredibly rewarding to be a Special Olympics Missouri coach.

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

Regardless of whether you've coached before, you can be the inspiration for Special Olympics Missouri athletes. We provide training, including a simple certification process that makes it easy for you to get started. 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. With two different coaching levels, there's a way to get involved for everybody.

There are 12 sports to choose from and thousands of athletes who need a coach. More than 17,000 athletes from around the state benefit from participation in the program.

To learn more about coaching opportunities throughout Missouri, contact Susan Shaffer.

This includes information on coaches training, rules and regional/state events.

Coach Cropped

Many of these steps are on different websites. You will need to create a login/account for each one. Please save any certificates/documentation that you completed the course.

  1. Fill out BOTH the Class A Volunteer form  AND the background check information through Sterling Volunteers. Renewal required every three years. 
  2. Under 18? Fill out the Minor Class A Volunteer form instead. 
  3. Complete Protective Behaviors, Heads Up Coaches Concussions in Youth Sports, and applicable sports training through the Coaches section of Special Olympics learning portal. Save the certificate.
  4. Complete the Principles of Coaching course. Save the certificate.
  5. You will be notified by your Area Program Staff to renew your Communicable Disease & Protective Behaviors forms. This must be renewed every three years.
  6. RECOMMENDED: Complete a CPR/First Aid course through American Red Cross or another provider. Each year thereafter in order to remain up to date you may take the renewal course online at www.firstaidweb.com. Save the certificate. 
  7. You will be contacted by a Special Olympics representative to complete the process. They will ask for documentation that you completed all of these steps, so be prepared.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Class A Volunteer Forms only need to be filled out to start your coaching career.
  • The Principles of Coaching course only needs to be taken once.
  • Communicable Disease & Protective Behaviors needs to be completed every three years.
  • Concussion Training needs to be completed every three years.

Not sure if your information is all up-to-date? Contact your Area Program Staff!