Become a Coach

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!

Coaches teach the skills and spirit that define a true athlete. Coaches are role models and character-builders. Special Olympics coaches go even further -- they help athletes with intellectual disabilities find their own strengths and abilities. 

A Special Olympics coach is a person who selects, assesses, and provides Special Olympics athletes with comprehensive sports training and preparation for competitions, knowing, understanding and abiding by the rules of the sport being coached, Special Olympics General Rules, and Official Sports Rules. 

The following coach descriptions outline the expectations from a Special Olympics coach:

Team Sports: Each team must have one head coach. A head coach may only be the coach of one team. The coach’s name submitted on the entry form must be that of a certified head coach. The head coach must be on the field or on the court with the team during any and all competition. In the event an emergency should arise, a certified volunteer coach may take over as the head coach, but this shall require prior approval by SOMO’s Competition Director.  For an example, if you have four 3-on-3 teams you need to have four different head coaches.

Individual Sports: The coach’s name submitted on the entry form must be that of a certified head coach. It is not necessary to have a certified head coach present at each venue where athletes participate, however only a head coach may file a protest. 

Special Olympics Missouri requires that all agencies have someone certified as a head coach in the respective sport in order to compete at regional and state competitions.

COACHING LEVELS

All information about coaching levels can be found in the Coaches Playbook.

Listed below are the levels and requirements of coaches that Special Olympics Missouri will recognize. Local and area coaches must have a minimum certification of Level 1 – Sport Assistant.

Level 0 – Chaperone: An individual who accompanies athletes, coaches, and/or teams to help ensure safety, appropriate behavior, and order. Minimum age for Chaperones is 18.

Level 1 – Sport Assistant:  An individual who has the primary responsibility of supporting the assistant and/or head coach (i.e. – keeping track of medical form, assisting with drills, keeping time/score, setting up equipment, etc.). This level introduces you to the basics of Special Olympics, and it is ideal for those interested in preparing to become a coach but not ready to commit to a full coaching role. (Minimum age is 16 (cannot be a Chaperone until 18).

Level 2 – Certified Assistant Coach: An individual whose responsibilities involve assisting with setting up practice schedules and lesson plans, observing and assisting during practice and games, running a practice in the absence of head coach, leading drills, etc. Under the supervision of a more experienced coach, this level will prepare you for taking on higher level coaching duties. Minimum age is 16 (cannot be a Chaperone until 18).

Level 3 – Certified Head coach: The head coach is responsible for providing athletes with comprehensive sport training and preparation for multi-level sport competitions. Minimum age is 18. Duties could include the following:

• Provide proper planning for each step of training and competitions
• Provide and maintain a safe and secure physical environment
• Use acceptable and safe equipment
• Ensure appropriate sport skills instruction and safe competition
• Match athletes according to ability, size, and strength. Continually assess each athlete for participation in appropriate activities within and not challenged beyond their capabilities.
• Ensure acceptable supervision and maintain an adequate coach-to-athlete ratio (1:4)
• Always provide appropriate medical support
• Communicate with assistant coaches, athletes, families, etc.
• Maintain accurate records
• Mentor Level 1 and Level 2 Coaches
• Eligible for higher level competitions (Regional and USA Games)

Requirements to be certified at each level of coaching may be found on the next page.

More information regarding SOMO Coaching including links to courses and forms can be found at https://somo.org/coach/