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More than 50,000 certified Special Olympics coaches in the United States provide Special Olympics
athletes with the sports skills and competitive spirit that define a true athlete.
Coaches not only provide skills training for athletes, but they are also role models and character builders. Coaches give Special Olympics athletes the most immediate awareness of their own worth, ability, courage and capacity to grow and improve.
Coaches include students, business people, family members of athletes, amateur and professional athletes and coaches, teachers, and many others. Coaches fill a variety of different roles for Special Olympics programs at the local, state, national and international levels. Special Olympics Kentucky coaches train athletes in one or more sports, including:
| Aquatics |
Track & Field |
Basketball |
| Bowling |
Cheerleading |
Equestrian sports |
| Football (soccer) |
Gymnastics (Rhythmic/Artistic) |
Softball |
| Bocce |
Tennis |
Golf |
| Alpine skiing |
Flag Football |
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Figure Skating |
Snowshoeing |
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Special Olympics Coaches:
-Assist athletes in learning sports skills.
-Encourage confidence and self-esteem through sport.
-Obtain equipment for athletic training.
-Conduct demonstrations in new sports.
-Start Special Olympics Unified Sports® teams.
How it Works
Special Olympics coaches often begin as volunteers at an event. Although playing experience in a sport is not required to be eligible to coach, individuals must have a basic knowledge of the sport and it's rules. Anyone wishing to coach in Special Olympics must be certified through the Coach Education Program.
Becoming a Certified Level 1 Special Olympics Coach in Kentucky involves the following components.
- Fill out a volunteer registration form and fax it to the Special Olympics Kentucky Office
(502-695-0496). NOTE: We will need a photo ID to process your form. Please either mail a copy of your photo ID or scan and e-mail a copy to fueltschi@soky.org. Photo IDs cannot be faxed.
- Pass a Criminal Background Check and become an Approved Class A Volunteer.
- Complete the Volunteer Orientation and Protective Behaviors Course
Take Volunteer Orientation Course On-Line
Take the New Protective Behaviors Course On-Line
- Participate in an approved Basic Skills Training Course
- Sign and return the Coaches Code of Conduct .
- Complete a 10-hour practicum.
- Fill out and submit an Application for Sports Training Certification.
Coaches are required to be certified in EACH sport they coach.
Once a person has completed all Level 1 requirements within the Coach Education program, they are considered to be a certified Special Olympics Coach. From that point forward in order to remain certified, a coach must maintain/upgrade their current level of certification through continuing education using approved curriculum.
Special Olympics coaches often find that the personal rewards they receive are equal to or even outweigh the benefits they can offer the athletes they train. Special Olympics coaches have a unique opportunity to work with athletes in competitive situations to Inspire Greatness.
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