Coaching Education Program

Special Olympics is excited to introduce a new mandatory coach certification process. You can view the entire approved program here (32k, PDF file).
 
Volunteer Orientation/Protective Behaviors (Prerequisites)
These courses are required for all volunteers who serve as a coach, chaperone or anyone who works with Special Olympics in an on-going capacity. The courses are designed to introduce all volunteers to the basic concepts and structures that provide the foundation for Special Olympics. The courses are not sport-specific but instead give the history and overview of the organizational structure. They also provide information concerning the mission & philosophy of Special Olympics, athlete participants, competitive opportunities, coach’s responsibilities, sport seasons, fundraising & accounting procedures, required paperwork, athlete medicals, protective behaviors, etc. The Protective Behaviors portion must be completed every three (3) years.

(High Speed Connection Strongly Recommended)
Take the Volunteer Orientation Course On-Line!

Take the new Protective Behaviors Course On-Line

Basic Skills Course (Sport-Specific Coaches Clinics -
Level 1 Coach)
Sport-specific Coaches Clinics are offered by SOKY throughout the year in various locations. Clinics for sports with high numbers of athlete participation are generally held on an annual basis, (track & field, bowling, etc.) For those sports with lower numbers of participation, coaches clinics are offered every other year, (aquatics, soccer, etc.) All clinics will be advertised in the SOKY Sports Line newsletter and are open to family members, volunteer coaches or anyone wishing to become more involved in the Special Olympics program. Coaches clinics are 4-6 hour sport-specific sessions which provide important information concerning: athlete assessment, official events, sports rules (NGB & SOKY modifications), skills & drills for training, practice organizations tips, competition, etc.

Coaching Special Olympics Athletes (Level 1 Coach/ Recertification)
This course is designed for the new coach with sport experience and the veteran Special Olympics coach looking to improve his or her training and coaching skills. The course involves four sections: the athlete, the coach, training and coaching each athlete, and successfully preparing for competition.

Principles of Coaching (Level 2 Coach)
This course in non-sport specific and seeks to expand more of the sport sciences. It addresses the basic principles of coaching, coaching philosophy, planning and coaching administration, fitness and conditioning, and safety and risk management.

Tactics Course
This advanced sport-specific clinic is designed for the experienced coach. These courses go beyond the basics to increase your knowledge in the areas of competition strategies, advanced sport skills and in-depth skill development. Advanced Coaches Courses are advertised in the monthly SOKY Sports Line newsletter. Some tactics courses can also be completed through ASEP’s on-line training.

First Aid Certification
SOKY will sponsor Red Cross First Aid Certification courses as recertification/ continuing education courses in the Coach Education Program. These will be advertised in the monthly Sports Line newsletter and will be offered for a minimal fee to Special Olympics coaches. Those who cannot attend a SOKY sponsored class can attend a local First Aid Course at their own expense. A copy of the certification card should be sent to the SOKY Office in Frankfort. If a coach wants to keep this certification current it must be renewed every three (3) years.

Positive Coaching Alliance – Double Goal (Recertification)
This course is offered on-line at www.positivecoach.org for a fee of $25.00. Double Goal Coach Certification ensures that certified youth sports and school coaches have built their knowledge of what we call “Honoring the Game” – a deeper, more focused evolution of sportsmanship. Coaches will be exposed to the most up-to-date, research-based strategies, tools and techniques in sports psychology and Positive Coaching.

Questions concerning the Coach Education Program or curriculum should be addressed to Jessica Tucker, Coach Education Director, at the SOKY office in Frankfort, 800-633-7403.

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