Why Coaching Matters
Coaches are vital to the success of the Special Olympics. They teach our athletes new skills and help them take their abilities to new levels. Coaches also exemplify good sportsmanship and model character traits to enhance the sports experience for our athletes. The lessons our athletes learn from coaches – teamwork, self-discipline and confidence – impact them on and off the playing field.
Coaches Training Requirements
Tier 1 – Sports Volunteer / Chaperone
The first level in our Coaches Education program is the Sports Volunteer or Chaperone role for a team/program. Any prospective coach needs to complete the following four requirements to be cleared to chaperone a team or an athlete. These are the basic forms that screen our coaches to ensure our athletes’ safety, which is our number one priority. These items will only need to be completed once and should take less than 30 minutes in total.
- Complete a Background Check (Special Olympics Washington Identification Good Deed Code: e45cri8)
- Paperwork: Covid Waiver
- Training: Protective Behaviors, Concussion Training via SO Learn Portal.
Tier 2 – Head Coach / Assistant Coach
The next step in our Coaches Education program is Head Coach/Assistant Coach level. Anyone who wants to be a Head or Assistant Coach must complete all the requirements under Tier 1 and all of the items listed below.
Tier 2 requirements are tailored to specific sport needs and require in-person training. The in-person trainings allow for the development of skills and drills for a sport that coaches can bring back to their practice and games. The online training sessions will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. The in-person trainings will be 3-4 hours depending on sport and venue availability.
- Complete a Background Check (Special Olympics Washington Identification Good Deed Code: e45cri8)
- Paperwork: Covid Waiver
- Training: Protective Behaviors, Concussion Training via SO Learn Portal.
Coaches / Coordinator Resources
Region Sports Webpages
Codes of Conduct
Athlete / Unified Partner Code of Conduct