Coaches

Rules & Regulations

Steps to Becoming a Certified Coach:

You must be at least 16 years old. In addition, no Coach/Chaperone under the age of 18 should be solely responsible for the supervision of athletes at any time.

If you are 18 years old or older, complete FORM E Adult Volunteer & Unified Partner Application

If you are between the ages of 16 - 18 years old, complete FORM F Minor Volunteer & Unified Partner Application.

All coaches must complete a new application every three years.

All coaches must complete the On-line Protective Behaviors Quiz.

Contact the State Office and arrange to attend a Coaches Training School.

Click For Coaches Certification Application

For additional information, contact SOSD Sports Director .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

General Information:

Special Olympics athletes are required to participate in a structured training program before competing in any competition.

Minimum training requirements are 15 hours over an eight-week period.

Head Coaches are required to sign a “Certificate of Training” form before each state event confirming that training has occurred.

15 Passenger Van Policy:
In 2001 and 2002, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued two consumer advisory reports regarding the safety risks associated with operating 15-passenger vans following several serious roll-over accidents.

After considering this information, the U.S. Risk Management Insurance Task Force (RMITF) mandated that all U.S. Programs had to discontinue the use of 15-passenger vans to transport athletes, volunteers, and employees effective December 31, 2003. This policy does not apply to the use of 15-passenger vans by other organizations that transport Special Olympics athletes to Special Olympics activities if those other organizations meet the following conditions: (i) operate the vans using the precautions recommended by NHTSA; (ii) understand that the Special Olympics Program is not responsible for any injuries sustained to the driver or passengers if an accident occurs; and (iii) it is clear that the driver is acting on behalf of the third party and not in the capacity of Special Olympics volunteer or staff.

Agencies should not plan on the use of 15-passenger vans for any future events, and be aware that any 15-passenger vans which are used will not be covered by Special Olympics insurance.