The current Special Olympics Coaches Education System was developed to meet the needs of both new and experienced coaches. The training program features two tracks, one for the sport-qualified but non-Special Olympics experienced individual, the other for the non-sport qualified and non-Special Olympics experienced individual.     

• General Orientation
     The General Orientation is a basic introduction to Special Olympics. It covers the Special Olympics mission and philosophy, organizational history and structure, intellectual disabilities and eligibility, and sports opportunities, initiatives and rules. The General Orientation is necessary for all who are interested in working with Special Olympics athletes.

    The non-sport qualified/non-Special Olympics experienced candidate track offers a variety of additional training opportunities. After each one of the courses, coaches complete 10 hours of practical experience in working with Special Olympics athletes in order to complete certification.

• Skills Course
     The Skills Course is offered in each of the 26 Special Olympics sports and focuses on the basic skills and strategies of the sport. It provides an application of the Special Olympics mission and philosophy in a sport-specific way. The Skills Course includes a classroom session, an activity session performing the skills with the lead trainers, and a model training session with athletes.

• Principles of Coaching Course
     The Principles of Coaching Course is non-sport-specific. It addresses the basic principles of coaching, coaching philosophy, planning and coaching administration, fitness and conditioning, and safety and risk management.

• Tactics Course
     The Tactics Course is sport-specific and focuses on development of higher-level sport skills, game or event tactics and strategies, expanded skill instruction and athlete performance enhancement.

• Comprehensive Mentoring
     In this course, a coach works with and is mentored by an experienced Special Olympics or mainstream coach. The coach who is being trained participates in a variety of opportunities, such as staff briefings, practice sessions, weight training sessions, competitions, etc.
     The sport-qualified but non-Special Olympics experienced coaches-to-be track includes 20 hours of practical experience working with Special Olympics athletes in order to complete certification.

• Coaching Special Olympics Athletes
     This course focuses on what a sport-qualified person needs to know about the athlete, added responsibilities of the coach, training the athlete and preparing the athlete for competition. A practical component in working with Special Olympics athletes under the supervision and guidance of a lead trainer also is offered.

• Additional Training
     Coaches are encouraged and recognized for participating in other approved non-Special Olympics coaches education that includes, but is not limited to, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, rules updates, managing athlete behavior and protective behavior, national governing body courses, training updates, etc.

• Online Training
     In addition to these core training opportunities, Special Olympics now offers online courses to Special Olympics coaches through a partnership with the American Sport Education Program (ASEP).

• Training Opportunities Near You
     To find out about the coaching training opportunities, contact your local Special Olympics Program. Contact Melanie Frosch.

Last Updated:
02/18/2007 06:36:00 PM