To start coaching:
Sign up at the Volunteer page.
Visit a coaching site.
Or email your local coordinator.
Coaches play a unique and indispensable role in SOVA Area 6. Coaches provide the sports skills and spirit that define a true athlete. In addition, coaches are 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.
Special Olympics coaches:
- Obtain necessary facilities and equipment for training.
- Help to recruit athletes and assistant coaches.
- Assist athletes in learning sports skills and applying them in competitions (see the Coaching Guides & Sports Rules ).
- Encourage confidence and self-esteem through sport.
Special Olympics coaches often find that the personal rewards received are equal to or even outweigh the benefits they offer the athletes. Special Olympics coaches have a unique opportunity to work with athletes in competitive situations to assist in their training for life.
Code of Conduct
Codes of Conduct are in effect and enforced for athletes, coaches and volunteers. All Special Olympics Programs are required to have a code of conduct. Special Olympics is committed to the highest ideals of sport and expects all coaches to honor sport and Special Olympics.
All Special Olympics coaches agree to observe the following code:
Respect for Others
- I will respect the rights, dignity and worth of athletes, coaches, other volunteers, friends and spectators in Special Olympics.
- I will treat everyone equally regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion or ability.
- I will be a positive role model for the athletes I coach.
Ensure a Positive Experience
- I will ensure that for each athlete I coach, the time spent with Special Olympics is a positive experience.
- I will respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of each athlete.
- I will ensure each athlete competes in events that challenge that athlete’s potential and are appropriate to that athlete’s ability.
- I will be fair, considerate and honest with athletes and communicate with athletes using simple, clear language.
- I will ensure that accurate scores are provided for entry of an athlete into any event.
- I will instruct each athlete to perform to the best of the athlete’s ability at all preliminaries and final heats in accordance with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules.
Act Professionally and Take Responsibility for My Actions
- My language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation will demonstrate high standards.
- I will display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved in the sport (athletes, coaches, opponents, officials, administrators, parents, spectators, media, etc.).
- I will encourage athletes to demonstrate the same qualities.
- I will not drink alcohol, smoke or take illegal drugs while representing Special Olympics at training sessions, competition or during Games.
- I will refrain from any form of personal abuse towards athletes and others, including inappropriate or unwanted sexual advances on others, verbal, physical and emotional abuse.
- I will be alert to any form of abuse from other sources directed toward athletes in my care.
- I will abide by the Special Olympics policy on the prohibition of coaches dating athletes.
Quality Service to the Athletes
- I will seek continual improvement through performance evaluation and ongoing coach education.
- I will be knowledgeable about the Sports Rules and skills of the sport(s) I coach.
- I will provide a plan for a regular training program.
- I will keep copies of the medical, training and competition records for each athlete I coach.
- I will follow the Special Olympics Sports Rules for my sport(s).
Health and Safety of Athletes
- I will ensure that the equipment and facilities are safe to use.
- I will ensure that the equipment, rules, training and environment are appropriate for the age and ability of the athletes.
- I will review each athlete’s medical form and be aware of any limitations on that athlete’s participation noted on that form.
- I will encourage athletes to seek medical advice when required.
- I will maintain the same interest and support toward sick and injured athletes.
- I will allow further participation in training and competition only when appropriate.
I understand that if I violate this Code of Conduct I will be subject to a range of consequences, up to and including being prohibited from coaching in Special Olympics.
To become a coach, visit the Volunteer page.
See which sports you can help out with right now at the Sports Training page.