Becoming a Certified Special Olympics Coach

Laurene & her coach at World Games in 2015.

The goal of the Special Olympics Massachusetts coaches education system is to provide all our coaches with the tools needed to properly coach the athletes on their team in their sport of choice, as well as to continually challenge both the coach and the athlete to always improve on their performance and grow as an athlete and coach.

Special Olympics Massachusetts, in accordance with Special Olympics North America guidelines, has developed the following criteria in order to become a Special Olympics MA coach. All coaches are required to renew their status every three years.

Level One – Required for all Coaches

Complete the Class A Volunteer From
Complete the Protective Behaviors Online Course
Complete the Concussion Awareness Training thru the NFHS
- you will need to list “Special Olympics MA” as your Organization name under your account for SOMA to internally track results,
- the Concussion Awareness Training thru the CDC (this one is more user friendly, but you will need to email SOMA a copy of your completion certificate as we do not internally track results)
Complete the SOMA General Orientation

Highly recommended for all First Aid & Safety

Through NFHS, in person SOMA training, Red Cross, or through locally certified organization

Level Two – Core Coaching Knowledge

All Level One requirements
Complete the Unified Sports Course
- Required of all coaches that coach a Unified sport
- Please note you must list Special Olympics MA as your Organization name under your account

Complete a Sport Specific certification
- Attend Special Olympics MA coaches college
- Attend another chapters sport training coaches clinic
- Certificate through a recognized organization
  - Governing body
  - National Federation of State High School Associations

Coaching the Special Olympics Athlete
- Online via Human Kinetics
- Through Special Olympics MA coach college offered course
- Licensed professional in field of special education or similar field

Level is required for all coaches attend a USA Games

Level Three – Advanced Coaching Knowledge

All level two requirements
Principles of Coaching

Required for all World Games Coaches