As a Coach
Coach a local Special Olympics team
When you become a Special Olympics coach or assistant coach, you will find the rewards go far beyond the finish line. You will help athletes discover their physical skills, self-worth, courage, and capacity to grow. Coaching is one of the most important and rewarding volunteer roles in Special Olympics. That is why 1,600 men and women in Massachusetts choose to donate their time and talents to the athletes of Special Olympics Massachusetts as coaches.
“I gave my medals to my coaches because THEY deserve to be medaled. I wouldn’t have my medals without them. If it wasn’t for coaches and volunteers, this wouldn’t be possible. They need to be recognized, too. I wanted to say thanks to them.” – Athlete, Jen Harrington
Requirements
The age requirement for becoming a head coach with Special Olympics is 18 and 16 for an assistant coach. Just like any other sports organization, coaches are responsible for helping with all aspects of the team, including:
- Attending pre-season coaches meetings.
- Assisting with recruiting athletes, partners, and additional volunteers.
- Maintaining athlete records and registrations.
- Developing an 8-10 week practice schedule for the season.
- Conducting well organized practices.
- Attending sectional and state-level competitions with your team.
- Have a working knowledge of your sport and abide by the sports rules of Special Olympics.
All coaches are required to complete a Class A volunteer form. Individuals over the age of 18 are required to provide their social security number as they are CORI and background checked to ensure the safety and well being of Special Olympics athletes.
Individuals under 18 are required to have two non-family members write recommendations for them. These forms can be provided to interested coaches after we locate a coaching opportunity for them.
All additional Special Olympics MA coaching resources can be found on our Resources for Coaches and Local Programs page.
How to Get Involved
Please see our current and upcoming head coach and assistant coach volunteer needs in the two sections below. If these positions don’t match your interests and availability, please complete the Volunteer Interest Form and we will email you with additional volunteer opportunities in your area.
Head Coach positions (must be 18 years or older
Volleyball Head Coaches needed in New Bedford
- Season is March through June 9th.
- Practices are Saturday 9:00am-11:00am at Dennison Memorial Community Center in New Bedford.
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Track and Field Head Coach needed in Brookline
- Season is March through June 9th.
- Practices are Sunday 2:00pm-3:30pm at Harry Downes Field in Brookline
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Assistant Coach Positions (must be 16 years or older)
Volleyball Assistant Coach needed in Fitchburg
- Season is March through June 9th
- Practices are Sunday afternoons (specific time TBD) at Fitchburg State University.
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Swimming Assistant Coach needed in Milford
- Season is now through June 9th
- Practices are Friday evenings from 4 pm to 6 pm at Milford High School
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Volleyball Assistant Coach needed in Milford
- Season is now through June 9th
- Practices are Wednesday evenings from 6 pm to 8 pm at Stacy Middle School
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Gymnastics Assistant Coach needed in Middleton
- Season is now through June 9th
- Practices are Saturday evenings from 5:15pm to 6:15pm at Yellow Jackets Gym in Middleton
- Gymnastics, cheer, or dance experience preferred.
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Powerlifting Assistant Coach needed in Lancaster
- Season is March 23rd thru June of 2019
- Practices are Saturday mornings from 9:00am to 10:00am at Unified Health and Performance in Lancaster
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Tennis Assistant Coach needed in Wenham
- Season is March 23rd through June 9th
- Practices are Sundays from 12:00pm to 2:30pm at Gordon College in Wenham
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Head Coach positions (must be 18 years or older):
Bocce Head Coach needed in Shrewsbury
- Season is June through August 25th
- Practices are Tuesday evenings (specific time TBD) in Shrewsbury
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Golf Head Coach needed in Grafton
- Season is June through August 25th
- Practices are Thursday evenings (specific time TBD) in Grafton
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information
Assistant Coach Positions (must be 16 years or older):
Bocce Assistant Coach needed in Norwood
- Season is June through August 25th
- Practices are Sunday afternoons (specific time TBD) in Norwood.
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Cycling Assistant Coaches needed in Belmont
- Season is June through August 25th
- Practices are Monday Nights from 6:30-7:0pm at Burbank Elementary School in Belmont.
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.