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):
Snowshoeing Head Coach needed in Fitchburg
- Practices are TBD.
- Must have snowshoeing experience.
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Assistant Coach Positions (must be 16 years or older):
Basketball Assistant Coaches needed in Marlboro
- Practices are Sunday afternoons in Marlboro, from now through March
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Bowling Volunteers needed in Gardner
- Practices are Saturday 11:00am-12:00pm at Gardner Ten Pins in Gardner.
- Season is now through March 2021.
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Snowshoeing Assistant Coaches needed in Fitchburg
- Practices are TBD.
- Must have experience.
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Alpine Skiing Assistant Coaches needed in the Nashoba Valley Area
- Practices are TBD.
- Season is now until March 2021
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.