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    Get Involved

    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.

    Athlete and coach talking.

    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 and Assistant Coach Volunteer Positions: Spring Season (March-June)

    Head Coach positions (must be 18 years or older)

    Volleyball Head Coach needed in Fitchburg

    Swim Head Coach Needed in Amherst

    Track and Field Head Coach Needed in Framingham

    • Practices are Sunday afternoons from 3pm to 4pm in Framingham
    • Season is late March through early June
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

    Soccer Head Coach Needed in Newton

    • Practices are Sundays from 10am to 12pm in Newton
    • Season is late March through early June
    • This team will travel to Connecticut for competition
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

    Swim Head Coach Needed in Salem

    Assistant Coach Positions (must be 16 years or older)

    Volleyball Assistant Coach needed in Fitchburg

    Volleyball Assistant Coaches Needed in Springfield

    • Practices are Monday evenings from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in Springfield
    • Season is late March thru early June
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

    Tennis Assistant Coaches Needed in Worcester

    Swim Assistant Coaches Needed in Worcester

    Swim Assistant Coaches Needed in Amherst

    Track and Field Assistant Coach Needed in Brookline

    • Practices are Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 3:30pm in Brookline
    • Season is late March through early June
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

    Swim Assistant Coaches Needed in Ipswich

    Gymnastics Assistant Coaches Needed in Middleton

    Tennis Assistant Coaches Needed in Belmont

    Volleyball Assistant Coaches Needed in Belmont

    Track and Field Assistant Coaches Needed in Belmont

    Swim Assistant Coaches Needed in Waltham

    • Practices are Tuesdays from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in Waltham
    • Practices are Friday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in Waltham
    • Coaches are only required to attend one of the practices
    • Season is late March through early June
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

    Swim Assistant Coaches Needed in Watertown

    • Practices are Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm in Waltham
    • Practices are Thursday from 5pm to 7pm in Waltham
    • Coaches are only required to attend one of the practices
    • Season is late March through early June
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

    Swim Assistant Coach Needed in Salem

    Upcoming Head Coach and Assistant Coach Volunteer Positions: Summer Season (June-August)

    Head Coach positions (must be 18 years or older):

    Bocce Head Coach Needed in Milford

    • Practices most likely Wednesday evenings from 6pm to 7:30 pm
    • Season is June through the end of August
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

    Golf Head Coach Needed in Sandwich

    Golf Head Coach Needed in Wilbraham

    Cycling Head Coaches Needed in Belmont

    Assistant Coach Positions (must be 16 years or older):

    Golf Assistant Coaches Needed in Sandwich

    Golf Assistant Coaches Needed in Lexington

    Softball Assistant Coaches Needed in Belmont

    Cycling Assistant Coaches Needed in Belmont