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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: Winter Season (December-March)

    Head Coach positions (must be 18 years or older)

    Floor Hockey Head Coach Needed in Auburn

    Basketball Head Coach Needed in Auburn

    Track and Field Head Coach in Newton

    • Practices are Tuesdays from 7:00pm-8:00pm at Newton North High School in Newton
    • The season is October-December and will resume again March-June.
    • Must be 18 years or older for this team
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

    Assistant Coach Positions (must be 16 years or older)

    Floor Hockey Assistant Coaches Needed in Auburn

    Basketball Assistant Coaches Needed in Auburn

    Alpine Skiing Assistant Coaches Needed at Nashoba Valley in Westford

    • Season is December through March
    • Practices are Sundays 2:00pm-4:00pm and/or Tuesdays 6:30pm-8:30pm at Nashoba Valley Ski Ward. Only one practice per week is required, but you’re welcome to volunteer at both practices.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

    Alpine Skiing Assistant Coaches Needed at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton

    • Season is December through March
    • Practices are Wednesdays 5:30pm-7:30pm at Wachusett Mountain
    • These positions will be teaching new and beginner athletes how to ski.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

    Assistant Coaches for new Developmental Sports Program in Hanover

    • Description: Introductory Sport and Skills program for children ages 6-12.
    • Meet for 6 weeks from September 28th – November 9th, each Saturday 10:00am – 11:00am.
    • Flyer with more details can be found HERE.
    • Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information

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

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

    Golf Head Coach Needed in Wilbraham

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