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):
Swim Head Coach needed in Worcester
- Practices are Sunday’s from 2pm to 4pm at Assumption College
- Location: Assumption College, Worcester
- Season runs from mid-March to early June.
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Worcester Walking Club Coach
- Time and location will be dependent on volunteer availability. Preferably late weekdays or weekends times.
- Looking to have a session this Spring or early summer
Track and Field Head Coach needed in Deerfield
- Practices are Sunday mornings at Deerfield Academy
- Location: Deerfield
- Season runs from mid April to early June
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Dance Teachers (South Shore, Essex, & Middlesex)
- Looking for individuals who have or currently teach dance to run a Special Olympics MA Dance program
- Day & Time can be coordinated to work with volunteer schedule.
- Will need to have or know a location to run the dance program out of
- Email Vicky DiNatale at Vicky.DiNatale@specialolympicsma.org
Assistant Coach Positions (must be 16 years or older):
Bocce Assistant Coaches needed in Easthampton
- Practices are TBD but usually Wednesday evenings from June thru August
- Location: Nonotuck Park, Easthampton
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Swim Assistant Coaches needed in Worcester
- Practices are Sunday’s from 2pm to 4pm at Assumption College
- Location: Assumption College, Worcester
- Season runs from mid-March to early June.
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Track and Field Assistant Coaches needed in Deerfield
- Practices are Sunday mornings at Deerfield Academy
- Location: Deerfield
- Season runs from mid April to early June
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Softball Assistant Coaches needed in Brookline
- Practices are Thursday from 6:00-7:30pm in Brookline
- Practices run from June thru August
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.
Softball Assistant Coaches needed in Danvers
- Practices are Tuesdays from 5:00-6:00pm in Danvers
- Practices run from June thru August
- Please email GETINVOLVED@SPECIALOLYMPICSMA.ORG for more information.