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Resources

Resources for Coaches & Local Programs

Resources for Coaches & Local Programs

All pertinent resources for coaches, including updated forms for new athletes, volunteers, and existing programs can be found here. If you have any specific questions about a form, please contact the Business Operations Department at Ops@SpecialOlympicsMA.org.

Becoming a Certified Special Olympics Coach

The goal of the Special Olympics Massachusetts coaches education system is to provide all our coaches with the tools needed to properly coach the athletes on their team in their sport of choice, as well as to continually challenge both the coach and the athlete to always improve on their performance and grow as an athlete and coach.

Special Olympics Massachusetts, in accordance with Special Olympics North America guidelines, has developed the following criteria in order to become a Special Olympics MA coach.  All coaches are required to renew their status every three years.

Level One – Required for all Coaches

Highly recommended for all First Aid & Safety

  • Through NFHS, in person SOMA training, Red Cross, or through locally certified organization

Level Two – Core Coaching Knowledge

  • All Level One requirements
  • Complete the Unified Sports Course
    • Required of all coaches that coach a Unified sport
    • Please note you must list Special Olympics MA as your Organization name under your account
  • Coaching the Special Olympics Athlete
    • Online via Human Kinetics
    • Through Special Olympics MA coach college offered course
    • Licensed professional in field of special education or similar field

Level is required for all coaches attend a USA Games

Level Three – Advanced Coaching Knowledge

  • All level two requirements
  • Principles of Coaching

Required for all World Games Coaches

Re certification

Coaches can re certify and update their certification in their sport by taking one of the following online tests.

Tests are being updated and new tests will be posted soon.

Winter SeasonSpring SeasonSummer SeasonFall Season
Alpine Skiing / SnowboardTrack & FieldBocceFlag Football
BasketballSwimmingCyclingSoccer
Floor HockeyPower LiftingGolfUnified Sports
Ten Pin BowlingTennisSoftball
Unified SportsVolleyballUnified Sports
Unified Sports

 

Online Resources for Coaches

 

The following resources are available through Special Olympics Incorporated or through partnerships created by Special Olympics North America

Unified Sports

The following resources have been provided by Special Olympics Incorporated  on the S.O. resource page and are a must read for all Unified Sports coaches and partners

  • Unified Sports coach certification course (Required for all Unified Sports Coaches)
  • Assessing your players and forming your Unified Sports team
  • Unified Sports coach guidelines
  • Unified Sports principles of meaningful involvement
  • Unified Sports tutorial videos
  • Explanations of different Unified Sports models & guidelines
    • Recreation
    • Player Development
    • Competitive

SOMA Modified Rules and Video Tutorials

Note all S.O. rules are based on National Governing body rules and NGB rules shall be employed unless in conflict with Special Olympics and Special Olympics Massachusetts modifications

Sport Safety

Uniform, Brand & Media Resources

Uniform Guidelines

Brand and Media Resources

Resources for Local Programs

Financial Management Guidelines

Forms and Registration Webinar

  • SOMA recently recorded a Webinar explaining how to fill out forms (medical, class A form, sport registrations, etc.) and how SOMA’s insurance ties in to everything

Divisioning Webinar

  • SOMA recorded a Webinar explaining how divisioning works for team and individual sports

Special Olympics MA Codes of Conduct

Special Olympics General Rules