As A Coach
More Than A Coach
Special Olympics Ohio coaches teach skills, attitudes, and values that define a true athlete. Coaches support athletes with intellectual disabilities to discover their own strengths and abilities. Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of Special Olympic Ohio athletes?
The Powerfully Positive Impact Coaches Have On The Lives Of Athletes Is Lasting.
The Standard Is Excellence
How to Become A Coach
- CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW TO FILL OUT
THE COACHING INTEREST FORM :
- A REGIONAL DIRECTOR OR LOCAL COORDINATOR IN YOUR AREA WILL CONTACT YOU TO DISCUSS INTEREST, EXPERIENCE, AND CURRENT AVAILABILITY.
- UPON SPEAKING WITH A SPECIAL OLYMPICS OHIO CONTACT, YOUR LOCAL COORDINATOR WILL SHARE THE REQUIRED TRAININGS WITH YOU TO BE COMPLETED IN ORDER TO COACH OR CHAPERONE WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS OHIO.
- WORK WITH YOUR LOCAL COORDINATOR TO ADVANCE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND CERTIFICATIONS TO BECOME A LEVEL 1, 2 OR 3 COACH.
Coaches Trainings Explained
Special Olympics Ohio requires the following forms and courses to ensure a safe, fun and competitive environment for all athletes to compete.
- Background Check
All coaches and chaperones are expected to complete a 2-step process for the background check which includes: Fill out the Class A Volunteer Form – obtained from Local Coordinator. Complete the Background Check from First Advantage – this will be emailed to you the next Wednesday after completion of the Class A Form.
- General Orientation
This is a short course on the basics, history, and familiarization of offerings from Special Olympics Ohio. One-time completion.
- Protective Behaviors
Course on the Learning Portal that ensures volunteers and coaches have the necessary training to work with Special Olympic Athletes in a safe manner. Must be completed every three years.
- Concussion Training
A course on the Learning Portal that equips coaches with the knowledge to care for someone with a concussion or suspected concussion as well as take precautions to decrease head injuries. Must be completed every three years.
- Level 1: Core Coaching Knowledge
- Sport Assistant up to date
- Coaching Special Olympics Athletes course for traditional coaches
- Unified coaches should take the Coaching Unified Athletes course
- These courses can be obtained from your Local Coordinator
- Level 2: Sport Specific Knowledge
- Sport Assistant up to date & Level 1 Completed
- Sport Specific Courses
- These courses can be obtained from your Local Coordinator
- Level 3: Advanced Coaching Knowledge
- Sport Assistant, Level 1 & 2
- Principles of Coaching Course
- These courses can be obtained from your Local Coordinator
FAQs
- How can I find my status of certifications?
If you are a coach and have completed certifications in the past and need to check on the status or expiration dates, you can reach out to your Local Coordinator who will have records of your certifications.
- How do I identify my Local Coordinator and/or contact them?
Please go to the Regional Map (linked HERE), find your region, and contact your Regional Director who will be able to direct you to the right person.
- What is the age requirement to become a coach?
In order to coach at Special Olympics Ohio, all coaches must be 16 years or older.
- Do I need prior experience to coach?
You do NOT need prior experience to coach with Special Olympics Ohio. The training required to become a coach covers the information anyone would need to know in order to coach with Special Olympics Ohio
- I am having trouble with my learning portal, getting my certifications, taking a course, or something else related to my coaching certifications, what do I do?
Please contact your Local Coordinator to help troubleshoot any questions you may have on receiving and maintaining your certifications.
For any questions not answered here, please reach out to your Local Coordinator for more information.