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The Special Olympics coaches training program formally began in
1981. The current Special Olympics Coaches Education System has
been recently developed to meet the needs of varying knowledge
and competencies of coaches and athletes.
Basically, there are two tracks - one for the sport qualified
but non-Special Olympics experienced individual, the other for
the non-sport qualified and non-Special Olympics experienced
individual.
The General Orientation is a basic introduction to Special Olympics.
It covers Special Olympics mission and philosophy, organizational
history and structure, mental retardation and eligibility,
and sports opportunities, initiatives, and rules. The General
Orientation is necessary for all who are interested in working
with Special Olympics athletes. All adult coaches must also authorize
a criminal background check and complete the online Protective
Behaviors Training Program as part of their volunteer
clearance process for Special Olympics.
For the non-sport qualified and non-Special Olympics experienced
coaches-to-be track, there are a variety of additional training
opportunities. After each one of the courses, coaches complete
10 hours of practical experience in working with Special Olympics
athletes in order to complete certification.
The Skills Course (formerly Volunteer Coach) is offered in each
of the sports and focuses on the basic skills and strategies
of the sport. It provides an application of the Special Olympics
mission and philosophy in a sport-specific way. The Skills
Course includes a classroom session, an activity session performing
the skills with the lead trainers, and a model training session
with athletes.
The Principles of Coaching Course is non-sport-specific and seeks
to expand more of the sport sciences. It addresses the basic
principles of coaching, coaching philosophy, planning and coaching
administration, fitness and conditioning, and safety and risk
management.
The Tactics Course is sport-specific and focuses on development
of higher-level sport skills, game or event tactics and strategies,
expanded skill instruction, and enhancing athlete performance.
The newest opportunity is Comprehensive Mentoring in which a
coach works with and is mentored by an experienced coach in
Special Olympics and/or in the mainstream. The coach participates
in a variety of opportunities such as staff briefings, practice
sessions, weight training sessions, competitions, etc.
For the sport qualified but non-Special Olympics experienced
coaches-to-be track, there is a new course beyond the General
Orientation. After this course, coaches complete 20 hours of
practical experience in working with Special Olympics athletes
in order to complete certification.
Coaching Special Olympics Athletes focuses on what a sport qualified
person needs to know about the athlete, added responsibilities
of the coach, training the athlete, and preparing the athlete
for competition. A practical component in working with Special
Olympics athletes under the supervision and guidance of a lead
trainer is also offered.
Coaches are encouraged and recognized for participating in other
approved coaches education that includes, but is not limited
to, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation, rules updates,
managing athlete behavior and protective behavior, national governing
body courses, training updates, etc.
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