Coach Education

To be a Special Olympics coach, you don’t have to have prior experience – we provide the necessary training. What you do need is the enthusiasm and desire to make a positive impact on the lives of athletes. Use the drop-downs below to see what you need to become a coach, to see the online re-certification quizzes and coach resources, and to see other resources and coach courses available.

 

For any questions please contact your Local Program Coordinator or Sports Director, Bill Polk at bpolk@somt.org or (406) 216-5327.

Coach Resources

Sport Certification

 

All new coaches must attend a coaches training session in whichever sport they would like to be certified in. These sessions cover all the basics you need to become a coach.

 

A new volunteer who completes this in-person course, and completes all necessary volunteer and coaching paperwork will be certified in their desired sport(s). All necessary forms can be found by clicking the button below.

Sport Re-Certification Quizzes

 

The re-certification quizzes are for coaches to re-certify in a sport, not to gain initial certification. Sports certification must be nearing expiration or expired by no more than one year. All questions must be answered to be re-certified. You can only miss ONE question to pass. Questions for the quiz come directly from the selected sport’s rule book, protest form, and coach resources. The quizzes can be taken multiple times until a passing mark is achieved.

Sport Re-Certification Quizzes

If you do not qualify for or do not pass the quiz(zes) you take, you will be notified within approximately 1-2 weeks by email. If you pass the re-certification quiz, you will not be notified, but your certification dates will be updated.

 

Bowling
Basketball
Alpine Skiing
Snowboarding
Cross-Country Skiing
Snowshoeing
Athletics
Bocce
Cycling
Golf
Gymnastics
Kayaking
Powerlifting
Soccer
Swimming

Coach Education Courses

These courses are designed to enable a volunteer coach to progress through varying levels of involvement. A coach must complete the qualifications for each certification before moving to the next level. You are able to earn certificates as an Assistant coach (level one), Coach (level two), and Head coach (Level three). Confirmation of completion or copy of certificate of completion for these courses should be sent to: bpolk@somt.org

Coach Education Courses

Assistant Coach (Level 1)

-Principles of Coaching Course

-Coaching Unified Sports Course

OR

Coaching Level 1 Sport Assistant

 

Coach (Level 2) – Assistant coach certification plus:

Level 2 Coaching Assistant

 

Head Coach (Level 3) – Coach certification plus:

Level 3 Coach

and Choose 1 below

-Sports Nutrition

-Sportsmanship Course

-Heat Illness Prevention

 

Additional courses of interest

 

A Coach’s Playbook: An Introduction to Autism and Instructional Strategies for Coaching

Coaching Special Olympics Athletes Course

 

Additional Coach Resources

These resources are intended to further your Special Olympics coaching knowledge.

 

Athlete-Centered Coaching Guide

 

Special Olympics Sport Sciences

Additional Forms & Resources