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
Special Olympics Sport Rules & Resources
Resources listed will help coaches team and season plan. These resources are updated by season.
Sport Rules & Resources
Safety Guidelines for Cold Weather
Coach Education Progression
Coaches Corner Discussions
Special Olympics International official rule books
Special Olympics Montana basketball modification rules
Basketball Warm up Guide
Basketball Cool Down Guide
Protest form
Special Olympics Unified Models
How To Score Bocce
Maximum Effort Rule
Special Olympics International Coaching Guides and Resources
Practice Plan (Blank)
Universal Sign Language and Sign Language Apps for Sports
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
