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Become a Coach
Purpose of Becoming a Certified Special Olympics Coach
The purpose of the Special Olympics Colorado coach certification program is to ensure that each coach has the knowledge and tools to train athletes according to sport, safety and Special Olympics guidelines.
Timeline
All coaching certifications will begin January of 2011. Certifications will be good for 3 years. You are able to move from a Level I coach to a Level II coach once all requirements have been met. All paperwork and requirements must be submitted by the volunteer in order to be considered for certifications.
By 2012 ALL TEAMS MUST have a certified coach on the roster. New coaches have 1 year to become certified.
Age Requirement
Head Coaches (Level II & III) must be at least 18 years old to be certified. Anyone 16 years and up may serve as an Assistant Coach (Level I).
Certification Levels:
All coaches, regardless of level, must have their Class A Volunteer Application paperwork submitted and have passed the background check to become certified.
Level I Coach (Assistant Coach) For all individuals training athletes in a sport. Level I certification consists of the following components:
- Class A Volunteer Application and approved background check
- General Orientation – An introduction to Special Olympics and to the program and structure in Colorado
- Protective Behaviors – Online education on how to recognize and handle signs of abusive behavior
- Sports-specific Skills Course – Specific instruction and quiz on the sport and modifications within Special Olympics
- Ten Practicum Hours – Time spent training Special Olympics Athletes.
**All of the above requirements, except the practicum hours, should be completed prior to coaching Special Olympics Athletes.
- Once completed, return the Level I Application to Special Olympics Colorado.
Level II Coach (Head Coach) Certification to become a Level II Coach consists of the following components:
- All Level I Coaching Requirements, including the Level I Application
- Principles of Coaching – Education regarding the sport management team approach to recruitment and sport development, how to enhance athlete performance and application of basic principles of coaching.
- Coaching Special Olympics Athletes – a more in-depth training about how to work with Special Olympics Athletes, recognize and accommodate their needs in the sport and provide them with an effective sport training and competition experience.
- Once completed, return the Level II Application to Special Olympics Colorado.
Level III Coach (Master Coach) Certification to become a Level III Coach consists of the following components:
- All Level II Coaching Requirements, including the Level I & Level II Applications
- First Aid/CPR Training
- 3 full seasons as a Level II Coach in a specific sport
- Once completed, return the Level III Application to Special Olympics Colorado.
Recertification
Certifications are valid for three years. Please visit our Existing Coach Recertification page to learn how to recertify.
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