Coaches
Coaches teach the skills, attitude, values and spirit that define a true athlete. They are role models and character-builders both on and off the field of play.
As a Special Olympics coach, you bring enthusiasm, commitment and a positive attitude to each practice, event and competition. You will enrich the lives of your athletes in many life-changing ways. The skills and confidence that an athlete learns through sports have a long and lasting effect. They can help them succeed in school, get a job and find confidence in social situations and in life.
- Assist athletes in learning sports skills and applying them in competitions.
- Encourage confidence and self-esteem through sport.
- Obtain necessary facilities and equipment for training.
- Make training and competition an educational, safe, and fun experience.
Coaches Education
Ongoing coaches education is the most significant factor in the improved training of athletes.
- To provide every coach working in a sport with a basic knowledge of that sport (events, rules, basic skills and how to teach those skills).
- To provide all coaches with knowledge about Special Olympics, its history, philosophy and goals.
- To provide all coaches with knowledge about persons with intellectual disabilities and the current trends in this field.
- To provide coaches with information on sports injury, risk management and providing a safe environment.

- To provide a practical experience coaching Special Olympics athletes, in order to put into practice information provided by the Coaches Education Program.
- To provide coaches with general knowledge about the art and science of coaching sports.
Get Started
To volunteer as a Coach or Unified Partner, complete this form and submit to your Head of Delegation (if assigned to a team) or Area Director.
Online Training
The following online trainings are required. Please click on the links at the top of each column to access each training.
Who | Volunteer Form | General Orientation | Protective Behaviors | Concussion Training | Unified Sports |
Head of Delegation | x | x | x | x | |
Head Coach (traditional) | x | x | x | x | |
Head Coach (unified) | x | x | x | x | x |
Assistant Coach | x | x | x | x | |
Unified Partner (adult) | x | x | x | ||
Unified Partner (under 18) | x | ||||
Chaperone | x | x | x |
Upon completion of trainings, submit your certificates for your Protective Behaviors, Concussion, and Unified training (if applicable) to your Head of Delegation (if assigned to a team) or Area Director.
Certified Coaches
To become a Certified Coach, you must complete all trainings and attend a coaches clinic. Coaches training are
valid for 3 years. The list below indicates all coaches with a valid Class A Form. If you are not on the list, please contact your Area Director with an updated Class A Form.
Contact
For more information about coaching within the Special Olympics Hawaiʻi program please contact an Area Director near you.
Forms & Resources
- Adult Unified Partner and Volunteer Form 2019
- SOHI Class A and Coach Certification Info 2020
- Youth Unified Partner and Volunteer Form 2019