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.
To volunteer as a YOUTH volunteer or Unified Partner, complete this form and submit to your Head of Delegation (if assigned to a team) or Area Director.
Volunteer & Coaches Certification Requirements
To view information on the Volunteer and Coaches Certification process, please see here.
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 | Communicable Disease Waiver | General Orientation | Protective Behaviors | Concussion Training | Unified Sports |
| Head of Delegation | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Head Coach (traditional) | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Head Coach (unified) | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Assistant Coach (all ages) | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Unified Partner (adult) | x | x | x | x | x | |
| Unified Partner (under 18) | x | x | x | x | ||
| Chaperone | x | 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
