Become a Coach

 

 The Better the Coach, The Better the Experiences, The Better the Athlete

 

Why Become a Special Olympics Wyoming Coach?

Interested in hosting a coaches training in your community? Check out the requirements.

We rely on nearly a thousand volunteers throughout the year to give their time, knowledge and spirit to coach our Special Olympics Wyoming athletes. Coaching is open to everyone- past and current coaches, past and current athletes, or people with or without any sports experience who just want to help out!

Coaches play an indispensible role in Special Olympics, and coaching education helps to ensure each coach and athlete has the best sport experience possible. Special Olympics Wyoming is happy to teach you what you need to know to enjoy your experience and make a significant difference in the lives of our athletes and families

Coach Code of Conduct located here. 

Coach Responsibilities:
  • Assist athletes in developing sports skills and applying them during competitions
  • Build confidence and self-esteem through sport
  • Organize and conduct an 8-10 week sports training program
  • Teach all coaching staff and athletes the rules of the sport

How Do I Become a Coach?

If you're not currently involved with a Special Olympics team, the first step is to fill out the Volunteer Interest Survey. Speicial Olympics Wyoming will forward your interest to the Local Coordinator in your area. You’ll work with the local coordinator about their volunteer/coach needs.

After communicating with the local coordinator or if you are already involved with a team, a coach needs the following before working with athletes:

STEP 1: COMPLETE GENERAL COACH REQUIREMENTS (SPORT ASSISTANT REQUIREMENTS):
  • Class A Volunteer Registration Form
    • A background check will be conducted on individuals 18 years of age and older.
    • The volunteer application must be resubmitted every three (3) years.
  • Online Protective Behaviors Training.
    • This training is required every three (3) years.
  • Online Concussion Training (2 options) 
    • Through the Special Olympics Learning Portal (select "Heads Up Coaches Concussions in Youth Sports").
    • Through the NFHS (select Wyoming at the top then "order course" [it's free]). 
    • This training is required every three (3) years.
  • Communicable Diseases Form  
    • This form needs resubmitted every three (3) years 
STEP 2: WORK THROUGH THE COACHING PROGRESSION AS OUTLINED BELOW
SPECIAL OLYMPICS U.S. PROGRAMS - COACHING PROGRESSION

While some volunteers may choose to remain a Sport Assistant, others may strive to increase their level coaching and sports specific knowledge. Volunteers who wish to increase their coaching skills can progress through the levels of certification outlined below.

SPORT ASSISTANT

Entry Level Requirements

  • Class A Form/Complete Background Check
  • Communicable Disease Waiver
  • Protective Behaviors Training
  • Concussion Course
LEVEL 1 - CERTIFIED COACH

Core Coaching Knowledge

Traditional Special Olympics | Unified Sports

  • All Sport Assistant Requirements
  • Coaching Special Olymics Athletes - online via Special Olympics Learning Portal or in person training conducted by certified trainer.
  • Coaching Unified Sports - online course course via course NFHS or in person training conducted by certified trainer.
LEVEL 2 - CERTIFIED COACH*

Sports Specific Knowledge

Traditional Special Olympics | Unified Sports

  • All Level 1 Requirement
  • Sports Specific Course 
    • OPTION #1: For Volunteers without prior sports experience or certification
      • Attend a Special Olympcis Wyoming Coaches Training or complete an online training for those sports where online courses have been developed (see below)
    • OPTION #2: For volunteers with prior sports certification from an outside agency or with extensive sports experience 
      • Complete the Application for  Alternate Coach Sports Specific Certification and email to Amber Bliss, Vice President of Programs 
        • In recognition of volunteer coaches with formal sport education, Special Olympics Wyoming provides an application for Alternate Head Coach Certification. To obtain a three-year sport specific Head Coach Certification, a coach can submit an application listing sport specific and educational levels achieved outside of Special Olympics Wyoming

* NOTE: Level required of Head Coaches attending USA National Games in the specific sport being conducted.

LEVEL 3 - CERTIFIED COACH**

Advanced Coaching Knowledge

**NOTE: Level required of Head Coaches attending World Games

 Online Sports Certification Courses

*** Any associated cost with these courses  will not be reimbursed by Special Olympics Wyoming.