COACHES
Coaches serve as role models and character builders, giving Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) athletes awareness of their worth, ability, courage and capacity to grow and improve. Special Olympics Arizona coaches also have a direct impact on athletes’ lives by helping them acquire skills that can influence their abilities to obtain employment, succeed in school and achieve personal goals.
A coach is a key figure in an athlete’s life, providing the sports skills and spirit that define a true athlete.
At Special Olympics Arizona, we need your energy and time to help bring out the best in someone else. Our athletes have unlimited enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a great amount of joy to share. Coaching for Special Olympics will renew your love of playing and competing just for the fun of it.
If you are interested in becoming a coach, see our general orientation below.
COACHES RESOURCES
All Special Olympics Volunteer Coaches are required to complete the General Orientation and Protective Behaviors online training courses and clear a criminal background check.
GENERAL ORIENTATION
Follow the link below to begin the online General Orientation Training. This training is an introduction to and overview of the Special Olympics organization. The General Orientation is necessary for all who are interested in working with SOAZ athletes and want to help drive the Special Olympics movement. The General Orientation Training is valid for a lifetime.
PROTECTIVE BEHAVIORS
Follow the link below to go to the Special Olympics Protective Behaviors Training Website. Results from this training will be routed to the SOAZ state office for certification records. The objective of this training is the prevention of sexual, physical and emotional abuse of Special Olympics athletes. Protective Behaviors training is valid for three years.
AMERICAN SPORT EDUCATION PROGRAM
ASEP offers online sport-specific courses at low cost for Special Olympics coaches’ continuing education. All of these sports courses satisfy Special Olympics coach re-certification requirements.
Visit the ASEP website for more information.
CONCUSSION TRAINING
NFHS has teamed up with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to educate coaches, officials, parents, and students on the importance of proper concussion recognition and management in high school sports. Special Olympics requires this training to be taken by all coaches. Follow the link below to begin the online National Federation of State High School Associations Concussion Training.
COACHING UNIFIED SPORTS TRAINING
Note when you get to the last slide, you MUST hit CONTINUE two times, answer a survey then hit CONTINUE again. You have completed the course when you see CONGRATULATIONS on completing this course.
COACHES RECERTIFICATION OPTIONS
Being a Special Olympics coach can be one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime for both you and the athletes you mentor. Special Olympics coaches often find that the personal rewards received are equal to or even outweigh the benefits they offer the athletes.
Make a difference. Become a Special Olympics Coach today!
IN-PERSON TRAINING
Dates, times and locations will be posted when available. Read COVID-19 Updates and Return To Play Policies for the most up-to-date information.
