Becoming a coach with Special Olympics has many rewards. Along the way, we are always here to help. Our training programs are designed to ensure that you are able to meet the needs of any athlete involved in our organization with both confidence and skill.
Special Olympics sees our volunteers coaching in two main areas; those that are preparing athletes for Provincial, National and World Games, and those who will work with athletes in their community who wish to be active for life. For this reason, we provide coach education that focuses on reaching the potential of both athletes and coaches in these two sporting areas.
To receive sport technical knowledge, a Special Olympics coach must also participate in the sport-specific workshop. These workshops provide the necessary knowledge in order to coach the technical aspects of the sport. Special Olympics Canada does not run workshops pertaining to the technical aspects of Special Olympics sports. This is accomplished through our partnerships with national sport organizations (NSOs) and provincial/territorial sport organizations (P/TSOs).
REMINDER: Volunteer Coach on-boarding process and Special Olympics requirements outlined in our current policies
- Submit Annual Volunteer Form
- Submit Criminal Record Check (age 18+ only) every year for the first 3 years, and every 3 years for volunteers who are active 3+ years.
- New Volunteers must complete the Online SOPEI Orientation.
- All volunteers that are designated as head/assistant coaches in your program must complete required NCCP training – Head Coaches (within 1 year) Assistant Coaches (within 2 years).
Training Requirements
Youth Head Coach
- Special Olympics Canada Coaching Young Athletes Workshop
- NCCP Multi-Sport Fundamentals Movement Skills
Community Sport Coach
- Special Olympics Canada Community Coach Workshop
- Making Ethical Decisions Online Evaluation
Competitive Sport Coach
- Special Olympics Canada Competition Sport Coach Workshop
- Making Ethical Decisions Online Evaluation
- NCCP Minimum Sport Specific Technical Training or Coaching Hours (for National / International Games)
Looking for more information?
More information and resources for volunteers and coaches is available on our Resources for Volunteers and Coaches page.
Please contact us today with any questions you have on your coach education pathway!
