At Special Olympics PEI we want to help our coaches become the best they can be. We are able to reimburse for all course fees and, by pre-approval, any travel/accomodation/meal associated. To this end, we offer the following resources to our coaches:
National Coaching Certification Program - Find the full list of Requirements for Coaches.
REMINDER: Volunteer Coach on-boarding process and Special Olympics requirements outlined in our current policies, and be sure to review our updated Registration Processes and Resources.
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- Submit Annual Volunteer Form and Sign the Participant Waiver and Media opt out 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).
Upcoming Courses and Coach Resources:
SOC Competition Coach Workshop
The free workshop helps prepare SO coaches for community and competitive programming by focusing on safety, fun, fitness, fundamentals, performance, and teaching fundamental skills. The material covered in this course is as follows: planning a safe practice for the SO athlete, associated disabilities, preparing for practice and emergency action plan, analyzing the SO athlete, modifying the practice for the SO athlete, and supporting the competitive environment.
Required by all Coaches and Volunteers in community/competitive sport programs.
Register by emailing mmcnally@sopei.com.
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SOC Coaching Young Athletes
This free workshop helps prepare anyone working with children with an intellectual disability. It includes content on Fundamental Movement Skills, information about Special Olympics’ athletes, and ways to modify activities and games if needed.
Required by all volunteers in youth programs.
Register by emailing mmcnally@sopei.com.
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SOPEI Online Volunteer Orientation
When: Ongoing (Only required once by each registered member)
Due: Before becoming a registered volunteer
Required by: All volunteers
Location: Special Olympics Canada's Online Volunteer Orientation
The Special Olympics Canada Volunteer Orientation course is an interactive eLearning module designed to equip volunteers with the information they need to step up their game or get started volunteering in their community. At the end of the module, participants will complete a Knowledge Check to receive credit for completing the course.
The course will take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete. Coaches can take the course online at the Special Olympics SOLearn platform. The course is free, but coaches will need to create a login.
Here are the steps you will need to take:
- Create an account at SO Learn.
- Follow the instructions in the registration confirmation e-mail that you receive.
- Click on "Orientation" from the home screen, then select "Special Olympics Canada Volunteer Orientation".
- Click on “English Course” or "Cours Français" from the orientation page and then select "Enter".
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Safe Sport Training
When: Ongoing (Only required once by each registered member)
Due: Before becoming a registered volunteer
Required by: All members
Location: The CAC Locker
Released in April 2020, this free online training on harassment and abuse is for everyone involved in sport: decision-makers, those with direct athlete contact (including caregivers), and those with no direct athlete contact. Certified coaches are also eligible for Professional Development points toward the maintenance of their certification.
This course will help you:
- Understand that everyone has a role to play in keeping sport safe, how the misuse of power leads to maltreatment and the principles of the Universal Code of Conduct.
- Understand the various types of maltreatment, the conditions that enable them, and how to recognize signs that they may be happening.
- Know what to do if you suspect maltreatment, and how you can create a culture that protects all participants.
This can be found on The CAC Locker under the eLearning tab. You will need an NCCP number to access but this can be created at no cost. If you have an NCCP number and need your password, please contact mmcnally@sopei.com! A step by step example is below:
- Complete Login with your NCCP# or email and password.
- Find the “E-Learning” section from the list of Profile Tabs.
- Select “Safe Sport Training” from the list on the left-hand side
- Select the Role(s) for which you hold in sport. Your selection will automatically trigger the appropriate version of the training.
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Making Ethical Decisions
When: Ongoing - anytime
Required by: EVERYONE (Head Coaches within 1 year and Assistant Coaches within 2 years)
Important: this course is included in the required Sport Technical for Curling, Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Cross Country Skiing, Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Softball, 5-pin, 10-pin, Rhythmic Gymnastics, and Swimming so the evaluation will be free.
Evaluation: once this course is completed you are required to complete your evaluation online to complete certification; follow the steps below:
You will need to Log-in to The Locker (if you need your NCCP# and password, email Matthew McNally) and:
- Complete Login with your NCCP# or email and password.
- Find the “Home” section or click the Home icon beside the red Profile Tab
- Select the “eLearning” option from the main screen under the navigation section.
- Select “Making Ethical Decisions (MED) online Evaluation” from the list on the left-hand side
- Select “Continue” below the Frequently Asked Questions
- Select “Begin” on the bottom right
A) If you previously took MED: You will have unlimited attempts at obtaining a passing grade of 75%
B) If you have not taken MED: There will be an $85 charge and you will have 2 attempts. Please save the receipt(s) and SOPEI will reimburse you.
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Aboriginal coaching modules
The Aboriginal Coaching Modules (ACM) responds directly to the need for a national coach training curriculum that reflects the uniqueness of Indigenous culture, values and lifestyles. Originally designed for coaches of First Nation, Métis and Inuit heritage, the program has been expanded to include non-Indigenous coaches working within Indigenous communities and with Indigenous people.
Designed to complement the NCCP certification process, the ACM is a professional development training tool for all coaches who coach Indigenous athletes. Learn more here about the general and long term objectives. Typically these modules are completed in a 1 day (8 hour) workshop but can be provided separately upon request.
The ACM is comprised of three learning modules:
Module 1: Holistic Approach to Coaching
Module 2: Dealing with Racism in Sport
Module 3: Individual and Community Health and Wellness
Open to all Coaches and Volunteers in Special Olympics.
Register by emailing mmcnally@sopei.com.
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Coaching Association of Canada Locker Modules
There are a number of modules, developed by Special Olympics Canada and/or Coaching Association of Canada that has been launched on the Locker. All four
courses are targeted at Special Olympics coaches and are being offered for free. Upon completion, it will
be recorded on the coach’s NCCP transcript. Not Required but suggested resources for managing risk at program and competitions.
You will need to Log-in to The Locker (if you need your NCCP# and password, email Matthew McNally) and select the e-learning tab.
Coaching Athletes with Down Syndrome:
Special Olympic Canada’s Coaching Athletes with Down Syndrome eLearning module is designed for those who coach athletes with Down syndrome. In this module coaches learn how to empower athletes with Down syndrome to become active and successful participants in sport. This module will take you approximately 20‐30 minutes to complete.
Coaching Athletes with Autism in a recreational setting:
In this module coaches will receive additional training regarding autism, specific to sport and coaching. The four sections will introduce coaches to autism and what it looks like in a recreation setting, 1:1 strategies for supporting individuals with ASD, and group coaching strategies for supporting individuals with autism. This module was developed in collaboration with the Canucks Autism Network. This module will take you approximately 60 minutes to complete.
Diversity and Inclusion in Action:
The Diversity and Inclusion in Action eLearning module is designed for volunteers, coaches, staff, board members, and/or other stakeholders of your organization. In this module, you will learn how to contribute to the success of an organization that reflects, respects, and promotes diversity and inclusion. This module will take you approximately 30‐40 minutes to complete.
Leading a Return to Sport Participation:
The Leading a Return to Sport Participation eLearning module is designed to help coaches lead a safe and adaptive transition back to sport. After completing this module, coaches will understand their role in facilitating this transition and learn practical advice to apply when creating their own return-to-sport plan.
The process of restarting sports activities presents significant challenges for coaches and participants. After the extended period of restricted training and competition, participants may experience various physical and psychological effects that will influence their return to sport participation.
Coaches play an important role in providing a supportive environment for participants during this transition period. This eLearning module provides guidance and resources to help coaches create a safe and adaptable return-to-sport plan.
Mental Health in Sport:
Mental health impacts the quality of life and performance of both sport participants and coaches. This eLearning module was developed to educate coaches about mental health to empower them to effectively play a role in supporting the well-being of the participants in their sport program, while also supporting their own mental health.
Sport is linked to a range of positive outcomes, including improved mental health and well-being. Coaches have a great deal of influence over participants’ mental health.
After completing the Mental Health in Sport eLearning module, you will be able to:
- Describe the foundations of mental health
- Recognize and understand your role in promoting coach and participant well-being
- Understand the importance of self-care
Coaches who are maintaining their NCCP trained or certified status will receive 1 Professional Development (PD) point upon completing this module.
This eLearning module will take approximately 45-60 minutes to complete, and is available free of charge in the Locker.
Support Through Sport Series:
Did you know 80% of teens reportedly experience some form of teen dating violence? As a coach, it’s important to be equipped with tools to understand and recognize the signs. The CAC’s new Support Through Sport eLearning series was designed to empower coaches to recognize and take action when it is suspected that a teen sport participant is involved in an unhealthy dating relationship.
Understanding Teen Dating Violence is the foundational module in this series and focuses on creating healthy environments for sport participants between the ages of 11 and 24 years. Coaches will learn to identify elements of healthy relationships, define teen dating violence, and take action when teen dating violence is suspected or known.
The 30-40 minute module is now available for free in the eLearning section of the Locker. Visit for more information, including reference materials, advocacy resources and other information.
Making Head Way:
Making head way is the national coaching certification program’s (NCCP) free, online answer to the prevalence and ambiguity of concussion in sport. parents, coaches, and athletes all benefit from knowing as much as possible about concussion and this online learning tool is designed to help coaches gain the knowledge and skills required to ensure the safety of their athletes. the making head way NCCP module covers: what to do to prevent concussions, how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion, what to do when you suspect an athlete has a concussion, and return to play and return to learn protocols.
The Ccoaching Association of Canada (CAC) and the NCCPstrive to ensure that the making head way resource is an industry-leader in providing canadians with the latest information from the international community on concussion in sport. the latest version of making head way has been updated to reflect the international consensus on concussion in sport at the 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in berlin, october 2016. for more information, visit coach.ca/concussion.
Event Location: online
Creating a Positive Sport Environment:
Participant-centered coaching strategies are an effective way to establish a safe and inclusive sport culture. By placing participants at the centre of the coaching process, coaches can promote growth and athletic development, foster creativity and learning, and protect participants from harm.
After completing the NCCP Creating a Positive Sport Environment eLearning module, you will be able to:
- Describe the characteristics and benefits of participant-centered coaching
- Explain the types of harm that may occur when a coach misuses their power and how to respond to suspicions or knowledge of maltreatment
- Use positive coaching strategies to create a positive sport environment, enhance safety, and improve learning and performance
Event Location: online
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Canadian Women and Sport - Gender EQuity LENS
When: Ongoing - Online
The Gender Equity LENS e-learning module gives you the information and tools you need to act on your commitment to gender equity, helping you make policy and program decisions to better serve women and girls in your sport. You’ll learn how to bring a gender lens to your decision-making and create the conditions to support women and girls to participate, lead and stay involved.
What is the LENS framework?
Whether we realize it or not, each of us looks at the world differently, through different lenses which shape our perceptions, attitudes, and actions. The LENS framework is a four-step process developed to help you make more equitable decisions by taking stock of the relevant issues and barriers, challenging assumptions, prioritizing your ideas, and making an action plan for equity.
Why should I take this e-learning module?
This module was designed for sport leaders and decision makers – anyone who shapes sport programming, ranging from coaches to CEOs of sport organizations. Everybody has a role to play in making sport more inclusive and reducing barriers for people who have historically been excluded, like girls and women.
What can I expect?
By taking this e-learning module, you will:
- build your understanding of key equity and inclusion concepts, including gender, intersectionality, and unconscious bias
- learn how embracing gender equity can make your sport better for all involved;
- learn how to apply our LENS framework to help you ask the right questions and challenge assumptions that keep equity out of reach; and,
- learn how to create sport environments that support women and girls to participate and lead in sport over the long term
- Receive two NCCP professional development points upon completion of the Gender Equity LENS e-learning module (if you are registered with The Locker through the Coaching Association of Canada)
More Details and to register: Visit the Canadian Women and Sport website
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Responsible COACHING MOVEMENT - Rule of Two
When: Ongoing - Online
The goal of the Rule of Two is to ensure all interactions and communications are open, observable, and justifiable. Its purpose is to protect participants (especially minors) and coaches in potentially vulnerable situations by ensuring more than one adult is present. There may be exceptions in emergency situations. Not Required but suggested resources for managing risk at program and competitions.
More Details: Visit the CAC Responsible Coaching Movement website
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Commit to kids
When: Ongoing - Online
Commit to Kids: Foundational Information for Safeguarding Children from Sexual Abuse is for individuals who work with children looking for foundational information on child sexual abuse, or those looking to refresh their knowledge on the topic. Parents who have children in child-serving organizations may also find the content relevant.
This video discusses:
- The scope of child sexual abuse
- Barriers to disclosure
- Grooming and boundary transgressions
- How you can help safeguard children from sexual abuse
Commit to Kids: Foundational Information for Safeguarding Children from Sexual Abuse results in a record of participation upon successful completion of the final quiz when a learner achieves a score of 100%.
For a more comprehensive professional development on safeguarding children from child sexual abuse, consider taking Commit to Kids online training.
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RESPECT IN SPORT
When: Ongoing - Online
Not Required but suggested resources for managing risk at program and competitions.
More Details: Visit http://respectgroupinc.com/ website for courses
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Emergency First Aid, CPR, and AED Training
When: TBD when enough interest (email mmcnally@sopei.com to be put on a contact list)
Deadline to register: September 1, 2021
Event Location: 40 Enman Crescent, Room 125 in Charlottetown, PE (Same building as SOPEI Office)
Minimum: 10
Max: 15
Cost: Free
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COACHING PEI RESOURCES and Courses
When: Ongoing
Upcoming NCCP Courses offered in PEI
Interested in becoming a vip coach? The vip program is designed to raise the bar for what it means to be a coach in PEI.
Coaches in the vip program will be leading the way in safe sport and providing environments that encourage positive growth and development in a sport setting.
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NCCP Upcoming Courses
When: Ongoing
Coaching Association of Canada Course Calender
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Special Olympics International (SOI) Resources
When: Ongoing - Online
SOI has a learning platform for coaches, volunteers, staff and athletes and are currently providing a number of courses, some for free. Coaches can explore the catalogue for courses on unified sports, health, Introduction to Intellectual Disabilities, and some sport specific content. Coaches will need to create a login to access material. Not Required but suggested resources for managing risk at program and competitions.
More Details: Visit SOI Resource website for courses
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SIRC Online Concussion Resources
When: Ongoing - Online
Not Required but suggested resources
Website: http://sirc.ca/resources/concussion
For more information, or to express interest in further training, email Matthew McNally
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CAC Suport Through Sport toolkit – NCCP Inspired Coaching Tips
When: Ongoing-Online
Not Required but suggested resources
Quick tips for coaches at all levels and abilities inspired by NCCP
More Details: CAC Support Through Sport Toolkit
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Canadian Parks and Recreation Association: HIGH FIVE Training
When: Ongoing - Online
Not Required but suggested resources
HIGH FIVE national is introducing a new virtual OnDemand training for sport coaches! Are you interested in leveling up your coaching? Or are you interested in coaching but not confident about your sport skills? Learn more about how to keep the game fun for your players while having a quality sport experience with HIGH FIVE Sport training. This training is eligible as professional development points within the National Coach Certification Program. This opportunity has been made possible through a partnership with Canadian Parks and Recreation Association. This effort supports the Government of Canada (Sport Canada) funding commitment to achieve gender equity in sport at every level by 2035.
More Details: CPRA info on the High Five Program
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Learn More!
If you have additional questions, please visit our FAQ for Volunteers and Coaches page, or give us a call at 902-368-8919.
