Philosophy:

As Special Olympics has expanded and evolved over the years, it has become clearly evident that the key to offering quality training for Special Olympics athletes is the local coach.  If coaches are educated in coaching methods and techniques, then the mission of Special Olympics in offering quality sports training and athletic competition is enhanced. Knowledgeable, motivated, and empathetic coaches are essential to improving athlete performance, fitness levels and well being through high quality training and competition experiences. The Special Olympics Coaches Education Program identifies basic standards and competencies necessary and essential for being a Special Olympics coach. Education and certification is looked at as an ongoing experience. In order to provide the best experiences for athletes, continuing coach’s education is critical.

Requirements:

• Special Olympics Hawaii (SOHI) coaches will be classified as Level 1 through 4 in each sport as determined by their level of Coaches Education and Certification.   (See chart )
• Each delegation must have a minimum of a Level 2 current certified coach for each individual sport and for each team within a team sport in order for that delegation to bring athletes to State Games in those sports. (To be implemented starting with Summer Games 2007.)
• Only a certified coach can hold the position of Head Coach.
• There will be a one year exception given to a new delegation at the discretion of the Vice President of Sports.
• Each delegation must have an active coach who has attended the Unified Sports Course in order for that delegation to bring Unified Sports teams to State Games. The Unified Sports Certified Coach must be actively involved with that Unified Sports program. (To be implemented starting with Summer Games 2007.)
• There will be a one year exception given to a new delegation at the discretion of the Vice President of Sports.
• Coaches’ certification is valid for three years from the date of the last attended certification course.
• All coaches are encouraged to attend coaches’ education clinics and courses.
• All coaches must meet “A” volunteer status before they are considered a coach.
• Coaches must become Level 2 certified in a sport in order to attend an  Advanced Coaches Clinic in that sport
• Head Coaches must be 18 years of age or older.
• Assistant Coaches must be 16 years of age or older. Volunteers younger than 16 may be considered training assistants.
• To maintain certification a coach must maintain Class “A” volunteer status and attend one of the following courses or clinics within 36 months of attending the last training.
• Basic Sports Specific Coaches Clinic (Any sport)
• Advanced Sports Specific Coaches Clinic (Any sport)
• Principles of Coaching Course
• Coaching Special Olympics Athletes Course
• Unified Sports Course
• Other SOHI sports related course
• Approved non SOHI coaches training/course
• Approved First Aid/CPR course (cannot be used for 2 consecutive recertifications)

SOHI Coaches' Education and Certification FAQ's

Course Descriptions

General Orientation
The first step in the certification process is the General Orientation. The General Orientation is a basic introduction to Special Olympics. It covers Special Olympics mission and philosophy, organizational history and structure, mental retardation and eligibility, and sports opportunities, initiatives, and rules. The General Orientation is necessary for all who are interested in working with Special Olympics athletes.

Sport-specific Skills Courses
Skills Courses (formerly Volunteer Coach) are offered in each of the sports offered in Special Olympics Hawaii. They focus on teaching the basic skills and strategies of the sport. They provide an application of the Special Olympics mission and philosophy in a sport-specific way. The Skills Courses include a classroom session and activity sessions performing the skills with the lead trainers.

Principles of Coaching Course
The Principles of Coaching Course is non-sport-specific and seeks to expand more of the sport sciences. It addresses the basic principles of coaching the Special Olympics athlete, coaching philosophy, planning and coaching administration, fitness and conditioning, and safety and risk management.

After completing each course coaches must complete a 10 hour practicum, coaching Special Olympics athletes with their newly learned skills, to complete the certification process.

Special Olympics Hawaii also offers courses on Unified Sports® and is developing Advanced Sport-specific courses. Special Olympics Hawaii has also offered the Coaches Sport Safety course through the American Red Cross, Hawaii chapter. Coaches are encouraged to participate in other approved coach's education courses from other sports organizations, on-line courses through ASEP (American Sport Education Program), and First Aid/CPR courses. All coaches receive certification through Special Olympics Hawaii after completing the course, practicum, and application.

Click here to see a calendar of upcoming training courses and competitions.

Links:
Upcoming Coaches Education Courses
Application for Sports Certification