Q. Why is this new program being implemented?
A. To ensure that athletes are getting quality coaching, to recognize coaches for their dedication, and to create an identifiable standard of coaching within Special Olympics Hawaii (SOHI).

Q.When does all of this take effect?
A. The new Coaches Education and Certification Program officially began with the 2006 Spring Season. However, mandatory certification will not be enforced until 2007.

Q.Do all of my coaches have to be certified?
A. No. Starting in 2007 each team attending a State Games will be required to have a head coach who is at least a current Level 2 certified coach in that sport. (Applies to Softball, Soccer, and Basketball) Likewise, each Delegation will be required to have at least a current Level 2 sport-specific certified head coach for each of its individual sports. (Applies to Powerlifting, Swimming, Track and Field, Bocce, and Bowling). Each relay, Bocce, or Bowling team does not need a certified Head Coach, just one per delegation.  

Q. If I am certified in one sport, does that cover me for all sports?
A. No. Levels of certification are sport-specific and are based on the courses or clinics attended. See the Coaches Education and Certification Table.

Q. If I am already certified, do I have to go through the process again?
A. No. If you are already certified, you are still certified unless it has been over 3 years since you last attended a clinic or course.  Your certification is valid for 3 years from the date of the last clinic you attended. 

Q. If I attend a Coaches clinic or course, does that mean I’m certified?
A. No.  If this is your first time attending a coach’s clinic or course, you must still complete the 10 hour Practicum coaching athletes, and submit your Application for Certification form to the SOHI state office in order to become certified. Coaches must also have met Class “A” Volunteer requirements to become a certified coach. 

Q. What is a Class “A” volunteer?
A.   A Class “A” volunteer has submitted a signed Volunteer Information form, has attended a General Orientation and Protective behaviors training, and has an approved background check completed by the SOHI state office.

Q. What is a Practicum?
A.  A Practicum is 10 hours of coaching Special Olympics athletes following the sport-specific coaches’ clinic. Practicum hours must be documented on the Application for Certification.

Q. Do previous hours of coaching experience count toward my practicum requirement?
A.   No. Practicum hours must take place after the coaches’ clinic has been attended. 

Q. When will I receive my certificate? Do I always have to complete the Application for Certification?
A. Coaches receive their certificate immediately after the clinic or course unless they are attending their first Basic sport-specific course. If it is their first course they must complete the Practicum and submit the Application for Certification.Coaches will only have to submit the Application for Certification one time.

Q. When will I receive my SOHI Coaches t-shirt or polo?
A. T-shirts are receivedat the completion of any sport-specific Basic course. Polos are received at the completion of Advanced clinics or when attaining level 3 status at Principles of Coaching.

Q. When will I receive my lanyard and certified coaches’ card?
A.  If you are achieving level 2 status, you will receive your lanyard and card when you turn in your Application for Coaching Certification, which includes the Practicum.  If you are achieving level 3 or 4 status, you will receive your updated card after meeting all requirements.

Q. What does the “(c)” stand for at the end of my level of certification on my card?
A. The“(c)” stands for conditional, meaning you have attended all the required clinics but have not attained the required amount of years coaching in your sport.  You will receive an updated card once you have completed the state games for the required amount of seasons for your level and in your sport.

Q. Do I have to attend a sport-specific coach’s course to re-certify in a particular sport?
A. No. Re-certification guidelines are much broader. You can re-new your certification by attending any clinic or course, or by attending some sort of other sports-related educational course. Guidelines for re-certification are available on the Coaches Education page (SOHI suggests that you get prior approval from the SOHI Sports Dept. at sports@specialolympicshawaii.org if you’re not sure). 

Q. What if I can’t come to the clinic the day it is offered to get or renew my certification?
A.  You may have a one year grace period based on the discretion of the VP of Sports; you must officially request the grace period. Mandatory certification will not be enforced until 2007

Q.What if my certified coach has an emergency and is unable to attend the State Games?  
A. A process is being developed that will allow a substitute of another certified coach to attend as a substitute (the substitute coach must be certified, although not specifically in that sport).   

Q.  How can I find out what certifications my coaches have? 
A. The list of active coaches is located on the SOHI website at www.specialolypmicshawaii.org

Q. How can I ensure that my Delegation is not denied attendance at a State Games due to not meeting the certification requirement?
A.   There are a few ways.  First, check your list of coaches on the website prior to the start of the season.  There is also an email reminder sent to Area Directors and Heads of Delegations listing delegations who will not qualify for state games unless they send a coach to that season’s clinic at the same time the clinic registration form is sent out.  Coaches needing re-certification will be sent a personal reminder via email or mail if no email is available. It is the delegations responsibility to make sure their coaches have met the certification requirements.