Q. Why has this program been 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.Do all coaches have to be certified?
A. No. For team sports (Softball, Soccer, and Basketball) 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. For Individual Sports (Powerlifting, Swimming, Track and Field, Bocce, and Bowling) each Delegation will be required to have at least a current Level 2 certified coach in that sport. 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. How long does a certification last?
A. Your certification is valid for 3 years. Example: Certifications from a 2009 Coaches Clinic is valid for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 seasons for that sport.

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. Do I have to do the 10 hour Practicum and submit the Application for Certification for every sport?
A. No. The Practicum and Application only need to be completed for your first sport certification. Attendance at subsequent clinics will mean automatic certification for that sport and will renew all previous unexpired certifications. 

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. 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. ). 

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.

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 certified coaches is located on the SOHI website at http://www.specialolympicshawaii.org/sports-coachlist.htm. Information about certifications can also be obtained by contacting volunteers@specialolympicshawaii.org. It is the delegations responsibility to make sure their coaches have met the certification requirements.