Interested or looking to become a Coach for Special Olympics Kentucky? We welcome ages as young as 16 for Assistant Coaching Positions, and as low as 18 years of age for Head Coaching Positions. Please see the Coach Certification process below to see how you can become a Special Olympics Coach today!

Completely new to Special Olympics? Not sure what sports you would like to coach? To become connected with coaches in your area, please visit our Local Program Contact List. You can also fill out the New Volunteer Interest Form – This form will be submitted to the state office providing your interest areas and office staff will assist you in connecting with a local area program.

Coach Certification Process

1. Become a Class A Volunteer

• Complete and Submit Class “A” Volunteer Application.
  *Required every three years*
• Complete the online Volunteer Orientation Training and submit its quiz.
  *Only required once during continued involvement with SOKY*
• Complete the online Special Olympics International Protective Behaviors course.
  *Required every three years for those over the age of 18*
• Complete the online CDC’s “Heads Up” Concussion Training for SOKY and submit its quiz.
  *Required every three years for those over the age of 18*

2. Complete one of the following

• “Coaching Special Olympics Athletes” – This course is provided to Special Olympics by the American Sport Education Program online. Coaches will develop a better understanding of how people with intellectual disabilities learn and how they participate in sports. The course offers an overview of the coaching principles and successful techniques involved in working with Special Olympics athletes, as well as practical ideas that can be used during coaching. This course is offered at the cost of $16.95 paid directly to the American Sport Education Program website. (**cheaper than having to drive to a location held course)
• Complete an on-line sport certification training and quiz.

OR

• Attend an in-person sport-specific coaches’ clinic in which are held at various locations around the State for ALL SOKY offered sports. *Please visit our Coaches’ Digest page to check out our latest and upcoming sport specific clinics.

 

3. To maintain up to date SOKY Coach certification status, all coaches must recertify their coaching status from ONE of the following courses listed below every THREE YEARS:

• An Introduction to Autism and Instructional Strategies for Coaching (NEW)!!!!!!
• Coaches Clinic: Special Olympics Skills Course
• Principles of Coaching Course
• Coaching Special Olympics Athletes Course
• Unified Sports Course
• Special Olympics Tactics Course
• Special Olympics Comprehensive Mentoring
• First-Aid and CPR Course
• Officials Training or Rules Updates
• Education Updates (New Training Techniques; Safety Issues; Appropriate Techniques, etc.)
• National Governing Body Courses; National or Kentucky High School Athletic Association Coaching Courses