Coach Training & Certification
Become a Class A Coach by completing steps 1 - 4 below. Want to step up your coaching game? Become certified with steps 5 - 6. Our Coach Certification program prepares and educates Special Olympics coaches who want to improve their coaching skills, and better understand how to lead and support Special Olympics athletes.
How to Become a Coach
Step 1: Find Your Program
To get connected as a new volunteer coach, first find Special Olympics near you and contact your Region Director or Area leadership.
Step 2: Complete the Class A Process
All coaches must complete the Class A Process before completing the additional trainings required for coaching.
Step 3: Complete Volunteer General Orientation
Want to take your coaching status to the next level? With just a few more courses under your belt, you can go from a Class A Coach to a Certified Coach in no time. All Certified Coaches must complete the Special Olympics Volunteer General Orientation training and the post-training quiz.
Step 4: Take Concussion Training
All coaches must complete the CDC’s Heads Up Concussion Training course located in the SO Learning Portal. Simply log in and if you don’t see the course in your “My Learning” section, visit the Sport section of the courses catalogue. We will be notified upon your completion so no need to submit your certificate. *This is the final step to become a Class A Coach. To up your coaching game, advance to a Certified Coach with steps 4 & 5.
Step 5: Get Certified (Update Coming Soon)
Coaches with no sports background take a skills course in the sport they coach OR coaches with sports background take our Coaching Special Olympics Athletes course.
Additional Certifications
If you have completed any non Special Olympics coach training (e.g. CPR, First Aid) that you would like us to know about, simply fill out this form and we will gladly update your volunteer profile. *Trainings must be current and active.
Want to up your coaching game?
Check out our Coaches Training Library for additional courses to enhance your coaching skills.