Training and Certification Process
Volunteers Not Already Assigned to a Program
If you are brand new to Special Olympics Delaware - Welcome! Please contact Mark Wise (302-831-4669 or mwise@udel.edu) to learn about dates for our General Orientation.
Goals of Training and Certification
Ongoing coaches education is the most significant factor in the improved training of athletes in any sports organization, and Special Olympics is no differerent.. The goals of the Special Olympics Coaches Education program are:
- To provide every coach working in a sport with a basic knowledge of that sport (events, rules, basic skills and how to teach those skills).
- To provide all coaches with knowledge about Special Olympics, its history, philosophy and goals.
- To provide all coaches with knowledge about persons with intellectual disabilities and the current trends in this field.
- To provide all coaches with information on sports injury, risk management and providing a safe environment.
- To provide a practical experience coaching Special Olympics athletes, in order to put into practice information provided by the Coaches Education Program.
Special Olympics' Coaches Certification program is designed to ensure that all persons involved with the coaching of Special Olympics athletes have a minimum base of knowledge about the sport(s) they coach.
- Each training program is required to have a minimum of one sports-specific certified coach present at the competition for each sport in which the program is participating.
- Coaches new to Special Olympics must take part in the certification process within one year of becoming a coach..
- Coaches who are currently certified have to renew their sports-specific certification every 4 years, either by taking a more advanced level of Special Olympics coaches training, or by taking an approved non-Special Olympics course.
Coach Certification Process
- Take the Team Volunteer On-line Training
- Attend Sports Specific Clinic
- Complete 10 hours of practical coaching experience with Special Olympics athletes in the sport for which they are seeking certification
- Submit a completed Application for Special Olympics Certification
Motor activity training program Coach Certification Process
- Take the Team Volunteer On-line Training
- Attend a M.A.T.P. Training School
- Complete 10 hours of practical coaching experience in the M.A.T.P. with Special Olympics athletes.
- Submit a completed Application for Special Olympics Certification.
Course Descriptions
Team Volunteer On-Line Training
This on-line course will present information on Special Olympics athletes, sports training and competition and the responsibilities associated with working with our athletes. Team Volunteer On-line Training
Sports-Specific Clinic
A two-hour hands-on clinic designed to give coaches w working knowledge of the sport including rules, basic skills and how to teach those skills. Clinicians include high school and collegiate coaches and their players. Local Special Olympics athletes are an integral part of the clinic.
Principles of Coaching Seminar
This optional (can be applied toward re-certification) 6-hour seminar provides an advanced view of coaching sports, looking at philosophy and science of coaching athletes in addition to information on sports injury, risk management and providing a safe environment.
Unified Sports® Orientation
Required for all Unified Partners; provides training on the goals, philosophy, rules and is essential for coaches and athlete partners who are involved with Unified Sports®. This training is often offered as part of a sports clinic.
MATP Training School
Provides an overview on the goals and philosophy of the M.A.T.P., working with the population participating in the M.A.T.P., and suggested activities and how to organize a M.A.T.P. Training Day.