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Volunteer as a Coach

Working as a coach with our athletes is one of the most rewarding volunteer experiences in our organization.

While some coaching or playing experience is required to be a head coach, we provide training for those with and without experience who are interested in becoming assistant coaches (and then often become head coaches). This training helps ensure our athletes are getting optimal instruction.

Note: All coaches must be at least 16 years of age.

 

Head Coach

The head coach is responsible for a team -- and all aspects of it -- just like in any other sports organization. SODE requires that all head coaches complete the Class A volunteer requirements AND strongly encourages each head coach to become certified in the sport (each team attending an event must have at least one certified coach on its coaching staff).

In addition, head coaches are expected to ensure the following responsibilities are carried out:

• Attend all sports meetings pertaining to specific sports.
• Encourage assistant coaches to become certified.
• Maintain athlete records and complete registration process for competition.
• Assess each athlete to determine appropriate skill level for competition and training.
• Develop an 8-10 week training program for the team (or each athlete for skills events) including fundamental skills, conditioning, and rules.
• Conduct well-organized practices, utilizing assistant coaches and team volunteers.
• Have complete knowledge of and abide by Sports Rules of Special Olympics.
• Attend competitions with the athletes.

Assistant Coach

• Assist in assessing each athlete to determine skill level for competition and training.
• Assist in developing 8-10 week training program for each athlete including fundamental skills, conditioning and rules.
• Attend competitions with the athletes.
• Have knowledge and abide by sports rules of Special Olympics.

 

Coaches Certification

All head and assistant coaches are encouraged to become certified in the sport(s) in which they are coaching. Each team attending a Special Olympics Delaware competition MUST have at least one certified coach on its coaching staff.

The following are the requirements to become certified in any sport:

1. Complete the volunteer requirements for all Class A volunteers.

2. Participate in the sport's annual conference call.

3. Attend a sport-specific coaches clinic in the same season as the conference call.

4. We strongly encourage all head and assistant coaches to complete the Concussion in Sports – What You Need to Know online course offered free of charge at www.nfhslearn.com.

 

For more information contact Mark Wise at 302-831-4669 or mwise@udel.edu.

Related pages on our web site that might interest you.

Volunteer Requirements