Become a Coach
Coaches play an indispensable role in Special Olympics around the world. They provide the sports skills and spirit that define a true athlete; they're role models and character builders. Coaches give Special Olympics athletes the most immediate awareness of their own worth, ability, courage and capacity to grow and improve.
Each team is required to have level 1 and level 2 certified coaches. Please check with the head coach or head of delegation to see if you should become level 1 or level 2 certified. If you are not affiliated with a team, contact Jay Pedersen at jay.pedersen@somn.org or 612-604-1267.
Steps to Becoming a Special Olympics Minnesota Coach
Review the 2012 Coach Certification Paperwork (PDF).
Download the Becoming a Coach handbook (PDF).
Level 1 Certification
All coaches working with athletes need to be Level I certified. Level 1 coaches can coach any sport.
- Complete the Volunteer Application.
- Complete the online Level 1 training course.
Level 2 Certification
If you wish to become level 2 certified in a specific sport you must attend the training school for that sport.
- Complete level 1 certification paperwork (see above).
- Attend a sport-specific training school.
Coaches become level 2 certified at the end of a training school.
Level 2 Recertification
Level 2 certification is good for three years. Coaches who are level 2 certified in multiple sports can get recertified for all of their sports at the same time. To do this, coaches must complete one recertification course, complete one recertification application, and take a recertification quiz for each sport.
- Attend a Recertification Course, which could be First Aid, CPR, AED, Crisis Prevention, Principles of Coaching, a Fall or Spring coaches meeting, the Leadership Conference in September, an ASEP online course, lifeguard certification, continuing education course, or a different course that applies to working with Special Olympics athletes.
- Complete the Recertification Application - the 10 hour practicum is no longer required for recertification.
- Complete the Recertification Quiz on our Online Learning page.
Additional Training and Certification Questions
Additional training opportunities and level 3 certification courses are offered at the Leadership Conference each year.
For more information, contact Mark Anderson at mark.anderson@somn.org or 612-604-1266.
