Coaches are 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.
Are you new to Special Olympics Minnesota?
If you’re interested in being a coach, a team assistant or a Unified Partner and have not been in contact with a delegation or team, please complete our interest form.
You can also check out the volunteer roles available on our Volunteers page!
Are you connected with a Special Olympics Minnesota team?
Are you an existing coach?
Do you need to update your Level 1 certification?
All coaches who work with athletes need to be Level 1 certified. Level 1 certified coaches can coach any sport.
Step 1: Complete the online volunteer application
You’ll receive an email from [email protected] (General Information Services (GIS)) to complete your background check. If you need a printable PDF, please contact [email protected]
Step 2: Complete the online level 1 certification course and quiz
This training is designed for new coaches, and current coaches who need to renew their Protective Behaviors training. General Orientation, Protective Behaviors and Concussion are all included in the Level 1 training.
Step 3: Renew Background Check
Existing volunteers that have questions regarding their background check can contact their delegation or email [email protected]
Do you want to become level 2 certified in a specific sport?
Do you want to renew your level 2 certification?
Coaches who are level 2 certified in multiple sports can get recertified online. To do this, coaches must complete one recertification course and take a recertification quiz for each sport. Coaches who need to get recertified in gymnastics please contact [email protected] in order to update their certification.
Option 1: Online training
Online trainings are available in:
Option 2: Attend an in-person training
Special Olympics Minnesota has a brand new annual Coaches Leadership Conference. An in-person training must be attended to become Level 2 certified in gymnastics and tennis. Contact [email protected] to request a training.
Coach Items
Each coach who becomes Level 2 certified or recertified in a sport is able to order one coach item per calendar year. The link to order a coach item is available at the end of the Level 2 training. Please note: If you have not completed a Level 2 training or recertification course this year, or if you have already received an item for the year, you will not be shipped an item. Level 1 certifications do not qualify to receive a coach item.
Additional training & resources
Continuing education courses for recertification
Resources for coaches from Special Olympics Inc.
Positive Coach Alliance Development Zone