Coaches 

Weekend athlete? Former high school or college player? Pure lover of sport? Our coaches run the gamut. At present over 850 Florida residents have made the decision to enrich a Special Olympics athlete's life by becoming a certified coach. An additional 2,000 Floridians serve in coaching capacities throughout the state. Come join us and get inspired!
 
Coaches are the key to a successful sports experience for the Special Olympics athlete.
 
Please view the complete list of Sports.

Coaching Opportunities

HEAD COACH

Undergoes classroom and hands on training and certification process, within one year of becoming involved as a coach, designed specifically for the needs of an intellectually disabled athlete. For complete details on the certification process, please contact us.

• Primary contact person for sport.
• Maintains athletes' records and completes registration process for competition.
• Works with Special Olympics staff to select training site and time.
• Organizes practices with other coaches and all athletes.
• Attends competitions with the athletes.
• Liaison for upcoming Coaches Training and Certification schools, encourages assistant coaches to become certified.

ASSISTANT COACH

• Undergoes one-day certification within his/her sport within one year of becoming involved as a coach.
• Assesses each athlete to determine skill level for competition and training.
• Develops eight-week training program for each athlete including fundamental skills, conditioning, and rules.
• Has complete knowledge and abides by Sports Rules of Special Olympics.

SPORT VOLUNTEER

• Is not required to become certified, helps out with practices.
• Assists coach with assessing athlete skills.
• Not necessarily expert in sport but comes to practice 75% of the time.
• Does not travel to competitions unless asked by head coach.

Interested In Coaching?

Please contact us and your information will be forwarded to your local Special Olympics office.