| -Certification Plan- | -New Coaches- | -Recertification- |

Coaches Education Plan

Explanation:

Special Olympics North America is committed to coaching excellence and development of Special Olypmics coaches. SOCT has implemented a plan to certify all coaches by 2008.
*All coaches are subject to a criminal background check.

Purpose:

The purpose of coach certification is to ensure that each has the knowledge and tools to train athletes according to sport, safety and Special Olympics guidelines. The key to improving athlete performance and well being is based on the quality of training and experience provided by the Special Olympics coach.

Certification Requirements:

Special Olympics Connecticut utilizes four coaching levels. Each level requires certain components to be completed. Below are the outlines of these levels. Recertification classes only count toward one sport. Coaches that coach multiple sports must take multiple recertification classes.
Certification lasts for four years from the date the 'application for sports training certification' is signed.

How Trainings will be offered:

The General Orientation & Preotective Behaviors course will be offered at least once a year and whenever necessary. Sports Skills classes will be offered per demand throughout the year. Check www.soct.org for upcoming General Orientation classes as well as recertification classes.

Recognition:

Once a coach has completed a level of certification they will receive a coaches credential stating which level coach they are from SOCT in recognition of their accomplishment. Coaches will also receive a gift which is as follows: Level I - Red Lanyard, Level II - Sports Pin and Bronze Strip on Credential, Level III - Coaches Binder and Silver Strip on Credential, Level - IV Coaches Bag and Gold Strip on Credential. A Gold colored Strip on a credential resembles a coach that has been coaching for more than 10 years and has taught a coaches training course.