Coaches Corner
"The key to improving athlete performance and well-being is based on the quality of sport training and experiences provided by the local Special Olympics coach.
"Coach" refers to an individual who assumes responsibility for athletes, actively trains athletes, and coaches them in competitions [the Class A Volunteer].
The Special Olympics North America Coach Education System identifies basic standards and competencies necessary and essential for being a Special Olympics coach."
- Special Olympics North American Coach Education System
COMING UP SOON!
Special Olympics Connecticut will be hosting a Virtual Fitness Coaches Training on Wednesday, November 18th at 6:30 pm. This training will count for coach re-certification in your sports if your certification expires within the next 3 months. This training will go over the importance of fitness for SOCT athletes and various ways that you can implement fitness into your practices. This is also a chance for coaches to share any ideas they have about including fitness at their practices.
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEldO-tqD4tGNbJVYVcdI7D4REY2qXbJBaA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
If you have any questions, please reach out to
Nicole Batista- [email protected]
Derrick Ford- [email protected]
Marc Mercadante- [email protected]
Becoming a Special Olympics Certified Head Coach
To receive Special Olympics head coach certification, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and successfully complete the following:
1. Complete the Class A Volunteer form, the online Protective Behaviors training and a General Orientation that provides a basic introduction to Special Olympics Connecticut.
2. Complete Concussion Awareness Training.
- To take the "Heads Up Concussion in Youth Sports" on the CDC website, please click here.
-To take the course on the NFHS website, please click here.
**Please email your completed course certificate to Derrick Ford: [email protected]
3. Attend and participate in a Special Olympics Connecticut approved sports-specific Coaches Training School or Clinic. Special Olympics Connecticut Sports Coach Certifications are good for three years from the date of the Coaches training.
4. Head Coach Re-Certification
Special Olympics Connecticut coaches can get re-certified by completing one of the following:
- Attend another Special Olympics Connecticut sports-specific Coaches Training School.
- Complete an online Coaches Education Course and submit proof the course was taken. These courses include Coaching Unified Sports®, Coaching Athletes with Autism and Principles of Coaching Course
- Complete a First Aid/CPR class (If you participate in a coaches training in any sport(s) for two consecutive years, to become re-certified you may take a First Aid/CPR course which will extend your certification in the sport(s) for two more years.)
- Attend a local or national governing body sport-specific Coaches Clinic
- Complete an online Sports Clinic if offered by Special Olympics Connecticut or Special Olympics North America
For more information, contact Derrick Ford: [email protected] or Marc Mercadante [email protected]
Helpful Coaching Resources
Upcoming Trainings & Events
Coaches Meetings & Tutorials
Check back for upcoming meetings!
SOCT Sports Rules & Coaches Guides
Alpine Skiing |
Athletics
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Basketball |
Bocce |
Bowling |
Croquet |
Cross Country
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Curling
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Cycling
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Figure Skating |
Flag Football |
Floor Hockey |
Golf |
Gymnastics,ArtisticRules (Women) |
Gymnastics,
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Powerlifting |
Sailing |
Snowboarding |
Snowshoeing
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Soccer |
Softball |
Speed Skating |
Swimming
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Tennis |
Triathlon |
Volleyball |