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
COACHES CERTIFICATION GOAL
By end of year 2018, Special Olympics Connecticut Local Programs will have 100% of all head coaches of registered teams reach certified coach status.
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 Rachael: [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
- 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 Rachael Polansky at [email protected] or Marc Mercadante at [email protected]
Helpful Coaching Resources
Upcoming Trainings & Events
SWIMMING
Sunday, April 7
11:30 AM- 3:30 PM
Riverbrook YMCA
404 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT 06897
Click HERE to register by April 1st!
ATHLETICS
Sunday, April 14
11:30 AM- 4:00 PM
Wilton HS Field House
395 Danbury Rd, Wilton, CT 06897
Click HERE to register by April 8th!
For a list of all events and training workshops visit our calendar!
Coaches Meetings & Tutorials
2019 Summer Games Coaches Meeting
Saturday, March 16th
10 AM- 12PM
Quinnipiac, North Haven Campus
370 Bassett Rd, North Haven, CT 06473
To view the powerpoint presentation, click HERE.
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,Artistic |
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 |