It’s Fun & Rewarding
Coach With Us
Coaching with Special Olympics is one of the most vital and fulfilling volunteer roles in our organization. You’ll learn inclusive coaching techniques and valuable strategies for fostering a positive environment. We offer comprehensive training, allowing you to focus on your passion. Whether you’re an experienced coach or new to the field, you’ll receive ongoing support and networking opportunities to make a lasting impact on our remarkable athletes’ lives. Beyond coaching, it’s an opportunity to help our athletes expand their skills, build confidence, and develop a newfound sense of self-worth. Use your gifts to encourage athletes with disabilities while fostering a more inclusive community across the Hoosier state.
Coach Spotlight
Tito
Castillo
For nearly a decade, Coach Tito has walked the sidelines for ROD basketball. He volunteers his time and energy to share his love of sports with the athletes. And he asks just one thing back: “Smiles.” Tito does not have a family member in the program, which makes his journey different than many coaches. He could not imagine better front-row seats to any other team. His approach is compete hard, have fun and maintain perspective. Sounds like a winning formula.
Coaches interest form
Complete this form to express interest in becoming a coach for Special Olympics Indiana.
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State Office Contact
Review Your Eligibility
Levels & Requirements
To be a coach with Special Olympics Indiana, there are certification requirements. View specifications below.
Sport Assistant
Entry Level Requirements
All SOIN coaches must achieve Sport Assistant, which consists of these requirements.:
- Coach Volunteer Orientation: Contains information about Special Olympics Indiana mission, history, organization, eligibility and sports programs. This training is a one time-training.
- Protective Behavior: Focuses on the prevention of abuse of Special Olympics athletes. This training must be repeated every three years.
- Concussion Awareness: Provided courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and helps prepare volunteers in the event that an athlete or Unified partner suffers a concussion. This training must be repeated every three years.
- Athlete and Volunteer Code of Conduct: Review and check that you understand the code of conduct expected of every volunteer.
- Release and Liability: Review and check the box that you understand the release of liability by becoming a volunteer.
Level 1
Level 1: Certified Coach
Core Coaching Knowledge
For coaches to achieve Level 1 certification, they must be a Class A Volunteer/Sport Assistant and complete the following online courses:
- All Sport Assistant requirements
- Coaching Special Olympics — FREE
- Coaching Unified Sports® (from the NFHS Learning Center)
If you are not a coach, but would like to become one, click here to start the Level 1 certification process.
Level 2
Level 2: Certified Coach*
Intro Sports Specific Knowledge
For coaches to achieve Level 2 certification, they must have a Level 1 certification and complete the following courses:
- All Level 1 requirements
- Online or in-person classroom Sport Specific Introduction Course – Required Annually
Level 3
Level 3: Certified Coach**
Advanced Coaching Knowledge
For coaches to achieve Level 3 certification, they must have level 2 certification and complete the following courses:
- All Level 2 requirements
- In Person training conducted by a SOIN approved trainer (minimum 2 hours)
** Note: Level required of Head Coaches attending USA Games.
World Games Certified Coach
For coaches to be eligible to attend a World Games, they must have Level 3 certification and complete the following courses:
- All Level 3 requirements
- Principles of Coaching Course — FREE
- Online courses as determined by Special Olympics International leading up to the event
- National Governing Body Certification — varies per sport
** Note: Level required of Head Coaches attending World Games.