Special Olympics Indiana offers resources to help volunteer coaches develop the skills and knowledge needed to support athletes with intellectual disabilities safely and effectively. The program emphasizes athlete safety, inclusive coaching techniques, and a deep understanding of Special Olympics principles and philosophy, ensuring consistency and quality across all county teams.
Coaches progress through structured certification levels, beginning with Sport Assistant/Class A volunteer status, which includes orientation, background screening, concussion awareness and protective behaviors training. From there, Level 1 certification focuses on core coaching fundamentals, while Level 2 is a virtual introductory sport-specific course focused on the fundamentals of coaching a particular sport. Advanced Level 3 is an advanced, in-person sport-specific training experience, often delivered through clinics such as Coach Leadership University
This tiered approach not only improves coaching quality but also helps athletes grow in confidence, skill, and sportsmanship, enhancing their overall experience in Special Olympics Indiana programs.
Coach Leadership University (CLU)
Coach Leadership University is a hands-on, sport-specific training experience designed to equip Special Olympics coaches with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to lead athletes at every level of play.
Hosted by Special Olympics Indiana, CLU brings coaches together for a full day of interactive learning, skill development, and collaboration. Whether you are new to coaching or a seasoned leader, this event is designed to strengthen your coaching impact and elevate the athlete experience across the state.
What to Expect
- Sport-specific instruction led by experienced trainers
- Best practices for athlete development and skill progression
- Risk management and competition preparation guidance
- Practical drills you can immediately implement at practice
- Networking with coaches from across Indiana
Each Coach Leadership University event features four different sports, allowing coaches to customize their learning experience:
- Morning Session (9 a.m. to noon): Choose Softball or Pickleball
- Afternoon Session (1 to 4 p.m.): Choose Volleyball or Track and Field
Review Your Eligibility
Levels and Requirements
To be a coach with Special Olympics Indiana, there are certification requirements. View the specifications below.
Entry Level
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
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.
Testimonial
Sam
Huffman
“It’s so fulfilling because you get to grow and learn. I know outside of Special Olympics Indiana, it’s a whole different ball game. When you come here, you get to coach all the different ability levels and see how you can merge people together as a team. And there’s no negativity. So you’re going to coach and be competitive, but it’s still a good positive community. I think it’s awesome.”
Testimonial
Chris
Akers
“I’d say if you want to become a coach, especially within the arena, it’s the best decision you’ll ever make in your entire life. There’s nothing better and more fulfilling than making sure your athletes get to where they’re supposed to get to making sure they get to be trained properly. I think it’s the best feeling you’ll ever have.”
Testimonial
David
Henry
“Watching the tears of their success when they actually compete and win a medal. You know, I try to impress that winning isn’t everything and participation is the key. But there’s just something about pushing themselves and winning that metal that makes it very special for them.”