Roles, Responsibilities & Training

Becoming a Special Olympics coach is highly rewarding, and we offer continuous support. Our training programs ensure coaches can confidently and skillfully meet athletes' needs. Coaches work either to prepare athletes for major competitions or to promote lifelong activity in the community. We provide education focused on maximizing the potential of both athletes and coaches. Coaches must also attend sport-specific workshops to gain essential technical knowledge.

Head Coach

The Head Coach is responsible for the planning, implementation and continuity of a Special Olympics program.

Time Commitment
3-4 hours/ week

Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years of age

  • Must obtain a Police Record Check & Vulnerable Sector Check

Training Requirements

  • Click HERE for full list of training requirements

Opportunities

  • Competition and travel to local tournaments, provincial, national and world games.

Responsibilities

  • Plan the program activities yearly and weekly

  • Orient Assistant Coaches and Program Volunteers to the program.

  • Assess athletes’ potential to move to another level of participation.

  • Appoint an Assistant Head Coach to take charge of a practice if the Head Coach is unable to attend.

  • Ensure that that the principals of Safe Sport are being adhered to.

  • Complete an incident report for all emergencies and/or incidents.

  • Ensure that an up-to-date inventory is kept and that equipment adheres to safety standards.

Assistant Coaches

Work alongside Head Coach to implement the practice plans and to ensure that the skills of the athletes are developed within the program.

Time Commitment
2-3 hours/ week

Qualifications

  • Must be at least 18 years of age

  • Must obtain a Police Record Check & Vulnerable Sector Check

Training Requirements

  • Click HERE for full list of training requirements

Opportunities

  • Competition and travel to local tournaments, provincial, national and world games.

Responsibilities

  • Implement practice plans developed by the Head Coach.

  • Evaluate athlete progress and make recommendations to the Head Coach.

  • Actively participate with athletes during practices.

  • If unable to attend practice, notify Head Coach in advance.

  • Attend tournaments where possible and be responsible for assigned events.

Special Event Volunteer

Time Commitment

Event specific, but on average 4 – 8 hours per event.

Qualifications

  • Specific to each event. Volunteers may be required to have specific qualifications dependent on the event being run.

Recommended Training

  • Safe Sport Training

Responsibilities

The responsibilities vary depending on the event.