To be a Special Olympics coach, you don’t have to have prior experience – we provide the necessary training. What you do need is the enthusiasm and desire to make a positive impact on the lives of athletes. Use the drop-downs below to see what you need to become a coach, to see the online re-certification quizzes and coach resources, and to see other resources and coach courses available.
For any questions please contact your Local Program Coordinator or Sports Director, Bill Polk at bpolk@somt.org or (406) 216-5327.
Coach Resources
Sport Certification
All new coaches must attend a coaches training session in whichever sport they would like to be certified in. These sessions cover all the basics you need to become a coach.
A new volunteer who completes this in-person course, and completes all necessary volunteer and coaching paperwork will be certified in their desired sport(s). All necessary forms can be found by clicking the button below.
Sport Specific Trainings
Coaches will click on the link for a sport to access the video, watch the video and take a short quiz at the end. Upon completion the coach will have earned the certification for that sport. Coaches wishing to be certified in the current season will need to complete the video and quiz before the paperwork deadline for each season. As the video and quiz becomes available, the link for the information will be activated on the website. If coaches have questions regarding information in the trainings, the sports team will host, “Inside the Huddle”, on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 7-7:30 p.m. to answer any questions you may have during the season. Questions for the quiz come directly from the selected sport’s rule book, protest form, and coach resources. The quizzes can be taken multiple times until a passing mark is achieved.
Sport Certification Quizzes
If you do not qualify for or do not pass the quiz(zes) you take, you will be notified within approximately 1-2 weeks by email. If you pass the re-certification quiz, you will not be notified, but your certification dates will be updated.
Bowling
Basketball
Alpine Skiing
Snowboarding
Cross-Country Skiing
Snowshoeing
Athletics
Bocce
Cycling
Golf
Gymnastics
Kayaking
Powerlifting
Soccer
Swimming
Special Olympics Sport Rules & Resources
Resources listed will help coaches team and season plan. These resources are updated by season.
Sport Rules & Resources
Coach Resource Guides
Safety Guidelines for Cold Weather
Coach Education Progression
Competition Guidelines
Special Olympics International official rule books
Special Olympics Montana basketball 5v5 rules
Special Olympics Montana basketball 3v3 rules
Special Olympics Montana individual skills rules
Basketball Warm up Guide
Basketball Cool Down Guide
Protest form
Special Olympics Unified Models
Bocce Resources:
How To Score Bocce
Link to Throw-down Courts Outdoor or Indoor
Link to cold weather/indoor soft Bocce Sets
Maximum Effort Rule
Practice Plan (Blank)
Universal Sign Language and Sign Language Apps for Sports
Coach Education Courses
These courses are designed to enable a volunteer coach to progress through varying levels of involvement. A coach must complete the qualifications for each certification before moving to the next level. All coaches will need concussion training and a sport specific certification. You are able to earn certificates as an Assistant coach (level one), Coach (level two), and Head coach (Level three). Confirmation of completion or copy of certificate of completion for these courses should be sent to: bpolk@somt.org
Coach Education Courses
Level 1 Certified Coach
Coaches who wish to have the ability to protest at State level competitions need to complete one of the following courses:
-Coaching Unified Sports Course
OR
–Coaching Level 1 Sport Assistant
Level 2 Certified Coach – Level 1 Coach certification plus:
–Level 2 Coaching Assistant
Coaching Special Olympics Athletes Course
Sports Specific course (on-line or in-person)
Level 3 Certified Coach – Level 2 Coach certification plus:
-Principles of Coaching Course
NGB Certification – varies by sport
Additional courses of interest
A Coach’s Playbook: An Introduction to Autism and Instructional Strategies for Coaching
Coach Sports Guides
These resources are intended to further your Special Olympics coaching knowledge.
Sport Rules and Guides
Athlete-Centered Coaching Guide
Special Olympics Sport Sciences
