Coaches play a unique role in Special Olympics, working hands-on with athletes to provide the sports skills and spirit they need to compete. A coach can be a teacher, family member, or someone simply who wants to change others’ lives and their own. Below, you can find forms, information, and training you may need as a coach during your sport season.
**IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT**
Special Olympics Wisconsin is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of our athletes, volunteers, coaches, officials, staff, and all that contribute to the success of our athletes in training and events. We use guidance from Special Olympics Inc, the CDC, and the Wisconsin Department of Health to create protocols for activities, practices, and in-person competitions.
Request a Training School
General Coaches Certification – Watch the video and take the quiz to become a certified coach for SOWI.
Resources
- Competition Guide– Access the competition guide, which includes all important dates (registration deadlines, medical deadlines, tournament dates, and scratch deadlines).
- General Guide for Coaches– Use this handout to learn about the basics of coaching for SOWI.
- Competition Guide – Access the competition guide, which includes all important dates (registration deadlines, medical deadlines, tournament dates, and scratch deadlines).
- General Guide for Coaches – Use this handout to learn about the basics of coaching for SOWI.
- Fit5 Guide – Use this guide to achieve fitness and personal best with physical activity, nutrition, and hydration.
- Fit5 Fitness Cards – Use these easy to follow fitness cards to teach your athletes about physical activity outside of practice.
- Athlete Behavior Characteristics and Quick Reference Guide – Use these short handouts to learn about different athlete abilities/characteristics and how to improve strategy and performance.
- Athlete Pre-Season Success Form – Use this form to get to know your athlete on a personal level prior to the season beginning. What are their interests and strengths, goals (on and off the court), and best strategies to teach and work with that athlete.
- Special Needs Form – Use this form to relay important information to event volunteers about how to best work with athletes with special needs (i.e. communication limitation, hearing or visual impairment, special equipment adaptations or behavioral needs).
- Training Site Safety Checklist – Use this general safety checklist at practices to promote a safe and injury-free environment.
- Uniform Requirements at a Glance – For more detailed information on sport-specific uniform requirements, refer to each sport’s rules page.
- Divisioning – View this educational video for a quick peak into the process of divisioning.
- SOI Sports Rules – View and download PDFs of sports rules changes made this year for each sport.
- Concussion Card – View this informative flyer on concussion awareness including: signs and symptoms, return to play policy, and more.
- Sports Rule Change Proposal Form– The Special Olympics Wisconsin Rule Change Proposal Form is a rolling application. Rule Change Proposals must be submitted at least 6 months prior to the season’s medical deadline to be considered.
“In the name of all coaches, we shall follow written and verbal instructions of Special Olympics officials at all times, have our athletes at the appropriate events and activities at the proper time and abide by the rules and policies, in the spirit of sportsmanship.”
– Special Olympics Coach Oath