COACHES CORNER
Instructions and Resources for SOSC Coaches
Quick Links
COACHES CORNER
Instructions and resources for SOSC coaches
QUICK-LINKS
COACHES ARE THE BACKBONE OF SOSC
They are on the playing field, building confidence and inclusion through the joy of sports. This page is here to provide you with resources, information, and guidance for all things coach related.
COACHES TRAININGS
Online Coaches Education Training Platform
NEW! Special Olympics Online Portal for Sports Certification!
We’re excited to introduce you to our new online sports certification portal! New coaches and existing coaches who want to coach a new sport can now complete training online for sports skills certification. In-person training is no longer required! That means you’ll be in the game even faster.
Step 1
Get cleared as a Team Volunteer.
Step 2
Create an account in the Special Olympics Online Portal for Sports Certification.*
Step 3
*This is a unique account specific to sports training and certification. Log in credentials for other accounts will not work.
Online courses consist of a series of modules, videos, and quizzes. Each certification will take approximately two hours to complete.
IN-PERSON TRAININGS
There are currently no in-person trainings scheduled. Please check in again at a later date.
COACHES RESOURCES
Online Training Portal Guide
Upon volunteer clearance, new coaches and existing coaches to a new sport can now receive their sports skills certification by completing online courses.
Please reference the guide for support navigating the online portal to register for an account, access training courses, and track your progress. Courses are currently available for: basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball.
Codes of Conduct
Our Codes of Conduct include our guiding principles of respect, quality of sport, and responsibility.
We hold our coaches to the highest standard as they set the tone and experience for athletes. Please review and abide by these Codes of Conduct so we can promote inclusion through the joy of sport. Any behaviors acting outside of the Code of Conduct will result in possible probation, suspension, or expulsion. If you have any concerns or questions about conduct, please reach out to your regional SOSC Sports Manager.
Sports Rules & Summaries
Rules and information on each SOSC sport is below.
Please reference these when preparing for practice and competition. Our competitions and championships all abide by these rules.
ATHLETICS
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
BASKETBALL
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
BOCCE
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
BOWLING
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
FLAG FOOTBALL
Rules | Change Summary
FLOORBALL
Rules | Change Summary
GOLF
Rules | Fact Sheet
SOCCER
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
SOFTBALL
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
SWIMMING
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
TENNIS
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
VOLLEYBALL
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
*Rules last updated December 2024
Sports Rating Forms
Coaching Guides
The Special Olympics Coaching Guides provide key information, tools, and resources for each sport to support you throughout your coaching journey. Use these guides to build your knowledge, enhance your coaching experience, and create positive opportunities for our athletes.
Policies, Guidelines, & Best Practices
SOSC collaborates with Special Olympics North America and Special Olympics International to devise policies and best practices to support our athletes.
Our policies, procedures, and guides are designed to support a safe, fair, and inclusive experience for all athletes, coaches, volunteers, and participants. Please review these resources regularly and follow the applicable guidelines to help ensure consistency and excellence across all SOSC programs.
Past Coach Trainings
Training information for SOSC coaches.
FLOORBALL
TEAM RATING FORM TRAININGS
MISCELLANEOUS RECORDINGS
- Coaching Athletes with Autism (3/9/22)
- Learning How to Do Virtual Trainings (2/9/21)
- Level 2 Golf Info Session Recording (8/16/24)
- Conflict Resolution Training (9/11/25)
Diabetes Education for Coaches
Supporting Athletes with Diabetes
Learn practical strategies for supporting athletes with diabetes through these resources created in partnership by Special Olympics Healthy Athletes and California State Channel Islands Nursing Department.
CERTIFICATIONS
SPORTS SKILLS CERTIFICATION OR RE-CERTIFICATION
Coaches are required to renew their sports certification every three years.
Coaches Sports Skills Status Process
New Coaches & Existing Coaches to a New Sport
All new coaches and existing coaches to a new sport are required to complete a sports skills certification in your sport via our online training portal or an in-person training session before becoming eligible to complete the online re-certification.
Returning Coaches
All coaches are required to renew their sports certification every three years.
To renew a sports certification, select a sport below and complete the re-certification quiz. Please note a score of 85% is required to pass.
RETURNING COACHES SPORTS SKILLS RE-CERTIFICATION
VOLUNTEER RENEWAL
Coaches are required to renew their volunteer status every three years.
For a complete overview of re-certification needs by coach role, see the SOSC Coach Education System.
Coaches Volunteer Status Process
Get Connected
Log in or create a profile on GetConnected to start the renewal process.
Requirements
Trainings
- General Orientation
- Protective Behaviors
- Concussion
Background Check
Driver’s License Submission
QUESTIONS?
Please email Aya Bispham at abispham@sosc.org with any questions. For a complete overview of certification and re-certification needs by coach role, see the SOSC Coach Education System.
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