Coaching in Special Olympics
A Positive Sports Experience Starts with the Coach
Coaches are the key to a successful sports experience for the Special Olympics athlete. As a coach, you teach sports skills and model good sportsmanship and character. You give Special Olympics athletes the most immediate awareness of their self-worth, ability, courage, and capacity to grow and improve both on the playing field and off.
The lessons our athletes learn through sports – teamwork, self-discipline, goal setting and appropriate socialization skills – carry over into their everyday lives, making them more productive and respected members of society.
Why Become a Special Olympics Louisiana Coach?
Whether you love sports or have no sports experience at all, you can become a Special Olympics Louisiana coach! Hundreds of Louisianians have made the decision to enrich a Special Olympics athlete’s life by becoming a certified coach. Without you, potential athletes are left on the sidelines of life. You will be provided all the information and training necessary (at no cost to you) to become a coach.
Responsibilities as a Coach
- Assist athletes in learning sports skills and applying them in competitions
- Encourage confidence and self-esteem through sport
- Obtain equipment for athletic training
- Help to recruit athletes and assistant coaches
- Register athletes for competitions
- Conduct demonstrations in the community
- Start Special Olympics Unified Sports® teams
How to get certified as a Special Olympics Coach
The Coaches Certification Program is a process designed to train volunteers who wish to develop their coaching skills and become certified Special Olympics Louisiana coaches. Coach’s certification is for anyone who plans to coach Special Olympics Louisiana athletes.