Get Involved as a Coach

The current Special Olympics Coaches Education System has been developed to meet the needs of varying knowledge and competencies of coaches and athletes. SOTX adopted the program and follows the guidelines established by Special Olympics, Inc.

There are two sessions (one for those with sport knowledge and experience, the other for those without sport knowledge and experience).

To become a coach with Special Olympics Texas (SOTX), one must complete the steps listed below:

1) Complete the General Orientation Training either online or in person.  (The link for the online version is on the right side of this page.)

2) Complete the Protective Behaviors Training either online or in person.  (The link for the online version is on the right side of this page.)

3) Attend a sport specific coaches training offered through SOTX.

4) Work a minimum of 10-hours with SOTX athletes in the sport and capture the hours on the Practicum Form.

5) Submit a copy of one's Practicum Form to their area office.

6) Be a registered Class A volunteer with SOTX.  (An applicant is only considered a registered Class A volunteer after submitting a Class A volunteer application, completing the General Orientation and Protective Behaviors Trainings, and passing the criminal background check, not prior to those events.)

For Texas coaches-to-be, there are a variety of sport specific coaches trainings offered throughout the state. After each training a coach must complete the 10-hours of practical experience by working with SOTX athletes in order to complete their certification.   

In keeping with the commitment to coaching excellence in Texas, it is necessary to continue one's coaching education in order to keep one's coach certifications current.  SOTX requires that each coach attend an approved Special Olympics course or Continuing Education course at least one time every four years.  The supplementary training required enables current coaching practices and new techniques to be shared as well as new ideas to be expressed.

General Information

• How to Become Certified
• Training Sessions
• Review Your Coach Certifications

Sports Training and Coaches Education

• Practicum Form/Application for Sports Training Certification
• Athletes in Training
• Developing a Training Session Plan
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• How to Conduct a Practice
• Health and Fitness
• Online Level 3 Tactics Opportunity
• Practice/Training Session Tips
• Principles of Training (PDF)
• 8-Week Sample Training Plan (PDF)
• Official Special Olympics Sports Rule Book (Winter and Summer)
• SOI General Rules
• Sport Safety and Risk Management for Coaches

Sports Management Team (SMT)

• General Information and Latest Updates
• SMT Contact List

Competition and Games

• Electronic Entry Forms for Area and State Competition New!
• Sports Information Guide (SIG)
• Unified Sports™

Sport Resources

• Aquatics
• Bowling
• Golf
• Soccer
• Unified Sports

Class A Volunteers
Do you need to attend either of the online training sessions - General Orientation and Protective Behavior?

Simply click on the session below to start the training:
General Orientation
Protective Behaviors