Volunteer Roles

Each volunteer opportunity falls into one of two categories based on its responsibility level and time commitment.

Class A – A long-term opportunity that involves having close physical contact with athletes on a regular basis or being in a position of authority, supervision and trust with athletes and within the organization

Class B – A short-term opportunity that involves providing assistance and support at a competition or event, but not necessarily in close physical contact with our athletes

Role	Class	Description	Commitment
Competitions Most Popular	B	Perform short-term tasks associated with conducting competitions (i.e., timer, scorekeeper, escort, etc.)	Four-hour shifts, one or more days each year
Coach	A	Work directly with athletes to improve their skills in specific Special Olympics sports	Participation is seasonal for each sport - the usual commitment is two hours per week for a minimum of eight weeks
Unified Partner	A	Train and compete with athletes as part of Unified Sports team	Participation is seasonal for each sport - generally one or two practices per week throughout the season
Delegation Volunteer	A	Assist coaches during practice	Participation is seasonal for each sport - generally one or two practices per week throughout the season
Competition & Event Committee	A	Work with Competition/Event Management Committees to plan and manage competition and fundraising events	Commitment begins 4-6 months before competition or event date - specific hours will vary with position
Medical	A	Provide basic first aid at competitions Please note that this role requires medical training and certification.	Four- to eight-hour shifts, one or more days a year
Fundraising	A or B	Plan and/or implement activities to raise financial and in-kind support	Commitment ranges from three to four hours for a single event (Class B) to one year as a committee member (Class A)
Public Relations	A or B	Prepare and/or convey information about Special Olympics to various media outlets	Commitment ranges from a few hours for one specific activity (Class B) to a year long commitment as a committee member (Class A)
Official	A	Serve as a referee, official, or judge at competitions Please note that this role requires training and/or certification in specific sport.	Commitment ranges from a few hours for a local or area competition to 2-3 days at a state competition
Office Support	B	Tasks associated with supporting administrative and program functions	Generally, four pre-scheduled hours per week