Special Olympics Texas athletes participate in more sports and at higher levels than ever before. Much of this success can be attributed directly to the coaches. You are a role model and character builder. You give Special Olympics athletes the most immediate awareness of their self-worth, ability, courage, and capacity to grow and improve. 

Current coaches: Read about our important changes to coaching in 2021 here.  

Why Become a Special Olympics Texas Coach?

Was there a mentor, teacher or coach who made a difference in your life? The one who gave you the courage and determination to strive to be your best? The one who helped shape both your performance and your character? You can be that important person in someone else’s life.  As a coach you play an indispensable role in Special Olympics. You provide the sports skills and spirit that, when instilled, define a true athlete. 

What does Being A Special Olympics Coach mean to you? 

“ALL are capable of doing something in sports. I do it for the athletes and their families.  It's unbelievable how the athlete's self esteem blossoms, they gain independence and lastly it's a sense of belonging for them and their family.  Coaching fills my bucket.....the sense of accomplishment and pride on the faces of the athletes as they compete never gets old. Their smiles mean the world to me!”  -Cindy Boaz, Area 11

Coach Responsibilities:

• Organize and conduct a sports training program
• Teach all coaching staff and athletes the rules of the sport
• Make training and competition an educational, safe and fun experience 
• Promote fair competition at all events
• Attend Sport Recertification trainings to stay aware of all sports rule changes made by both Special Olympics and the National Governing Body (NGB) 
• Encourage confidence and self-esteem through sport

Inside the Huddle - Coaches Updates: 

• Unified Bench Coaching will no longer be allowed starting 1/1/2022
• Rabbit Rule will no longer be allowed starting 1/1/2021 - We will now follow the SOI, Honest Effort Rule
• Entry fees for each competing athlete and Unified partner at State Games will be $25
• Player assessment ratings will now be used instead of classifications for team sports

​​