Volunteering

Volunteering: Next Steps

Volunteer Oath

I promise to give of the time in my life, so that Special Olympics athletes can have the time of their lives.
I promise to support Special Olympics not just as an expression of charity, but as a form of respect for my fellow human beings.  I promise to spread the word of volunteerism because in giving, I receive so much more in return.   

Opportunities to participate as a Class A Volunteer include: coaching, fundraising, being a Unified Partner, officiating, and more. Special Olympics Texas depends on these volunteers to assist in providing life-changing experiences to the thousands of athletes participating in the program.  SOTX cares deeply about our athletes, families and volunteers and realizes the need to take precautions to ensure their safety. To provide the best experience possible, potential Class A volunteers are required to complete the following steps.

Before you begin the process, please note that you must complete the 

STEP 1: View General Orientation and complete the form at the end of this General Orientation slideshow. There are questions that must be answered at the end of the orientation. 


STEP 2: View the Protective Behaviors page and submit your responses. This training is offered by Special Olympics Inc. and will require a login. Note: This training is only required of Class A Volunteers aged 18 and over.


STEP 3: (required for coaches) Concussion in Sports Training for Coaches

The health and safety of Special Olympics Athletes is everyone’s responsibility. We require all coaches complete the Concussion in Sports Training.  We recommend that Unified Partners, Chaperones and other Class A volunteers get their concussion training.

STEP 4: Complete emailed link/background check

 As long as you have successfully completed the General Orientation and Protective Behaviors (steps 1 and 2 above), you will receive an email with a link to complete the background check with final instructions.  In order to devote more of our resources to providing a quality program for the athletes, we ask that our volunteers cover the cost involved in their background check. *Active duty and civilian employees of the military are NOT required to complete a criminal background check for SOTX.

Once you finish your background check email certs@sotx.org to let us know that your background check is complete.  

Sterling Volunteers is the official volunteer vendor for Special Olympics Texas.

STEP 5: Final Confirmation & Final Waiver 

Complete the communicable disease waiver (found here).  Then, please contact us. We will also be able to answer any questions you may have.  Email certs@sotx.org.

Minor Volunteers/Unified Partners - under the age of 18

If you are over 18, to participate as a Unified PartnerⓇ, please complete all the steps to be a Class A Volunteer above, including General Orientation, Protective Behaviors, and the Criminal Background check. 

However, Class A Volunteers and Unified Partners under the age of 18 will need to download and submit the Minor Volunteer Form and then complete the communicable disease waiver.  

  1. Download a PDF version for Minor Volunteers
  2. Complete the communicable disease waiver (found here). 

For More Information

Renewal: If you are renewing your volunteer background check, please click on the link below based on your primary role with the organization (Volunteer pays all fees).