Certifications and Trainings
The goal of the Special Olympics Massachusetts coaches education system is to provide all our coaches with the tools needed to properly coach the athletes on their team in their sport of choice, as well as to continually challenge both the coach and the athlete to always improve on their performance and grow as an athlete and coach.
Special Olympics Massachusetts, in accordance with Special Olympics North America guidelines, has developed the following criteria in order to become a Special Olympics MA coach. All coaches are required to renew their status every three years.
Level one certification summary
Complete the Class A Volunteer From
Complete the Protective Behaviors Online Course
Complete the Concussion Awareness Training thru the NFHS
you will need to list “Special Olympics MA” as your Organization name under your account for SOMA to internally track results,
the Concussion Awareness Training thru the CDC (this one is more user friendly, but you will need to email SOMA a copy of your completion certificate as we do not internally track results)
Complete the SOMA General Orientation
Highly recommended for all First Aid & Safety
Through NFHS, in person SOMA training, Red Cross, or through locally certified organization
All Level One requirements
Complete the Unified Sports Course
Required of all coaches that coach a Unified sport
Please note you must list Special Olympics MA as your Organization name under your account
Complete a Sport Specific certification
Attend Special Olympics MA coaches college
Attend another chapters sport training coaches clinic
Certificate through a recognized organization
Governing body
Coaching the Special Olympics Athlete
Online via Human Kinetics
Through Special Olympics MA coach college offered course
Licensed professional in field of special education or similar field
Level is required for all coaches attend a USA Games
All level two requirements
Required for all World Games Coaches