Become a Coach!
Become a Coach!
Coaches make a huge difference in our athletes lives!
We’re always looking for more volunteers to dedicate time to help coach. Don’t have sport experience but want to help? Come be an assistant coach! We’ve got a place for everyone. Please note, all coaches must be able to pass a background check.
Time Commitment:
One or two practices a week (depends on the sport and facility)
Traveling with the team to Regionals towards the end of the season (usually local competitions around the Tri-Cities, Yakima, Sunnyside, etc.). This a one day event.
Traveling with the team to State Competitions if they qualify. This is one weekend at the end of the season. Transportation and lodging will all be provided. Fall State Games are in Tri-Cities, Winter is in Wenatchee, and Spring is to be determined.
All coaches, volunteers, and chaperones must complete a background check.
There is also additional online training for coaches.
“A good coach can change the game. A great coach can change a life.” – John Wooden
Why Coaching Matters
Coaches are vital to the success of Special Olympics. They teach our athletes new sports skills and help them take their abilities to new levels. Coaches also exemplify good sportsmanship and model character traits to enhance the sports experience for our athletes. The lessons our athletes learn from coaches – teamwork, self-discipline and confidence – impact them on and off the playing field.
Sports Volunteer / Chaperone
The first level in our Coaches Education program is the Sports Volunteer or Chaperone role for a team/program. Any prospective coach needs to complete the following four requirements to be cleared to chaperone a team or an athlete. These are the basic forms that screen our coaches to ensure our athletes’ safety, which is our number one priority. All of these items will need to be completed only once and should take less than 30 minutes in total.
Use the Special Olympics Washington good deed code: e45cri8
Head Coach / Assistant Coach
The next step in our Coaches Education program is Head Coach/Assistant Coach level. Anyone who wants to be a Head or Assistant Coach must complete all of the requirements under Tier 1 as well as all of the items listed below.
Tier 2 requirements are tailored to specific sport needs and require in-person training. The in-person trainings allow for the development of skills and drills for a sport that coaches can bring back to their practice and games. The online training sessions will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.
Coaching Unified Sports – Only required if program/team is in Unified Sports