The Coach’s OATH
In the name of all coaches, we shall follow written and verbal instructions of Special Olympics officials at all times, have our athletes at the appropriate events and activities at the proper time and abide by the rules and policies, in the spirit of sportsmanship.
Coaching STARTING LINE
Coaches are responsible for a sport-specific team.
They must be at least 18 years of age and able to commit time on a weekly basis throughout the sport season and attend all State/Regional Level competitions their athletes compete in.
Coach Certification is required to participate in any State/Regional level SOME competitions.
To become a certified Head Coach, a coach must attend a Coach’s Training School in their sport. Coach’s Training Schools are offered
throughout the year and state.
A 3-step Process
Complete the background check (sent to your email after completing the Registration Form)
Raise your coaching LEVEL
1
Sport Specific
Coaches must attend a face-to-face sport specific training school which are provided year round across the state. Attendees will learn the sport events, rules and regulations, skills training and practice techniques to better train their athletes for competition. Upon completion of the coach’s training school, attendees will be required to fulfill 10 hours of practicum (only level 1 courses) with Special Olympics athletes. Once the 10 hours is complete a sport application is submitted to Special Olympics Maine; this will also certify the attendee as a Special Olympics Maine coach for three years in the sport. Level 1 certification courses, when organized will be listed in the Calendar of Events and listed below in the “Upcoming Coach’s Training School” section.
2
Principles of Coaching
Coaches have the ability to complete online or face-to-face Level 2 coach’s training school. Level 2 builds upon coaching principles. Level 1 certification must be achieved prior to completing a level 2 course. Completion of one of the two Level 2 courses listed below will certify the coach as a Level 2 coach and maintain all currently held Level 1 certifications.
Coaching Unified Sports
All teams that compete in Unified Sports must have a head coach certified in Unified Sports.
3
Tactics and Philosophy
Coaches have the ability to complete online or face-to-face Level 2 coach’s training school. Level 2 builds upon coaching principles. Level 1 certification must be achieved prior to completing a level 2 course. Completion of one of the two Level 2 courses listed below will certify the coach as a Level 2 coach and maintain all currently held Level 1 certifications.
Complete a sport specific tactics course (online or face-to-face)
Complete online course from the National Governing Bodies (i.e. Soccer =FIFA)
Responsible Sports and others
First-Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Course
Athlete Behavior Characteristics and Strategies to Improve Learning
Officials Training
Generally, any courses or professional development that help a coach become a better coach will be accepted
4
Comprehensive Mentoring
Level 3 coaches have the ability to mentor a new coach for their level 4 certification. Level 3 certification must be achieved prior to completing a level 4 course. Completion of a Level 4 certification will certify the coach as a Level 4 coach and maintain all currently held level 1, 2 & 3 certifications.
Coach’s training school are organized throughout the year across the state and upcoming coach’s training schools are listed on our Calendar of Events and listed below in the “Upcoming Coach’s Training School” section. There you will find more information on how to register, location, date and time of the coach’s training school.
Coaching LIBRARY
Upcoming TRAININGS
If you are not able to find what you are looking for or have a question this page does not answer, reach out to us! We can’t do this without you, and we’re always here to help you.