Coach’s Training Schools
Are you interested in coaching Special Olympics athletes? If so, you have come to the right spot! Coach’s Training Schools are an integral part to Special Olympics Maine’s Coach Education System 2020. Coach’s training schools are part of the Head Coach certification process which are designed to educate coaches in sports Special Olympics Maine offers along with the importance of training for competition. Special Olympics Maine Coach Education System is designed to promote the continuation of a coaches education through a 4 level system:
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 & 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.
Level 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.
- Principles of Coaching
Level 3 – Tactics and Philosophy
Coaches have the ability to complete online or face-to-face coach’s training school. Level 3 builds upon coaching tactics & philosophy. Level 2 certification must be achieved prior to completing a level 3 course. Completion of one of the Level 3 courses listed below will certify the coach as a Level 3 coach and maintain all currently held level 1 & 2 certifications.
- Complete a sport specific tactics course (online or face-to-face)
- Complete online course from the National Governing Bodies (i.e. Soccer =FIFA)
- Complete an online American Sport Education Program (ASEP) course – Click here to register for ASEP course
- Complete National Federation of State High Schools (NFHS) course – Click here to complete a NFHS course
- Positive Coaching Alliance – Click here to complete a Positive Coaching Alliance course
- 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
Level 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 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. There you will find more information on how to register, location, date and time of the coach’s training school.
Contact Us
Sports & Programs Coordinator
Sarah Phelps
sarahp@somaine.org
207-879-0489 x 16