Volunteer Resources

Volunteers are the backbone of the Special Olympics movement. They are coaches, trainers, officials, event organizers, fundraisers and managers. They can also be unified partners—playing alongside athletes with intellectual disabilities—or fans cheering in the stands.

Below, find links to many of the resources you’ll need as a Special Olympics Maine Volunteer.

Class A Volunteer & Unified Partner Resources

Applications and required training for Area leadership, coaches, Unified Partners, chaperones, drivers, and Athlete Leadership Program/Global Messenger mentors

  1. Complete a Background Check – complete a background check online through Sterling Volunteers
  2. Complete Special Olympics Maine Class A Volunteer & Unified Partner Registration Form & Release.  Submit online by clicking here or click here to download to complete
  3. Complete Protective Behaviors training (only required if 18 years old and older, unless enrolled in High School)
  4. Complete Concussion Awareness & Safety Training (Head Coaches only & only required if 18 years old & older)
  5. Complete Communicable Disease Release of Liability Waiver – All athletes, Unified partners, coaches and volunteers must submit this waiver to Special Olympics Maine prior to returning to in-person activities.  Submit online by clicking here or click here to download to complete
  6. Complete COVID 19 Supplemental Form – All athletes, Unified partners, coaches and volunteers are requested to submit this form to Special Olympics Maine prior to returning to in-person activities. At this time, this information is just for planning purposes, not for qualification for Special Olympics Maine events.   Submit online via the Return to Play App by clicking here, or DocUSign or  click here to download to complete

Email: ianf@somaine.org
Fax: 1-888-490-0672
Mail: Special Olympics Maine
525 Main Street Unit D
South Portland, ME 04106

Class B Volunteer Resources

Release forms for single day/Event Volunteers and drivers on behalf of Special Olympics not transporting athletes (Class B volunteers)

  • SOMaine Class B Volunteer Registration Form– Before engaging in any service as an Event Volunteer, each volunteer must complete an Event Volunteer Release Form prior to or upon arrival at a Special Olympics Maine event.  Submit online by clicking here or click here to download to complete
  • Complete Communicable Disease Release of Liability Waiver – All athletes, Unified partners, coaches and volunteers must submit this waiver to Special Olympics Maine prior to returning to in-person activities.  Submit online by clicking here or click here to download to complete
  • Complete COVID 19 Supplemental Form – All athletes, Unified partners, coaches and volunteers are requested to submit this form to Special Olympics Maine prior to returning to in-person activities. At this time, this information is just for planning purposes, not for qualification for Special Olympics Maine events. Submit online via the Return to Play App by clicking here, or DocUSign or  click here to download to complete

Other Volunteer Resources

  • SOME COVID-19 Guidance 2022 Update – Local, state/provincial/territorial, or national or tribal health and safety laws, rules, and regulations should serve as a primary guide for ensuring a safe environment for all participants at your Special Olympics trainings, competitions, and other activities. This Special Olympics guidance is for use in addition to – not in lieu of – any local, state/provincial/territorial, or national or tribal health and safety laws, rules. This updated guidance is at your disposal as you continue to safeguard and protect your participants.
  • Volunteer Code of Conduct – Being a volunteer with Special Olympics means that you are representing our organization and our athletes. Our Code of Conduct outlines how we expect our volunteers to uphold our values and mission.
  • SOME Volunteer Privacy Statement – Our Volunteer Privacy Statement explains how we gather and use information provided by volunteers.
  • SOME Volunteer Eligibility Policy– Our Volunteer Eligibility Policy lists requirements to be eligible to volunteer with Special Olympics including age requirements, forms, and background checks.
  • SOME Local Program Fundraising Application – Fundraisers are a great way to raise money to help support a Special Olympics Maine Delegation to help offset costs associated with their delegation.  Fundraisers using the Special Olympics Maine name and branding must have approval prior to the fundraising event.
  • Terminology/Language Guidelines – Learn how to speak respectfully about people with intellectual disabilities and spread the word about our programs using the proper terminology. The words we choose make a difference!