Coaches' Corner | Special Olympics Michigan

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Special Olympics Michigan Coaches

Coaches play a unique role in Special Olympics, working hands-on with athletes to provide the sports skills and spirit they need to compete.

To be a Special Olympics coach, you don't have to have prior experience - we provide the necessary training. What you do need is the enthusiasm and desire to make a positive impact on the lives of athletes. The following resources will guide you through the certification process.

How to become (and stay) a certified SOMI Coach

If you have volunteered with your local program in the past, contact your local area director to find out what coaching opportunities are available near you. To find contact info for the local program near you, visit the Find Your Area page.

If you’re new to volunteering and coaching all together, fill out the online volunteer registration form. Once we receive your info, we will connect you with the local program near you to begin your journey as a Special Olympics Michigan Coach.

Required Trainings

Whether you are a new or seasoned coach, the trainings listed below must be up to date in your record. All coaches must obtain sports certification by attending a training school, utilizing the mentoring program, or completing an online coaches training through Voluntaro…

Step 1: Register in Voluntaro
Step 2: Log in to Voluntaro
Step 3: Once you are logged in you will need to complete the Volunteer Orientation, Protective Behaviors, Concussion Awareness, Communicable Disease Waiver and Risk Assessment form.
Step 4: You can select the Sports Training course of your choosing. To gain your certification, you will need to pass the quiz found at the end of the training.

Sport Certification: One-time only

All coaches must obtain sports certification by attending a training school, utilizing the mentoring program, or completing an online coaches training through Voluntaro. A Training School includes rules updates, organizing an eight-week training plan, and best practices in coaching Special Olympics Athletes. Sport Skills Program materials are provided to each participant. The mentoring program will pair you up with an established Special Olympics coach and you will coach alongside them for a minimum of 10 hours. For more information on the mentoring program, or to be paired up with a mentoring coach please contact your area director.

Training School Registration

Coaches must receive continuing education training every 3 years to maintain their certification. There are many different ways to renew your certification:

Log in to Voluntaro and complete the recertification training for the sport you are needing to renew.
Complete a CPR, CPI, or other approved course. This can only be done once. Please send the completion certificate to Nick Caudle at nickc@somi.org.
Attend a training school or utilize the mentoring program.
Complete one of the following courses (additional fees may apply):

Effective December 1, 2021, all online trainings for coaches and class A volunteers will be completed through the new Voluntaro. Voluntaro is your one stop shop to complete your volunteer registration form, Protective Behaviors, Volunteer Orientation, Concussion Training, Communicative Disease and risk assessment form, and sports recertifications. Once you complete your trainings in Voluntaro you will be able to see them marked as completed as will your area director and Special Olympics Michigan staff, thus eliminating the need to submit copies of your forms and certificates.

To access Voluntaro follow these steps:

Step 1: Register in the Voluntaro *NOTE: Only register one time. After you register you can jump right to step two to complete future trainings.
Step 2: Log in to the Voluntaro.
Step 3: Once you are logged in you will need to complete the Volunteer Orientation, Protective Behaviors, Concussion Awareness, and Communicative Disease Waiver.

For help navigating the Voluntaro platform click here.