Coaches' Corner | Special Olympics Michigan

A basketball team huddles around its coaches during a timeout.

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. If you need help completing one of the trainings, please refer to our VMS Instruction Guide for Volunteers.

Step 1: Register in the Volunteer Management System (VMS).
Step 2: Log in to the Volunteer Management System .
Step 3: Once you are logged in you will need to complete the Volunteer Orientation, Protective Behaviors, Concussion Awareness, and Communicable Disease Waiver.
Step 4: Complete an in-person sport training. Contact your area director to find a training near you.

Sport Certification: One-time only

All coaches must obtain sport certification by attending a training school or utilizing the mentoring program. 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
Certified Coach Badge: Every three years

Once you have completed your sport certification you are eligible to receive your coach credential badge. You will need to upload your photo for the badge or email a photo to Nick Caudle at nickc@somi.org.

Coach Photo Badge Photo Upload

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 VMS 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 Kellie Murphy at murph4kj@cmich.edu.
Attend a training school or utilize the mentoring program.
Complete one of the following courses (additional fees may apply):

VMS
Effective December 1, 2021, all online trainings for coaches and class A volunteers will be completed through the new Volunteer Management System (VMS). VMS 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 VMS 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 VMS follow these steps:

Step 1: Register in the Volunteer Management System (VMS) *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 VMS.
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 VMS platform click here.