DONATE

Become a Coach

How to Become a Coach

All Special Olympics South Dakota coaches must be Level 1 certified and all Head Coaches & Head of Delegtaions must be Level 2 certified. Your coach’s education is good for three years and can be recertified at any time. The directions on how to become certified and recertified at different levels are listed below.

Please reach out to coachesed@sosd.org with any questions at any time.

Steps to Becoming a Certified Coach

Step 1: Obtain Class A Volunteer Status

  • Reach out to your HOD for the Class A Volunteer Form
    • If you do not know the HOD or do not have a delegation, please fill out this form and email it to forms@sosd.org. Please say you are not assigned a delegation yet, and we’ll match you with your local delegation.
  • Complete Protective Behaviors on the Online Volunteer Portal.
  • This is required for all coaches and Unified Partners.

Step 2:  Complete Level 1 Certification 

    • Heads Up Concussions in Youth Sports
    • Special Olympics Unified Sports Coaching (applicable for Unified coaches)

Step 3: Complete Level 2 Certification – Required of all Head Coaches and HODs

  • Required Course:
    • Principals of Coaching Special Olympics
    • Practicum Hours:
      • 10 hours with a certified head coach (new coaches only).
      • Exemptions: HODs and experienced coaches (case-by-case).

Step 4: Advanced Certification Levels & Recertification

  • Recertify by taking one of the classes required of Level 1 & 2 that you have not previously completed or progress on to the next level.
    • Progress to the next level by completing requirements for Levels 3 or 4.

Level 3: Sport-Specific Course or In-Person Trainings

Level 4 & Beyond

Key Contacts and Links