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 Online Volunteer Portal link or fill out the form at the bottom of the webpage here. We’ll send you the link as soon as possible.
- Complete Protective Behaviors on the Online Volunteer Portal.
- This is required for all coaches and Unified Partners.
Step 2: Complete Level 1 Certification
- Required Courses: All available on SO Learning Portal
- Fitness for the Sport Coach
- Complete the course and email the certificate to coachesed@sosd.org.
- Fitness for the Sport Coach
- Heads Up Concussions in Youth Sports
- Complete the course and email the certificate to coachesed@sosd.org.
- Special Olympics Unified Sports Coaching (applicable for Unified coaches)
- Complete the course and email the certificate to coachesed@sosd.org.
- Heads Up Concussions in Youth Sports
Step 3: Complete Level 2 Certification – Required of all Head Coaches and HODs
- Required Course:
- Principals of Coaching Special Olympics
- Complete at CoachTube and email the certificate to coachesed@sosd.org.
- Practicum Hours:
- 10 hours with a certified head coach (new coaches only).
- Exemptions: HODs and experienced coaches (case-by-case).
- Principals of Coaching Special Olympics
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
- In-person courses (see SOSD Website or email coachesed@sosd.org).
- Online courses available on NFHS Learning Center.
- Email certificates, applications, or questions to coachesed@sosd.org.
Level 4 & Beyond
- Please contact coachesed@sosd.org for individual guidance.
Key Contacts and Links
- Email for submissions & questions: coachesed@sosd.org
- Online Course Portal:
