Coaches

SOMD offers a wide range of training opportunities for athletes as well as coaches. The goal of SOMD is to provide our coaches and athletes with the best possible training experiences. We achieve this by providing high quality clinicians and facilities for our training schools and our competitions.

Special Olympics Maryland offers certification as a volunteer coach in each of its official sports. The certification process involves attendance at a General Orientation, attendance a Certified Training School, and ten hours practicum coaching athletes. A Certified Training School provides a great opportunity for new coaches who might have participated in a particular sport but have not coached in that sport. A CTS is also very helpful to coaches who seek a deeper understanding of a particular sport or how to relate to Special Olympics athletes.

Coaches Training Overview

Introduction

The key to improving athlete performance and well being is based on the quality of sport training and experiences provided by the local Special Olympics coach. (Coach refers to an individual who assumes responsibility for athletes, actively trains athletes, and coaches them in competitions.) The Special Olympics Coach Education System identifies basic standards and competencies necessary and essential for being a Special Olympics coach. Standardization of essential knowledge and coaching proficiency adds credibility and consistency to the entire Special Olympics Coach Education System, worldwide. The Special Olympics Coach Education System will assist Special Olympics Programs in designing and providing quality sports training for Special Olympics coaches. In addition, coaches will gain new and/or improved competencies and skills which will provide better training opportunities for their athletes.

Coaches Training Criteria

Minimum Requirements and Standards

All Accredited Programs must conduct approved coach education in accordance with the Official Special Olympics General Rules. Programs have three options:

1.   Implementing the Special Olympics Coach Education System;

2.   Submitting documentation verifying that Special Olympics Coach Education System Standards and Competencies are achieved within their own system; OR

3.   Submitting a plan for implementing the approved coach education system.

 To receive Special Olympics coach certification, an individual will:

•  Attend an approved course, training seminar, or mentoring program;

•  Complete the prescribed exam, workbook, etc. as applicable;

•  Complete a specified practicum of working with Special Olympics athletes; AND

•  Be authorized by a Special Olympics Program representative verifying such experiences and coaching competencies.

Coaches must achieve the beginning certification level within four years upon entering Special Olympics to become a coach. In order to maintain and/or upgrade coach certification, a coach continues approved coach education. Each coach upgrades knowledge and experience at least once every four years.  

Code of Conduct Infractions

Special Olympics Maryland has sole and absolute discretion as to any disciplinary actions to be taken if a person violates the Code of Conduct.  Any action taken is predicated with the good faith belief of Special Olympics Maryland that the disciplinary action is appropriate.  Any disciplinary action that is taken can be appealed through either the Chapter Conduct Committee or the Area/County/City Conduct Committee.  An appeal should be directed to the Chapter Office or the Area/County/City Director.

The following disciplinary actions may be taken:

1.       Issue a warning;

2.       Place the individual on probation;

3.      Suspension from further participation in any Special Olympics Maryland programs or activities; or

4.       Expulsion from further participation in any Special Olympics Maryland programs or activities. 

Immediate Suspension

A person may be subject to immediate disciplinary action, including suspension, for conduct which in the sole and absolute discretion of Special Olympics Maryland, is so inherently harmful or egregious as to warrant immediate action.  Immediate disciplinary action, including suspension, may be imposed for any of the following:

1.        Illegal Activity.  Engaging in any illegal or criminal activity when Special Olympics Maryland and any Conduct Committee has a good faith belief that there has been illegal activity, whether or not there has been a formal charge made.

2.        Behavior Problems.  Any person behaving in a manner that is inherently dangerous to him/herself or others.  This includes any violent acts, harassment, or any behavior which impacts the integrity of Special Olympics Maryland programs.

3.        Alcohol or Illegal Substance.  The use or consumption of alcohol or illegal substances whenever, as a volunteer, the person is responsible for the safety and well being of athletes.  This includes but is not limited to all training/practice sessions, the duration of competition events, or any other Special Olympics sponsored or sanctioned activity where athletes are present.

4.       Abuse.  Any person accused or suspected of abusing (physical or sexual), molesting, assaulting, or harassing another person.  

This is an excerpt from the Special Olympics Maryland Participation Policy.  A complete copy of the policy is available from the SOMD Chapter Office or any Area/County Director.  Additional information is available in the SOMD Volunteer Handbook.