Become A Coach

Click here to complete the Coach Questionnaire.

A Special Olympics Colorado Regional Manager will contact you within 7 business days to discuss interest, current coaching needs and availability. To view a list of our Regional staff, click here!

After speaking with your Regional Manager, complete the online Level 1 Coaching Orientation (A link to access this training will be emailed to you by the Volunteer Manager or Unified Champion Schools Manager)

Complete the Class A application (The link to the Class A will be available at the end of the Coaching General Orientation). The Class A application will include the following:

Protective Behaviors Training

Concussion Training

Required Background Check through Sterling Volunteers (for those age 18 and older)

*Once you have completed the Coaching General Orientation, Class A application and passed the background check (if applicable), you will receive a confirmation email and may begin coaching with Special Olympics Colorado! Please keep a copy of this confirmation email for your records. It is required that you renew your Class A every 3 years.

The steps to become a Level 1 Coach (entry level) are the following:

Step 1: Click here to complete the Coach Questionnaire.

Step 2: A Special Olympics Colorado Regional Manager will contact you within 7 business days to discuss interest, current coaching needs and availability. To view a list of our Regional staff, click here!

Step 3: After speaking with your Regional Manager, complete the online Coaching General Orientation (A link to access this training will be emailed to you by the Volunteer Manager or Unified Champion Schools Manager).

Step 4: Complete the Class A application (The link to the Class A will be available at the end of the Coaching General Orientation).

The Class A application will include the following:

Protective Behaviors Training

Concussion Training

Required Background Check through Sterling Volunteers (for those age 18 and older)

*Once you have completed the Coaching General Orientation, Class A application and passed the background check (if applicable), you will receive a confirmation email and may begin coaching with Special Olympics Colorado! Please keep a copy of this confirmation email for your records. It is required that you renew your Class A every 3 years.

Those individuals age 16 and older are eligible to coach with Special Olympics Colorado.

Prior knowledge and experience with a sport is beneficial, but not required to become a Level 1 Special Olympics Coach. Special Olympics Colorado will provide all necessary entry-level knowledge through its application process. The requirements to become a Level 1 Coach (entry level) are the following:

Step 1: Click here to complete the Coach Questionnaire.

Step 2: A Special Olympics Colorado Regional Manager will contact you within 7 business days to discuss interest, current coaching needs and availability. To view a list of our Regional staff, click here!

Step 3: After speaking with your Regional Manager, complete the online Coaching General Orientation (A link to access this training will be emailed to you by the Volunteer Manager or Unified Champion Schools Manager)

Step 4: Complete the Class A application. (The link to the Class A will be available at the end of the Coaching General Orientation)

The Class A application will include the following:

Protective Behaviors Training

Concussion Training

Required Background Check through Sterling Volunteers (for those age 18 and older)

*Once you have completed the Coaching General Orientation, Class A application and passed the background check (if applicable), you will receive a confirmation email and may begin coaching with Special Olympics Colorado! Please keep a copy of this confirmation email for your records. It is required that you renew your Class A every 3 years.

Online volunteer registration typically opens 6-8 weeks ahead of a scheduled event. From the Special Olympics Colorado volunteer webpage, volunteers can click on the link associated with the event that they are interested in attending. These opportunities are listed under the section “Upcoming Events”.

Once a volunteer clicks on a particular event link, it will take them to the online registration page for that event where they will then be able to register for their preferred volunteer role and shift time. All pertinent event information (time, location, responsibilities, etc.) is included on the registration page.

Those who sign up to volunteer will also receive a detailed email from Special Olympics Colorado a few days ahead of their scheduled event. This email will include any additional details such as parking instructions, an event timeline and other reminders.

Special Olympics Colorado coaches are expected to commit to coaching for the duration of a sports season. Each sports season runs for 8-10 weeks, with a minimum of one practice per week. It is expected that the coach will attend both the Regional and State Competition for their sport. These competitions are typically held on the weekend, while practices may take place during the week. Practice schedules vary by team and location, but a typical practice lasts 1-2 hours (depending on the sport).

Unified Partners are considered Class A volunteers, therefore, they must complete the Class A Application process and clear a background check (if age 18 or older).

Special Olympics Colorado offers a variety of programming options for Unified Partners age 4 and older.

The Unified Juniors Program is a program designed for children age 4-10 and focuses on incorporating fundamental skills within a team environment, preparing players to transition to our competitive events. Similar to the age requirements for athletes, Unified Partners must be age 8 or older to be eligible to compete.