Coaching Resources

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Coaching Handbooks

Coaching Handbooks

General Resources

Virtual Training Library

Coaches Summit and Sport Clinics

Coaches Summit and Sport Clinics

Coaching Resources

General Support

Every contact you have with your athletes is a chance to help them build character, grow personally, and improve their sport skills. The links below will help you to be equipped to do just that.
Coaching Special Olympics Athletes
(paid online course)
Quick Reference Coaching Guide
(free pdf resource)

Training

Virtual Training Library
Access the Virtual Workout Calendar, view workout videos and training drills by sport.

General Coaching Handbooks

PLEASE NOTE: Be sure to download all forms to your computer prior to filling out. Then, simply save and send in to SF@SpecialOlympicsCO.org.

DO NOT FILL THEM OUT DIRECTLY FROM THE WEBSITE LINK, THE INFORMATION WILL NOT SAVE.

If you find any broken or missing links, we apologize. Our team is working diligently to update the coaches handbooks. Please reach out to Susan Foege if you need a particular document in the meantime.

ATHLETE INFORMATION

Athlete Application Instructions
Online Athlete Application
Help with Athlete Application
Eligibility to Participate
Athlete Partner Code of Conduct

COACH & UNIFIED PARTNER INFO

Coach/Class A Volunteer Application
Coach Code of Conduct
Volunteer Policy and Procedures

GENERAL RESOURCES

Risk Management
Example Accident Incident Report
Incident Report Form
In-Kind Tracking Form
Fundraising Opportunities for Local Programs
Athlete Housing Policy
Branding Guidelines
SOCO Approved Marks
Spectator Code of Conduct
Athlete Dating Policy
Athlete with Criminal Histories/Violent Behaviors
Gender Inclusion Philosophy

SPORT RESOURCES

Weather Policy for Competition
Governing Body Websites
Use of Metrics
Metric Conversion Chart
Creating Ability Divisions
Disqualification Policy
Protest Policy
Official Protest Form
Links to Sports Specific Coach Resources

UNIFIED SPORTS RESOURCES

Unified Sports Quick Reference Guide
Unified Sports Overview
Unified Sports Comparison
Unified Sports Criteria for Success
Unified Sports Meaningful Involvement

YOUNG ATHLETES

Young Athletes Volunteer Coach Job Description
Young Athletes Fact-Sheet
Young Athletes Local Program Description
SOCO Young Athletes Registration Form
Red Shirt Rookies Workbook

Coach Handbook By Sport

PLEASE NOTE: Be sure to download all forms to your computer prior to filling out. Then, simply save and send in to SF@SpecialOlympicsCO.org.

DO NOT FILL THEM OUT DIRECTLY FROM THE WEBSITE LINK, THE INFORMATION WILL NOT SAVE.

If you find any broken or missing links, we apologize. Our team is working diligently to update the coaches handbooks. Please reach out to Susan Foege if you need a particular document in the meantime.

ALPINE SKIING

2022 Coach Roster
2022 Alpine Skiing Entry Form
2022 Alpine Coaching Guide
Special Olympics Colorado Rule Interpretations – Alpine Skiing
Special Olympics International Alpine Ski Rules 2022

ATHLETICS/TRACK & FIELD

2022 Coach Roster
Athletics Assisted Devices Entry Form
Athletics Assisted Devices Entry Form Sample
Athletics Entry Form
Athletics Entry Form Sample
Athletics Relay Entry Form
Athletics Relay Entry Form Sample
Athletics Wheel Chair Entry Form
Athletics Wheel Chair Entry Form Sample
Special Olympics Colorado Athletics Rule Interpretations
Special Olympics International Athletics Rules

BASKETBALL

2022 Coach Roster
All Star Skills Scoresheet for Coaches
Basketball Team Entry Form 2022
Coaching Guide – Basketball 2022
Divisioning – Levels to Rate Teams and Players 2022
Special Olympics Colorado Basketball Rule Interpretations 2022
Special Olympics International Basketball Rules 2022

BOCCE

2022 Coach Roster
FINAL SOI Bocce Rules 2021
SOCO Bocce Rules 2021

BOWLING

2022 Coach Roster
Singles Entry Form
Doubles Entry Form
Team Entry Form
FINAL SOI Bowling Rules 2021
SOCO Bowling Rules 2021

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

2022 Coach Roster
2022 Entry Form
Cross Country Skiing Coaching Guide 2022
Special Olympics Colorado Rule Interpretations – Cross Country Skiing 2022
Special Olympics International Cross Country Skiing Rules 2022 

CYCLING

2022 Coach Roster
Entry Form
FINAL SOI Cycling Rules 2021
SOCO Cycling Rules 2021

FIGURE SKATING

2022 Coach Roster
2022 Entry Form
Figure Skating Coaching Guide 2022
Special Olympics Colorado Rule Interpretations – Figure Skating
Special Olympics International Figure Skating Rules 2022

FLAG FOOTBALL

2022 Coach Roster
Team Rating Form
FINAL SOI Flag Football Rules 2021
SOCO Flag Football Rules 2021

GOLF

2022 Coach Roster
Entry Form
FINAL SOI Golf Rules 2021
SOCO Golf Rules 2021

GYMNASTICS

2022 Coach Roster
Gymnastic Entry Form Artistic Female
Gymnastic Entry Form Artistic Female Sample
Gymnastic Entry Form Artistic Male
Gymnastic Entry Form Artistic Male Sample
Gymnastic Entry Form Rhythmic Female
Gymnastic Entry Form Rhythmic Female Sample
Special Olympics Colorado Rule Interpretations
Special Olympics International Rule Interpretations
Special Olympics International Artistic Gymnastics Sports Rules
Special Olympics International Rhythmic Gymnastics Sports Rules

POWERLIFTING

2022 Coach Roster
Powerlifting Entry Form
Powerlifting Entry Form Sample
Special Olympics Colorado Powerlifting Rule Interpretations
Special Olympics International Powerlifting Rules

SNOWBOARDING

2022 Coach Roster
2022 Entry Form
Snowboarding Coaching Guide 2022
Special Olympics CO Snowboard Rule Interpretations 2022
Special Olympics International Snowboard Rules 2022

SNOWSHOEING

2022 Coach Roster
2022 Entry Forms
Snowshoe Coaching Guide
Special Olympics CO Snowshoe Rule Interpretations 2022
Special Olympics International Snowshoe Rules 2022

SOCCER (FOOTBALL)

2022 Coach Roster
Divisioning – Levels to Rate Teams and Players
Soccer All Stars Skills Challenge Playbook
Soccer All Stars Skills Challenge Entry Form
Soccer Team Entry Form
Soccer Team Entry Form Sample
Special Olympics Colorado Soccer Rule Interpretations
Special Olympics International Soccer Sports Rules

SOFTBALL

2022 Coach Roster
Entry Form
FINAL SOI Softball Rules 2021
SOCO Softball Rules 2021

SPEED SKATING

2022 Coach Roster
2022 Entry Form
Speed Skating Coaching Guide 2022
Special Olympics Colorado Rule Interpretations – Speed Skating 2022

SWIMMING

2022 Coach Roster
Swimming Entry Form
Swimming Entry Form Sample
Swimming Lead Up Entry Form
Swimming Lead Up Entry Form Sample
Swimming Relay Entry Form
Swimming Relay Entry Form Sample
Special Olympics Colorado Rule Interpretations – Swimming
Special Olympics International Swimming Rules

TENNIS

2022 Coach Roster
Entry Form
FINAL SOI Tennis Rules 2021
SOCO Tennis Rules 2021

Photo of Special Olympics Volleyball athlete

VOLLEYBALL

2022 Coach Roster
Team Rating Form
FINAL SOI Volleyball Rules 2021
SOCO Volleyball Rules 2021

Virtual Resources

Online Class Options:

Coaching Unified Sports– FREE
Fundamentals of Coaching
Coaching Special Olympics Athletes
Coaching Athletes with Autism Spectrum Disorder – FREE
Sports Nutrition – FREE

Coaching Unified Sports (NFHS)

Unified Sports is an inclusive sports program that unites Special Olympics athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities) and partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) as teammates for training and competition. This course will help you understand and implement Special Olympics Unified Sports in your school. Click here to learn more!

A Coach’s Playbook: Introduction to Autism and Instructional Strategies for Coaching

As the diagnosis of autism is becoming more prevalent, it is important that our coaches and volunteers are trained to work alongside our athletes who have Autism Spectrum Disorders. An Introduction to Autism plus General Strategies for Coaching Athletes with Autism are covered. Click here to learn more!

Concussion in Sports (NFHS)

Proper concussion management; suspected concussion management. Click here to learn more!

Sports Nutrition (NFHS)

Proper nutrition can optimize athletic performance. This course contains practical tips on how you can model & teach proper nutrition to your athletes. Click here to learn more!

Fit 5 for Coaches

Click here for information for current coaches around implementing the Fit 5 program on your team!

Sportsmanship Course (NFHS)

The NFHS developed a complimentary course to give a better understanding of sportsmanship and how it impacts your specific role in modeling all practices and competition. Click here to learn more!

Positive Sport Parenting (NFHS)

Course provides information and resources to help educate you on the importance of proper behavior by parents in school sports and the role you must play to ensure your child has a positive sport experience. Click here to learn more!

Positive Coaching Alliance ($30)

PCA offers six online courses, all developed by experts and designed to help coaches, parents, athletes and officials ensure that winning happens both on and off the field in youth sports. Whether you simply want to improve your youth sports experience, or whether your school/organization has directed you to these courses, they will benefit you and the youth you serve! Click here to learn more!

Foundations of Coaching (USA Swimming; $25)

Click here to learn more.

Other Resources

Brand Guidelines
Basics of fundraising video
Local program and school fundraising options
Media Kit