Coaching Resources

Not yet a coach? Learn how you can get involved.

Coaching Handbooks

General Resources

Virtual Training Library

Coaches Summit and Sport Clinics

Coaches Summit and Sports Clinics

Special Olympics Colorado offers in-person training opportunities for coaches to develop their skills, collaborate, and receive both sport-specific certification and non-sport-specific training in a variety of topics related to coaching.

The Coaches Summit is an all-day event for Special Olympics Colorado coaches to develop their skills, in sport-specific and non-sport-specific training in various topics related to coaching. The Coaches Summit is held bi-annually in the spring and fall, with dates and locations varying each year. Those coaches who are Level 1 Certified (via the process above) will receive their Level 2 certification at this event.

Sport-Specific Clinics offer coaches the opportunity to learn and practice skills, techniques and tactics to better train and prepare athletes for competitions. Sport-specific clinics are offered throughout the year.

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.

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
Young Athletes Volunteer Coach Job Description
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.

Health & Wellness Resources

Keep your team fit and healthy.

Wellness Challenges

Fit 5

Weekly fitness challenges and tips

Virtual Resources

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.