Coach
Volunteer Coaches are a critical component of Special Olympics New Hampshire. A coach works directly with the athletes to improve their skills in specific Special Olympics Sports. Coaches serve as role models and character builders, giving Special Olympics athletes awareness of their worth, ability, courage and capacity to grow and improve.
Volunteer coaches do not need prior experience – we provide the necessary training and resources. To be a Special Olympics coach, all you need is a desire to help others and a lot of enthusiasm. Head coaches must be 18 years or older, while teens from the ages of 14-17 can be assistant coaches.
SONH Coaches Certification
SONH offers opportunities for coaches to improve their knowledge of Special Olympics and of the sports they coach through a coaches certification program. Traditional Sport Specific Coaches Certification
- Complete Local Program Volunteer requirements.
- Complete one – "Rookie School" which includes components of the Coaching Special Olympics Athletes and Principles of Coaching courses.
- Attend a coaches college class.
- Return the Application for Sports Training Certification to SONH.
Alternative Sport Specific Coaches Certification
The Alternative Coach Certification has been designed for coaches who have a proven record of involvement as a coach.
- Complete Local Program Volunteer requirements.
- Attend the SONH Rookie School
- Submit the Application for Alternative Sports Training Certification to SONH.
- Applications will be reviewed by the SONH Director of Program.
- Applicants will be notified of their certification status within one month of receipt of application.
Recertification
- Coaches are required to renew their certification every three (3) years.
- SONH will renew all certifications held by a candidate upon completion of any one of the options (listed below) for becoming recertified. For example, if a coach holds certification in four sports and takes an on-line coaches training session, SONH will renew all four of your current certifications.
- American Sport Education Program (ASEP) is an online sports training program offered through Special Olympics, Inc. SONH coaches can register for the ASEP Coaching Youth Sports online courses by visiting http://www.asep.com/asep_content/org/SONA.cfm.
- The registration fee is approximately $20 per course. Participants can be reimbursed by SONH utilizing funds from a Local Program, Coaches will need to get approval from their Local Program Coordinator to use theses funds.
- Repeat a Traditional Coach Certification Track or complete a Traditional Coach Certification in another sport. You will not need to repeat the Rookie School.
- Complete an Advanced Training in a sport in which one is already certified.
- Attend a certification course offered by another recognized sports organization.
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