Education Program

The training mission of Special Olympics Arizona is to provide appropriate, high quality, year-round sports training to each SOAZ (Special Olympics Arizona) coach.  Training for coaches ultimately provides athletes opportunities to steadily improve sports skills, competitive ability, and the ability to more actively participate in life.  Special Olympics Arizona offers a range of programs to assist in education of coaches and the training of athletes.

Effective April 1, 2007, each Special Olympics team must have at least one certified coach in order to train and compete at any level in Special Olympics Arizona. Team sports such as Basketball, Floor Hockey, and Softball must have a certified coach for each team competing.   Individual sports such as Alpine Skiing, Golf, and Athletics must have one certified coach for each delegation competing.  Coaches in sports with a high level of risk to athlete safety such as Equestrian and Powerlifting must receive training in that specific sport.   In addition, each athlete must practice for eight weeks prior to state competitions and attend an area level competition.

Coaches and delegations starting involvement with SOAZ will have one calendar year to comply with the Coaches Certification Policy from the date their volunteer application/local program application is submitted.  All individuals acting as Class A Volunteers (those who have regular, close physical contact with athletes such as coaches and chaperones), must have a current Volunteer Application on file with the State Office and complete the General Orientation Training and Protective Behaviors Training before volunteering in a Class A capacity.  This is effective for all current and potential Class A Volunteers.  The SOAZ Volunteer Policy may be obtained by request from the SOAZ State Office.

Additional training may be offered to coaches throughout the year or at the annual coaches conference including Principles of Coaching, Unified Sports and Coaching Special Olympics Athletes.  The training schedule and information about upcoming sport specific trainings can be viewed by clicking on the Training Opportunities tab on the right side of this page. 

If there is a training need that is not met by the general calendar, please fill out the

Training Request Form which is located on the Additional Coaches Forms tab on the right side of this page. Submit the request to the Training Coordinator.  Please note that trainings will not be scheduled or held without a minimum registration of ten coaches.

Coach Certification Requirements

To achieve the goal of high quality training, SOAZ provides a certification program available to all Special Olympics coaches.  For more information go to the Certification Process tab on the right side of this page.

Sports and Training Resources (Special Olympics Inc.)

Sports and training resources are available via many sources. SOAZ can provide you with resource materials from the state office. It is recommended, however, that coaches review the Special Olympics Inc. website for a variety of coaching resource materials.  Please go to the SOI website by clicking here www.specialolympics.org and then click on Coach to view a host of available resources including the most current sports rules and coaching guides.

Successful Coaching in Special Olympics:

Sports Knowledge: The more knowledge a coach has about basic sports skills, the more the coach will be able to teach skills properly and in sequence, and thus the coach and the athletes will have a much more enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Motivation: A highly motivated and energetic coach that uses skills and knowledge will help ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for the athletes, other coaches and volunteers.

Empathy: The ability to listen and understand the thoughts and feelings of athletes is critical in Special Olympics. Successful coaches possess empathy, and are able to understand joy, frustration, anxiety and anger experienced by athletes.

Behavior: Special Olympics coaches are models whose behavior serves as a positive example for the athletes. Positive behavior ensures the fairest and most positive competitive experience is equally available to every Special Olympics athlete. With Special Olympics athletes, tempering overly competitive urges and desires helps assure a positive competitive experience for all.