COACHES CORNER
Instructions and resources for SOSC coaches
Quick Links
COACHES CORNER
Instructions and resources for SOSC coaches
QUICK-LINKS
COACHES ARE THE BACKBONE TO SOSC
They are on the playing field, building confidence and inclusion through the joy of sports. This page is here to provide you with resources, information, and guidance for all things coach related.
COACHES TRAININGS
Online Coaches Education Training Platform
NEW! Sports & Games eLearning Portal for Coaches Education
We’re excited to introduce you to our new online Coaches Education Training platform! New coaches and existing coaches to a new sport can now complete online courses for sports skills certification, in place of an initial in-person training session.
Once you have been cleared as a Team Volunteer, you will need to register and create an account on the Special Olympics Sports & Games eLearning Portal to access the training courses. The online courses consist of a series of modules, videos, and quizzes for completion. Each course will take approximately 2 hours to complete.
Currently, trainings are available for certifications in the following sports: Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Flag Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball. Thank you for your patience as we work on completing courses for the remainder of the SOSC sports.
IN-PERSON TRAININGS
There are currently no in-person trainings scheduled. Please check in again at a later date.
COACHES RESOURCES
Online Training Portal Guide
Upon volunteer clearance, new coaches and existing coaches to a new sport can now receive their sports skills certification by completing online courses.
Please reference the guide for support navigating the online portal to register for an account, access training courses, and track your progress. Courses are currently available for: Basketball, Bocce, Bowling, Flag Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball.
Codes of Conduct
Our Codes of Conduct include our guiding principles of respect, quality of sport, and responsibility.
We hold our coaches to the highest regard as they set the tone and experience for our athletes. Please review often and abide by them so we can promote inclusion through the joy of sport. Any behaviors acting outside of the Code of Conduct will result in possible probation, suspension, or expulsion. If you have any concerns or questions about conduct, please reach out to your regional SOSC Sports Manager.
Sports Rules & Summaries
Rules and information on each SOSC sport is below.
Please reference these when preparing for practice and competition. Our competitions and championships all abide by these rules.
*Rules last updated December 2024
ATHLETICS
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
BASKETBALL
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
BOCCE
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
BOWLING
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
CHEER
Rules | Change SummaryÂ
FLAG FOOTBALL
Rules | Change SummaryÂ
FLOORBALL
Rules | Change Summary
GOLF
Rules |Â Fact Sheet
SOCCER
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
SOFTBALL
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
SWIMMING
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
TENNIS
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
VOLLEYBALL
Rules | Change Summary | Fact Sheet
Coaching Guides
Policies & Guides
SOSC collaborates with Special Olympics North America and Special Olympics International to devise policies and best practices to support our athletes.
We hold our coaches to the highest regard as they set the tone and experience for our athletes. Please review often and abide by them so we can promote inclusion through the joy of sport. Any behaviors acting outside of the Code of Conduct will result in possible probation, suspension, or expulsion. If you have any concerns or questions about conduct, please reach out to your regional SOSC Sports Manager.
Past Coach Trainings
Training information for SOSC coaches.
FLOORBALL
TEAM RATING FORM TRAININGS
MISCELLANEOUS RECORDINGS
- Coaching Athletes with Autism (3/9/22)
- Learning How to Do Virtual Trainings (2/9/21)
- Level 2 Golf Info Session Recording (8/16/24)
- Conflict Resolution Training (9/11/25)
Diabetes Education for Coaches
Supporting Athletes with Diabetes
Learn practical strategies for supporting athletes with diabetes through these resources created in partnership by Special Olympics Healthy Athletes and California State Channel Islands Nursing Department.
CERTIFICATIONS
SPORTS SKILLS CERTIFICATION OR RE-CERTIFICATION
Coaches are required to renew their sports certification every 3 years.
Coaches Sports Skills Status Process
New Coaches & Existing Coaches to a New Sport
All new coaches and existing coaches to a new sport are required to complete a sports skills certification in your sport via our online training portal or an in-person training session before becoming eligible to complete the online re-certification.
Returning Coaches
After the initial in-person training all coaches are required to renew their sports certification every 3 years.
For those who qualify, select a sport below and complete the re-certification quiz.
Returning coaches also have the option to complete an online course from the Special Olympics Sports & Games eLearning Portal for re-certification.
RETURNING COACHES SPORTS SKILLS RE-CERTIFICATION
VOLUNTEER CERTIFICATION OR RE-CERTIFICATION
Coaches are required to renew their volunteer status every 3 years.
For a complete overview of re-certification needs by coach role, see the SOSC Coach Education System.
Coaches Volunteer Status Process
Get Connected
Log in or create a profile on GetConnected to start the renewal process.
All of Los Angeles County
Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties
Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties
Requirements
Trainings
- General Orientation
- Protective Behaviors
- Concussion
Background Check
Driver’s License Submission
QUESTIONS?
Please email Aya Bispham at abispham@sosc.org with any questions. For a complete overview of certification and re-certification needs by coach role, see the SOSC Coach Education System.
PARTICIPATION WAIVER
All athletes and coaches are required to submit a waiver to participate in SOSC activities.
We are guided by the Codes of Conduct for all coaches, volunteers, athletes, and spectators. Please be sure to review these carefully for the safety of athletes, yourselves, and for the integrity of sport. We are stronger when we work as one team promoting inclusion and joy. These codes set the tone of respect, quality of sport, and responsibility. It’s on us to lead by example.
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