Coaching Resources

Coaches Oath

“In the name of all coaches, we shall follow written and verbal instructions of Special Olympics officials at all times, have our athletes at the appropriate events and activities at the proper time and abide by the rules and policies, in the spirit of sportsmanship.”

Coaches are vital in the Special Olympics, directly helping athletes develop the skills and spirit needed to compete. Coaches can be teachers, family members, or anyone eager to make a positive impact.

Below are links to the forms and training you’ll need for coaching:

  • General Coaches Certification – Watch the video and take the quiz to become a certified coach for SOWI. Please note you will be taken to a different site for this Video and Quiz, so please remember to click back to this page.
  • General Guide for Coaches – Use this handout to learn about the basics of coaching for SOWI.
  • Fit5 Guide – Use this guide to achieve fitness and personal best with physical activity, nutrition, and hydration.
  • Fit5Fitness Cards -Use these easy to follow fitness cards to teach your athletes about physical activity outside of practice.
  • Athlete Behavior Characteristics and Quick Reference Guide – Use these easy-to-follow fitness cards to teach your athletes about physical activity outside of practice.
  • Athlete Pre-Season Success Form – Use this form to get to know your athlete on a personal level prior to the season beginning. What are their interests and strengths, goals (on and off the court), and best strategies to teach and work with that athlete.
  • Special Needs Form – Use this form to relay important information to event volunteers about how to best work with athletes with special needs (i.e. communication limitation, hearing or visual impairment, special equipment adaptations or behavioral needs).
  • Training Site Safety Checklist – Use this general safety checklist at practices to promote a safe and injury-free environment.
  • Uniform Requirements at a Glance – For more detailed information on sport-specific uniform requirements, refer to each sport’s rules page.
  • Concussion Card – View this informative flyer on concussion awareness including: signs and symptoms, return to play policy, and more.
  • Sports Rule Change Proposal Form– The Special Olympics Wisconsin Rule Change Proposal Form is a rolling application. Rule Change Proposals must be submitted at least 6 months prior to the season’s medical deadline to be considered.

    View this educational video for a quick peak into the process of divisioning.