Meet Our Coaches

Written by Les Fenton

Tuesday, 23 February 2010 19:35

Our program would be nothing without the help and committment of each of our staff and coaches.

If you would like to learn more about our current staff and coaches please click on this link. We are currently working on getting information from each of our coaches and once that information becomes available we will put it on-line.

Coaches are expected to follow the Coaches Code of Conduct which is shown below:

1.	Repect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being in Special Olympics
	Within the context of the activity, treat everyone equally regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion or ability.
2.	Ensure the athlete's time spent with Special Olympics is a positive experience.
3.	Treat each athlete as an individual.
	Respect the skills, developemental stage and goals of each athlete.
	Ensure all athletes are provided appropriate training opportunities.
	Be fair, considerate and honest with athletes.
	Ensure that accurate scores are provided for entry of an athlete in an event at all times.
	Instruct all athletes to perform to the best of their ability at all preliminaries/heats and finals in accordance with the Official Special Olympics Sports Rules and National Governing Body Rules.
4.	Be professional in and accept responsibility for your actions.
	Language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation should display high standards.
	Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved in the sport (athletes, coaches, opponents, officials, adminstrators, parents, spectators, media, volunteers, etc.).
	Encourage athletes to demonstrate the same qualities.
	No consumption of achohol or illegal drugs is permitted while representing Special Olympics at training, competition or while supervising athletes. Use of tabacco is permitted only in designated areas away from the field of play.
5.	Provide a quality service to your athletes.
	Seek continual improvement through performance evaluation and ongoing coach's education.
	Provide a planned training program.
	Maintain medical, training and competition records for each athlete.
6.	Operate within the rules and spirit of Special Olympics.
	Special Olympics Sports Rules, National Governing Body Rules and practices and procedures of the Sports Information Guide should be followed.
7.	Refrain from any form of abuse toward athletes and others.
	This includes verbal, physical and emotional abuse.
	Be alert to any form of abuse from other sources directed toward your athlete while in your care.
8.	Provide a safe environment for training and competition.
	Ensure that the equipment and facilities are safe to use.
	Equipment, rules, training and the environment need to be appropriate for the age and ability of the athlete.
	Ensure first aid is available or accessible during all trainings and competition.
9.	Know each athlete's medical background.
	Encourage athletes to seek medical advice when required.
	Athlete's safety, health and welfare should always take precedence over competition.
	Allow further participation in training and competition when appropriate.
10.	Be a positive role model for your athlete and your sport.

The Coaches Certification Program is designed to train volunteers who wish to develop their coaching skills and become certified Special Olympics coaches. Listed below are the six steps one must take to become a certified coach with Special Olympics:

1.	Complete the General Orientation training either on-line (click here) or in person.
2.	Complete the Protective Behaviors training either on-line (click here) or in person.
3.	Attend a sport specific training or the Coaching Special Olympics Athletes training offered by SOTX.
4.	Work a minimum of 10 hours with SOTX athletes in the sport and capture the hours on the Practicum Form.
5.	Submit a copy of one's Practicum Form (Sports Training Certification) to their area office.
6.	Be a registered Class A volunteer with SOTX. (An applicant is only considered a registered Class A volunteer after submitting a Class A Volunteer Application (click here to get the form), completing the General Orientation and Protective Behaviors trainings, and passing the criminal background check, not prior to those events.)

If you are interested in becoming a coach, please contact our Head of Delegation (Les Fenton). He can be reached via e-mail by going to the Contact Us page.

Last Updated on Saturday, 19 June 2010 09:23