Coaches Information
Principles of Coaching Online Course
West Virginia University is now offering a Principles of Coaching for Special Olympics Online Course. This is a great opportunity for certified coaches in North Dakota to continue their education. The course which takes approximately 25 hours to complete, cost only $35 to purchase, can be extended up to 6 months to allow for completion.
Don't miss this opportunity to expand your coaching knowledge and improve the sport experience for our athletes! To Register or for more information on the course click here, or call SOND Director of Sports, Reid Huttunen at 701-746-0331.
Become a Special Olympics Coach
Our volunteer coaches are both role models and character-builders for our athletes. They give Special Olympics athletes the most immediate awareness of their own worth, ability, courage and capacity to grow and improve.
Coaches' Oath
In the name of all coaches,
I promise that we shall take part in these Special Olympics Games, respecting and abiding by the rules which govern them,
in the true spirit of sportsmanship, for the glory of sport and the honor of our teams.
It's easy to be a Special Olympics coach.
Regardless of whether you've coached before, you can be the inspiration for Special Olympics athletes. We provide training in the sport, tips to help you coach your team, and a simple certification process that makes it easy for you to get started.
Opportunities are also available for volunteers who are experienced in a particular sport, but haven't coached before. You can assist other coaches and provide instructional training at practices, camps and special events.
There are 15 sports to choose from and hundreds of athletes who need a coach. Close to 1,400 athletes from around the state benefit from participation in the program.
To learn more about coaching opportunities throughout North Dakota, contact the SOND program office or an area director.
Experience the rewards of coaching.
Whether you're a returning coach or just considering the opportunity to coach, Special Olympics North Dakota offers support and a rewarding experience. Often, Special Olympics coaches find that the personal rewards received are equal to or even outweigh the benefits they offer the athletes.
Special Olympics coaches get to experience the way sports should be. Our athletes are excited to play, respectful of players and officials, and devoted to their coaches. With a little encouragement from a coach like you, these exceptional athletes can do anything.
To coach you must:
Complete a Volunteer Application. A copy of your driver's license or other state issued ID must be included to verify your identification. A background check is required for all volunteers 18 years of age or older.
· Review the General Orientation Packet. PDF Version
· Complete and submit the General Orientation quiz. PDF Version
· Complete the Protective Behaviors quiz here. Volunteers 16 years of age or older.
· Results of your Protective Behaviors quiz and proof of completion will be sent to Special Olympics North Dakota by Special Olympics Incorporated.
· The volunteer application and General Orientation quiz may be submitted via fax to: 701-772-1265 or by mail to Special Olympics North Dakota, 2616 S 26th St, Grand Forks ND 58201.