Sports Information Handbook - Special Olympics New Jersey

VOLUNTEER COACHJOB DESCRIPTIONThe Special Olympics Coach is responsible for providing athleteswith comprehensive sports training and preparation for Local, Area,Sectional and Chapter level competition.1. To select, assess and train Special Olympics athletes.Athlete Selection: The Special Olympics Coach will recruitathletes and ensure that all required medical and registrationmaterials are properly completed and submitted by establisheddeadlines.Assessment: The Special Olympics Coach will assess eachathlete to determine the individual and/or team skill level fortraining and competition in selected sports.Training: The Special Olympics Coach will develop individualizedtraining programs for each athlete. The program will includefundamental skill instruction, conditioning, mental preparation andinstruction on competition rules. The Training Program should bea minimum of eight weeks in duration.2. To know, understand and abide by the Official Special OlympicsSports Rules.3. To know and understand the sport being coached.4. To execute the following legal duties of a coach:• Provide a safe environment• Properly plan the activity• Evaluate athletes for injury or incapacity• Match athletes of equal ability• Provide adequate and proper equipment• Warn of inherent risks in the sport• Supervise the activity closely• Know emergency procedures and first aid• Keep adequate records5. Make participation in sports fun!UNIFIED COACHING CERTIFICATIONThe process to become certified as a Unified coach is as follows?1. Obtain the Provisional Sport Coaching Certification, as detailed inthe following pages.2. Take the online Unified course.3. Obtain the Official Sport Coaching Certification, as detailed in thefollowing pages.30Sports Information Handbook 2013-2014