Coach Criteria And Education

SOMA Coach Certification – all SOMA Coaches:
 
• Complete a Class “A” Volunteer application (every 3 years).  Click here for the form.
• Complete the online Protective Behaviors (every 3 years).  Click here to begin.
• Complete a “Coaching in SOMA” General Orientation course (1 time only).  Click here to begin.
 
SOMA Head Coach Certification – each team must have a Certified Head Coach to participate in a SOMA State Tournament:
 
• Obtain a SOMA Coach Certification.
• Complete a sport specific coach course (may receive written waiver for 1 year). Click here for the calendar.
• Complete a specified practicum.
• Complete a Principles of Coaching Course (1 time only before their 4th season/year).  Click here for the online course.
AND
• Maintain re-certification at least once every three years.
 
SOMA World and National Games Coach – to represent SOMA at National or World Games:
 
• Obtain and maintain SOMA Head Coach Certification.
• Complete Principles of Coaching Course (1 time only).  Click here for the online course.
• Complete Unified Sports© Course (if appropriate to team).
• Complete an approved First Aid & CPR Course.
 
Re-Certification
 
• Any of the courses used for certification.
• Special Olympics Unified Sports© Course.
• Special Olympics Principles of Coaching Course.  Click here for the online course. 
• Coaching Special Olympics Athletes Seminar.
• Special Olympics Tactics Course – Sport Specific.
• America Sport Education Program (ASEP) Online Courses.  Click here for online courses offered by ASEP.
• First-Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Course 
• Officials Training 
• Positive Coaching Alliance – Double Gold
• Other SOMA approved coaching courses