Coaches' Education
Special Olympics International and Special Olympics Rhode Island
have made a commitment to coaching excellence. In support of this
commitment, the Coaches Education System has been developed. Through
Coaching education and certification, coaches are able to enhance
their skills while helping athletes reach their sport potential.
Coaches are role models and character builders.
Coaches give Special Olympics athletes the
most immediate awareness of their own worth, ability, courage and capacity to grow and improve
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Special Olympics Coaches:
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- Assist athletes
in learning sports skills.
- Encourage
confidence and self-esteem through sport.
- Obtain equipment
for athletic training.
- Conduct
demonstrations in new sports.
- Help start
Special Olympics Partners Club.
- Start Special
Olympics Unified Sports teams.
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Coaches' Education Requirements |
In keeping with the commitment to coaching excellence, It is
necessary to continue your coaching education in order to keep your
certification current and upgraded. As of January 1, 1999 coaches
will need to attend a course offered by Special Olympics Rhode
Island or an approved course offered by an outside agency at least
one time every 4 years in order to remain certified as a coach for
Special Olympics.
Visit the Coaches Section
at
www.specialolympics.org to
learn more about coaches education and to download sport specific
coaching guides.
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General Orientation |
The first stop towards education is to attend a General Orientation.
This short program will provide you with an overview of the Special
Olympics mission and philosophy. You will also be introduced to
eligibility requirements, along with what makes Special Olympics
unique from other sports organizations.
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Sports Skills Course |
At a sports-specific Skills Course, experienced trainers will
present current training techniques along with the latest in NGB
(National Governing Body) and Special Olympics sports rules. In the
course, you will learn how to design a training plan, how to lead a
safe effective practice that utilizes your time with athletes to the
greatest advantage, and how to teach your athletes using basic
skills progression.
Upon completing this course you will be ready for a 10-hour
practicum working with Special Olympics athletes.
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Principles of Coaching Course |
As you become more involved with your athletes and their training,
you will receive great assistance from this course. Experienced
facilitators will provide you with current tips on how to prepare
your athletes both physically and mentally. You will receive tips
for planning and administration of your competition season.
Upon completing this course you will be ready for a 10-hour
practicum working with Special Olympics athletes.
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Tactics Course |
The Tactics Course is the perfect way to further your sport-specific
knowledge and skills. Instruction in more advanced training
principles and in-depth skills development is presented in this
course. The focus here is on enhancing athlete performance and
improving event or game strategies.
Upon completing this course you will be ready for a 10-hour
practicum working with Special Olympics athletes.
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Mentoring Program |
To help you further enhance your coaching skills and to insure that
your athletes work toward their maximum potential, you can continue
your education in the Mentoring Program. You will be paired with an
experienced coach that has been chosen to help you with your
specific coaching needs.
For more information contact Casie Rhodes, Director of Sports
and Training,
at (401) 823-7411.
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