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Volunteer Requirements

Special Olympics Pennsylvania has two distinct volunteer classifications: one cannot supervise athletes and volunteers and the other one can.

Both volunteer classifications play an important role in our organization! Let’s help you better understand the differences between the two. For a more details chart of the differences, please follow this link!

These volunteer opportunities CAN NOT supervise athletes and volunteers

1

Unified Partner

  • Volunteer who trains and competes alongside an athlete.
  • Required to have completed a volunteer application, a background clearance, Protective Behaviors Training, General Orientation Training and a health history form.
2

General Volunteer

  • Volunteer who has limited contact with athletes or who has contact with athletes accompanied by coaches.
  • Required to have completed a volunteer application.

These volunteer opportunities CAN supervise athletes and volunteers

1

Head Coach

  • Volunteer who creates, organizes and leads a comprehensive sport training program for a team of athletes and volunteers.
  • Required to have completed a volunteer application, a background clearance, Protective Behaviors Training, General Orientation Training Concussion Training and a Sports Certification.
2

Assistant Coach

  • Volunteer who helps organize practice and assist athletes in acquiring sports skills.
  • Required to have completed a volunteer application, a background clearance, Protective Behaviors Training, General Orientation and Concussion Training.

Overnight events can be exciting but also require a certain level of maturity to manage situations. Special Olympics Pennsylvania has set a minimum age of 18 for volunteers to ensure responsible oversight. We believe volunteers with more life experience are generally better equipped to deal with challenges and make sound decisions throughout the night.

This helps create a safe and positive environment for everyone involved. If participating in an overnight event, volunteers need to be 18 or older and minimally have these requirements met: a background clearance, Protective Behaviors Training and General Orientation Training

The athlete/coach relationship is a crucial cornerstone of the Special Olympics experience. It goes beyond just teaching sports skills and has a profound impact on the athletes’ lives. Here’s why this bond is so important:

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Understanding & Individualized Training

Coaches play a vital role in understanding each athlete's uniqueness. This allows them to tailor training programs that are effective for engaging the individual, fostering a sense of accomplishment and progress.

Motivation & Confidence Building

A strong coach-athlete relationship provides a supportive environment. Coaches can motivate athletes to push their boundaries, celebrate their victories (big or small), and help them bounce back from setbacks. This builds confidence and self-esteem, which spills over into all aspects of the athlete’s life.

Life Skills Development

Special Olympics coaches go beyond just sports. They can help athletes develop important life skills like communication, teamwork, and following instructions. This empowers them to be more independent and successful in their daily lives.

Social Inclusion & Belonging

Coaches create a welcoming and inclusive environment. This fosters a sense of belonging and social connection, which can be especially important for individuals who may face social isolation.

Overall Well-Being

The positive aspects of the coach-athlete relationship contribute to the overall well-being of Special Olympics athletes. This can lead to improved physical health, mental well-being, and a more positive outlook on life.

In conclusion, Special Olympics coaches are more than just instructors; they are mentors, cheerleaders, and advocates for their athletes.

The strong bonds they build have a lasting impact that extends far beyond the playing field.

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Have any other questions about volunteering?

Reach out to your local program or contact us at volunteer@specialolympicspa.org