Find Special Olympics Near Me
Find your local region and help make our community a better, healthier, and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.

Sports Leader

Ways To Get Involved As Sports Leader

Sport Assistant

Support team practices by helping with drills, encouraging athletes, and creating a positive team environment.

Coach Level 1

Assist with team practices and learn basic coaching skills through training and mentorship.

Coach Level 2

Help lead the team at practices and competitions by supporting athletes, managing logistics, and modeling team spirit.

Coach Level 3

Co-lead practices or competitions with certified coaches; take on leadership roles within the team.

Divisioning Team Member

Help ensure fair and competitive matchups by observing athletes during divisioning and taking notes.

Referee/Official

Support competitions by helping officiate, track scores, manage timing, and apply rules fairly.

Sport Assistant

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Positive attitude and commitment to athlete success
  • Commit to weekly support of your team for the duration of the sports season
  • Nomination by an area council member or existing coach

Note: Coaching positions are subject to availability within the local program. If interested please contact the Region Director/Program Director in the office closest to you.

Coach Level 1

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Approved by Local Program Coordinator
  • Age 16 or older
  • Positive role model and team player
  • Willing to work with a coach mentor
  • Commit to weekly support of your team for the duration of the sports season
  • Nomination by an area council member or existing coach

Note: Coaching positions are subject to availability within the local program. If interested please contact the Region Director/Program Director in the office closest to you.

Coach Level 2

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Approved by Local Program Coordinator
  • Meets all Level 1 requirements. In addition to

    • Sports specific course online for those sports where online courses have been developed or in person sport specific training
  • Demonstrates strong time management and focus at events
  • Positive, encouraging, and reliable
  • Commit to weekly support of your team for the duration of the sports season
  • Nomination by an area council member or existing coach

Note: Coaching positions are subject to availability within the local program. If interested please contact the Region Director/Program Director in the office closest to you.

Coach Level 3

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Approved by Local Program Coordinator
  • Demonstrates strong planning, communication, and leadership skills, and is comfortable giving direction in team settings
  • Commit to weekly support of your team for the duration of the sports season
  • Nomination by an area council member or existing coach

Note: Coaching positions are subject to availability within the local program. If interested please contact the Region Director/Program Director in the office closest to you.

Divisioning Team Member

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Knowledge of sport rules (Special Olympics or governing body certified, depending on sport level)
  • Observant, detail-oriented, and respectful
  • Able to work well with officials and volunteers

Note: Please reach out to the Events & Competition team for more information on opportunities available in your area.

Referee/Official

Purpose: Support competitions by helping officiate, track scores, manage timing, and apply rules fairly.

Eligibility Requirements:
  • May require official certification (for sports like softball, soccer, basketball, bocce)
  • Knowledge of sport rules (Special Olympics or governing body certified, depending on sport level)

Note: Please reach out to the Events & Competition team for more information on opportunities available in your area.