Coaches & Volunteers
Thanks for your interest in becoming a volunteer. Below is some information about becoming a volunteer and/or a coach with Gahanna Special Olympics.
Specific Volunteer Job Descriptions
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Sport Assistant (Assistant Coach and General Volunteer)
The following items are required for all volunteers (per Special Olympics Ohio):
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All volunteers must be at least 14 years of age.
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The Class A Volunteer Form. This form is required for all volunteers. Here is a link to the form: SOOH Class A Application. There is a regular PDF form and a fillable PDF form. Please scan the completed form and email or email the fillable form to Karmen McCaslin at coordinator@gahannaspecialolympics.org. This form has to be renewed every three years. Once the form is received, you will receive an email with a link to enter your background information. This eliminates the need for a paper copy of sensitive information and protects your private data.
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The General Orientation which may be found here: General Orientation This is a general introduction to Special Olympics. Review the general orientation participation guide, and then complete the general orientation quiz. This is required for all volunteers. Please take a screenshot of your completed orientation and forward to coordinator@gahannaspecialolympics.org.
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The Protective Behaviors training which may be found at SOOH Protective Behaviors Training This online training that must be completed every three years. This course is required for volunteers 16 years old and older. Please forward a copy of your certificate to coordinator@gahannaspecialolympics.org.
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Concussion in Sports Training which may be found at Concussion in Sports Training. This training must be completed every three years. This course is required for all volunteers. Please forward a copy of your certificate to coordinator@gahannaspecialolympics.org.
In addition, Head Coaches MAY OPT to complete a Level 1 Requirement:
Coaching Special Olympics Athletes – This three-hour OPTIONAL course is offered through American Sports Education Program for $16.95 (Gahanna Special Olympics will cover the cost). It is a great course for new coaches in preparation for their first Special Olympics coaching role. This course prepares coaches to use their sport-specific knowledge in coaching athletes with intellectual disabilities.
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Coaching Unified Sports – This 90-minute course is offered FREE through National Federation of State High School Associations. Unified Sports is an inclusive sports program that unites Special Olympics athletes and partners as teammates for training and competition. Coaches will learn how to build a successful team by the recruitment and assessment process and appropriate sport selection for athletes and partners. Please note, an individual will not be recognized as a Unified Sports Coach until completion of a Level 1 Sport Skills course, however, the sessions can be taken out of order.
For additional information and information on other available trainings, please see https://sooh.org/coaches-education/current-coaches/
