How to Become a Volunteer for Special Olympics of Howard County
Looking for a place to volunteer? Want to feel the joy of watching athletes with intellectual disabilities work hard and excel in the various sports? Need to earn Community Service Requirements for high school graduation or church requirements? Whether you are looking for a few hours a week or month or a larger commitment, whether you can help with administrative/office work, fundraising or want to work hands-on coaching the athletes, Special Olympics Howard County can use you!
Volunteer Opportunities & Requirements
Additional training may be required based on your selected volunteer opportunity. Documentation for all application and training requirements must be submitted to the Special Olympics Howard County office. Click on the volunteer opportunity below for more information.
General Volunteer
Sport Volunteer
Assistant Coach
Head Coach
Advanced Coach
Sports Coordinator
Attend a Volunteer Orientation
Anyone interested in volunteering must attend a volunteer orientation, complete a volunteer application and on-line Protective Behaviors and Concussion Courses. Parents are highly encouraged to attend an orientation. Volunteer orientations are scheduled for 7:00pm-8:00pm on the following dates:
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Monday, February 10, 2025
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Registration in advance is required. Orientations are held at the Special Olympics Howard County office at 8970 Route 108, Suite A-1, Columbia, MD. Click here to register for volunteer orientation.
Complete a Volunteer Application
In accordance with the Special Olympics Volunteer Screening Policy and with the interest of the health and safety of all participants in mind, we ask your cooperation by fully completing the Volunteer application below – all information is required and confidential. Please fill out and send to our Special Olympics Howard County office address. Volunteers under the age of 18 must also ask two adult, non-family references to complete the below Student-Minor Reference Form (e.g., teacher, school counselor, sports coach). Volunteer Applications must be updated every three years. For minors, Volunteer Applications must be updated upon reaching age 18.
Complete Protective Behaviors Training & Quiz
Access the Protective Behaviors Course via the Special Olympics Online Learning Portal. If you don’t already have an account on SO Learn, please create one and select the “sport” learning area. Search for the “Protective Behaviors” course and complete it. (Note: If SO Learn says that you have already completed the “Protective Behaviors” course, please click the “recertify” button and it will allow you to retake the course.) Download the available certificate and submit it along with your volunteer application. The Protective Behaviors Course must be re-taken every three years and is typically re-taken in conjunction with updating the Volunteer Application.
Complete Concussion Training
Access the Heads Up Coaches Consussion in Youth Sports Course via the Special Olympics Online Learning Portal. If you don’t already have an account on SO Learn, please create one and select the “sport” learning area. Sort on “concussion” and the course will come up. (Note: If SO Learn says that you have already completed the ” Heads Up Coaches Concussions in Youth Sports” course, please click the “recertify” button and it will allow you to retake the course.) Download the available certificate and submit it along with your volunteer application. The Heads Up Coaches Consussion in Youth Sports Course must be re-taken every three years and is typically re-taken in conjunction with updating the Volunteer Application.
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