Volunteer Opportunities & Requirements

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!

General Volunteer

•Does not supervise or instruct athletes in training or competition
• May act as chaperone at competitions
• May perform administrative tasks such as taking attendance, organizing end of season parties, distributing uniforms, etc.

Sports Volunteer

•Helps athletes learn sports
• Encourages athletes in learning new skills
• Receives direction from and provides support to coaches
• Helps athletes stay focused and have fun
• Keeps coordinator informed of availability to attend practices and any issues

Assistant Coach

•Serves in a coaching role, under the direction of a certified Head Coach
• Provides sport instruction for athletes
• Knows and teaches the rules of the game
• Helps athletes to achieve their full potential
• Certification is not sport-specific – is certified as an Assistant Coach for all sports
• Cannot serve as the primary coach at a competition

Head Coach

  • Serves as the main coach for a team or program
  • Serves as the primary coach at a competition (e.g., can file protests, sit on team bench, represent team at coach meetings, is permitted in designated coaching areas)
  • Works with coordinators to plan sports season and competitions
  • Provides direction to volunteers
  • Multiple coaches in a program can, and should, be certified at this level, though typically only one is credentialed as Head Coach at a competition

    Advanced Coach

    • Experienced Head Coach
    • Minimum of two years Special Olympics coaching experience
    • Able to serve as coach above state level (e.g., USA Games, World Games and other sport-specific competitions)

    Sports Coordinator

    • Functions as the sport manager
    • Serves as the main point of contact for families and volunteers
    • Handles all communications regarding sport activities
    • Develops season calendar
    • Works with coaches to plan sports season and competitions
    • Ensures all athletes, volunteers and coaches complete required paperwork and are registered in sports database

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