Coaching Information

What is a Coach?

As a Special Olympics coach, you bring enthusiasm, commitment, and a positive attitude to each practice, event, and competition, enriching the lives of the athletes you meet. In return, you develop relationships with athletes who inspire you with their dedication, perseverance, and courage. Coaches represent many different roles to many different people. Coaches are viewed as teachers, mentors, role models, and as leaders in the community in which they become involved. Coaches who contribute to the community have an enormous effect on the development of our youth, and participate in a great learning experience.

National Coaching Certification Program

Special Olympics Ontario expects all coaches to take the one day National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) within one year of commencing volunteerism. NCCP is specifically designed to train coaches to be able to meet the needs of the specific participants/athletes they are working with. Coaches will learn to plan safe and effective practices, design meaningful season plans, teach appropriate sport skills to athletes, and many other important aspects of coaching.

The NCCP prepares coaches to:

  • Better meet the needs of all athletes in sport

  • Provide a positive sport experience to athletes

  • Provide opportunities for athletes to achieve their full potential in and through sport


Other Suggested Courses (check with the Head Coach before taking)

Emergency First Aid - What Is Emergency First Aid?

A one or 2 day practical, hands-on workshop aimed at educating community sport coaches and volunteers in the prevention, recognition, treatment, and response to injuries in sport. Participants will receive Red Cross First Aid and CPR certification with an emphasis on sports injuries.

Topics covered in the course include:

  • Planning for sport safety

  • Preventing injury through proper training

  • Preparing to help injured athletes

  • Your safety plan

  • Head and spine injuries

  • Injuries to soft tissue and bone

  • First Aid and Level A (Heartsaver) CPR – St. John Ambulance


Course Cost

Special Olympics Ontario - Aurora believes that coach education and professional development are essential to provide quality sport programs. As long as finances permit, we reimburse 100% of the cost of NCCP and First Aid training. Other higher level courses are also reimbursed, but you must obtain permission first from the community council and Head Coach to ensure need and sufficient funds. Fees are reimbursed after successful completion of a course with proof of completion.