Athletes as Coaches
Special Olympics athletes are the leaders of the movement. Through Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Programs ( ALPs), athletes explore opportunities in roles previously considered "nontraditional." A program or initiative could be considered ALPs if it:
- Allows athletes to choose how they might participate (i.e., selecting their sport or deciding to become a coach)
- Encourages an athlete to serve in meaningful leadership roles other than or in addition to that of "competitor"
- Provides training for existing leadership as they welcome and encourage athletes in new roles
Athlete coaching responsibilities might include:
- Assist in skills demonstrations and training
- Serve as a rules or tournament official
- Representation on a tournament subcommittee
- Manage equipment for trainings and competitions
- Confirm practice times with fellow athletes, coaches, families and volunteers
- Maintain coaches and athlete statistics and attendance records
- Various Data entry
- Prepare and break down of practice areas
If you have athletes who express an interest in coaching, you might show them the following handout and assist them with following through on the points covered there.
Special Olympics also offers Athletes as Coaches workshops at state and local levels. Contact your local
Special Olympics Program to see when the next one will be offered.
