Become a Coach with Without Limits – Team Galaxy

At Without Limits – Team Galaxy, we believe every athlete deserves a well-trained, dedicated coach.
Below is everything you need to know to become a certified coach with us and maintain compliance with Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) standards.

Core Requirements for Coaching
All coaches must:

• Maintain an active Class A Volunteer Status with SOILL. This includes background checks every 4 years.
• Complete required certification courses within two years of being assigned a sport.
• Review the sport’s Sports Training Guide prior to each season.
  Follow all SOILL, Special Olympics International (SOI), and Without Limits – Team Galaxy policies.

Special Olympics Coach Development Model (CDM)
We follow the Special Olympics Coach Development Model (CDM), a global standard that:

• Aligns coaches with the Athlete Development Model (ADM)
• Ensures coaches provide lifelong development opportunities to athletes
• Enhances collaboration with national sports governing bodies
• Delivers optimal sports experiences for all athletes

5 Key Steps to Becoming a Certified Special Olympics Coach

1. Special Olympics Orientation
2. Coaching Special Olympics Athletes Course (includes First Aid & Coaching Principles)
3. Sport-Specific Coaching Course
4. Mentorship by a certified coach
5. Final Endorsement by the local SO program

Required Training Courses

• General Orientation - Intro to SO programs and values. Required before all other courses.
• Protective Behaviors & Concussion Awareness - Mandatory every 4 years with Class A renewal. 
  
• Sport-Specific Skills Course​ - Sport technique, training, competition guidance.
• Principles of Coaching - Coaching philosophy, staff management, safety, and risk reduction.
• Tactics Course - Strategies, drills, and competitive preparation per sport.

 Special Requirements for Without Limits – Team Galaxy Coaches
To coach with us, you must:

•  Complete all 5 CDM certification steps
• Possess additional sport-specific knowledge, including:
  • Sports Federation training (rules, event planning)
  • Basics of injury prevention, nutrition, and psychology

Timeline: All requirements must be completed within 2 years of coaching assignment.

Ongoing Coaching Responsibilities

• ​Practice Requirements: TBD
  
• Practice Design: Include warm-up, skill development, scrimmage, and cool-down.
• Weekly Communication: Coaches must send a weekly email outlining upcoming events and practices.
• Equipment & Uniforms: Submit needed equipment and uniform sizing list to the SOID by Week 1.
• Paperwork: Submit typed sport-specific forms to the SOID 2 weeks before regional/state deadlines.

Policies to Follow All coaches must comply with:

• Severe Weather Policy
• Housing Policy
• Practice & Safety Guidelines

Additional Notes

• Assistant Coaches must hold a Class A but are encouraged to become fully certified by their second year.
• At least one certified coach must be present for every 4 athletes (4:1 ratio).
• All coaches must distribute our “Values & Coaching Philosophy” before the first official practice.
• Coaching is a lifelong learning process—stay updated on current practices in sport, nutrition, psychology, and injury prevention.

Recommended Training & Resources

• Special Olympics Sports & Coaching Videos
• Coaching Special Olympics Athletes Online Course
• NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching
  (Create an account in the top right corner)

Policy Effective:
June 2025 - For any questions or help getting started, contact us at [email protected]