Coaches Training

SOMA and Special Olympics North America (SONA) Policy:


According to SOMA policy all coaches must be certified to take part in a SOMA program.
Special Olympics Massachusetts is currently restructuring its training process to include more consistent year-round training for all SOMA coaches. Training sessions will most likely be held on weekends to allow coaches an opportunity to certify in more than one principle Please stay tuned to this site for more information or email George Kent with immediate questions.

Please contact George Kent, Director of Organizational Development, with any questions regarding coaches training via Email or by phone at 978-750-0632.
2007 Calendar of Events

January 30th* GMT/EMT Training Hopkinton
February 9th & 10th* Winter Weekend Coaches Training Winter Games Assessment in Berkshires
March 24th Spring Weekend Coaches Training Harvard University
June 16th Summer Coaching In SOMA Training Harvard University
August 11th August Sports Coaching In SOMA Training UMass - Amherst
September 27 Coaching In SOMA, Senior & Soccer Training John Smith Sport Center
October 20 Fall Weekend Coaches Training Bridgewater State College


* Dates are subject change Winter Coaches Training – Alpine, Nordic, Figure, Speed, Coaching in SOMA Spring Coaches Training – Athletics, Aquatics, Tennis, Volleyball, Bocce, Softball, Coaching in SOMA, Unified Sports©, Coaching the S.O. Athlete, First Aid/CPR Fall Coaches Training – Basketball, Ten Pin Bowling, Athletics, Aquatics, Soccer, Coaching in SOMA, Unified Sports©, Principles of Coaching At Assessment Rounds – Gymnastics, Rollerskating, Cycling, Powerlifting, Golf TBD Winter Games, Summer Games & August Sports - Coaching in SOMA

* SOMA policy requires mandatory Certification for all head coaches.

* Certification is comprised of Coaching in SOMA, a sport specific skills course and a practicum.

* “Provisional Certification” given for one year for attendance of Coaching in SOMA. Special Olympics Massachusetts is dedicated to coaching excellence. In support of that commitment, the Coaches Education System has been developed. Through coaching education and certification, coaches are able to enhance their skills while helping athletes reach their sport potentials.