Coaches Education & Certificates
Our Coaches Education System (CES) provides a variety of sport-specific and general clinics and courses designed to help volunteers become better coaches.
Coaches Education System (CES) Overview
Why become certified?
- Required to coach at Regional, Championship, USA and World Games events
- Must be certified to file a protest at competition
- No Cost to Volunteers – FREE!
Who can become Certified?
- Current SONorCal Volunteers (with current application on file)
- Must be at least 16 years of age
CES Plan
- Certifications and Re-certifications are valid for three (3) years from the date of completion
- 2025 – One coach per team must be certified
- 2026 & Beyond – ALL coaches must be certified
Become Certified or Re-Certified
Complete an Online Certification
- Sport-Specific – Basketball, Bocce, Golf, Tennis, Softball, Swimming, and Track & Field
- Coming Soon! – Bowling, Flag Football, Floor Hockey, and Soccer
- Coaching Special Olympics Athletes (CSOA) – gain a basic understanding of the scope of responsibilities and expectations required to be a Special Olympics Coach
- Coaching Unified Sports (CUS) – learn how to coach Unified Sports® (Flag Football, Golf, Soccer and Tennis)
Re-certification
- Challenge (or complete again) an Online Certification
- Attend an in-person clinic. Contact your local SONorCal Sports Staff Person
- Teach an in-person clinic (see “Teach an In-Person Clinic” below)
High school (and above) coaches may submit certification(s) to be added to their volunteer record to meet SONorCal certification requirements. For inquiries, please contact us.
“The Better the Coach, The Better the Experience, The Better the Athlete”
Teach an In-Person Clinic
Who can lead a clinic?
Any SONorCal volunteer coach or community member (high school or above coach, certified official or other expert) who has an expertise in the sport can be a Clinician
Where can a clinic be held?
It can be at any existing training site or other venue secured and approved by SONorCal
Can I hold a clinic for my team?
Yes, as long as you meet the requirements and are approved by SONorCal to be a Clinician
Ready to lead a clinic?
CPR and First Aid
CPR and First Aid
Learn basic CPR and First Aid techniques that can be used at practices and competitions, if needed
Availability
- Available to current coaches, area directors, team managers, unified partners and GMT
- Must have a current Volunteer Application on file
Cost
- Cost covered by SONorCal
- Subject to review of Volunteer Application status
Volunteers with an existing CPR and/or First Aid certification can submit their record for acknowledgement to letsplay@sonc.org
