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. Email us at .
“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
