ATTENTION ALL CURRENT VOLUNTEERS and ANYONE THAT WANTS TO VOLUNTEER
PLEASE READ –
NEW VOLUNTEER POLICY!!!!!!
Volunteers:
Two basic types of volunteers help make Special Olympics Vand Co. program operate
1. Non-certified fundraising event volunteer
2. certified coach volunteer.
A. Non-Certified Volunteer
Fundraising event volunteer play a vital role in fundraising and working at events
B. Certified Coach Volunteer
Volunteer Information:
Does Special Olympics need Volunteers ?
YES! Volunteers are the lifeline of Special Olympics Vanderburgh County. They serve as coaches, officials, trainers, and a variety of other valuable roles.
How do you sign up to be a volunteer with Special Olympics ?
A volunteer Application is required of each volunteer. Attend a coach/Volunteer orientation and complete an online Protective Behavior Training.
The Coach/Volunteer Orientation and Online Protective Behaviors Trainings are mandatory for all Class A volunteers. Coach/Volunteer Orientation, commonly referred to as CVO is a one-hour, entry-level training class required for all Class A volunteers. A Class A volunteer is any volunteer who has regular contact with athletes through roles such as coach, chaperone or administrative authority.The On-line Protective Behaviors must be taken every 3 years
COACH/VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION : contains information on the mission, history, organization and sports programs of Special Olympics, along with athlete eligibility. CVO is free and includes an introductory handbook, and is the pre-requisite for Level 2 or 3 coach certification.
If volunteers do not already have a completed Coach/Volunteer application on file with their County Coordinator and the State Office when they attend CVO, they must fill one out at the training. It is required that all Class A volunteers register with the State Office and their county program through a Coach/Volunteer Application, signed by the County Coordinator.
ONLINE PROTECTIVE BEHAVIORS: The final step in becoming a certified, Class A volunteer with Special Olympics Indiana is a brief, online tutorial called Protective Behaviors. This is a very important part of your training - what to do in the case of abuse (or suspected abuse) of athletes. This training is for the protection of the athlete - everyone's number one priority - and also for your protection as a volunteer.
The training is brief - 15-20 minutes. You will not be a certified, Class A volunteer until you have completed this training. When you are done with the training (it is 18 slides) be sure to click "Finish" on the lower right hand corner of the last slide; this will take you to a confirmation page where you can enter your information which will be relayed to the State Office.
What is the minimum age for a coach?
Coaches can be certified at age 16: however all Head coaches must be at least 18 years old.
What volunteer opportunities are available for minor(uber age 18) volunteers?
Volunteers that are at least 16 years old can be certified in any Special Olympics sports. Volunteers that are younger than 16 can provide coaching assistance and event competition support under the supervision of a parent guardian, or certified head coach or assiatant coach.
Can an athlete be coached by a family member?
Absolutely ! Special Olympics is dependent on the families of the athletes for a variety of volunteer positions. The age restrictions noted above apply to all family coaches.
Volunteer Application Form:
For more information please contact:
Marilyn Maurer , 812-428-0843