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Be a Volunteer

Join our movement of 15,000+ dedicated individuals.

Join Our Inclusive Community​

Our athletes are why we exist – and our volunteers are how we exist.

Special Olympics Northern California relies on the expertise and dedication of more than 27,000 volunteers. They are on the field coaching our athletes in 11 different sports. They are behind the scenes ensuring events run smoothly. They are raising funds and gathering support within our communities. And they are changing lives, one day at a time.

Volunteer Opportunities   |   FAQs   |   Be a Coach   |   Volunteer Calendar

Volunteer &
Make a Difference

Special Olympics volunteers give their time, energy and resources to better the lives of athletes – and many volunteers end up receiving much more than they give.

Volunteer Opportunities​

Event Volunteer (one-time)

Our most popular volunteer role! If you have limited time or are new to Special Olympics, this offers a fun way to volunteer without making more than a one-day commitment. There are volunteer opportunities at sports events (such as competitions) and other special events (such as fundraisers).

View our Volunteer Calendar

For company or group volunteer opportunities, please contact .

Unified Partner

Special Olympics is all about inclusion – and that means bringing individuals with and without disabilities to together to compete as equals. As a Unified Partner, you will train and compete alongside Special Olympics athletes in select sports (currently golf, flag football, soccer, and tennis), assisting coaches in practice and supporting athletes as needed.

Time Commitment

Unified Partners commit to the team for the full season. Most seasons include 6-8 weeks of practice, with one practice per week, and 2-3 competitions.

Qualifications

Unified Partners should either have experience in or be willing to learn the sport and must be able to assist on the court or field. Unified Partners must be at least 14 years old and show patience and maturity.

Application Process

Unified Partners must complete a volunteer application and attend an online orientation. Volunteers 18 and older must pass a background check. Both online and on-the-job training are provided.

Apply

Coach (ongoing)

Coaches are the backbone of Special Olympics. We rely on volunteer coaches to lead weekly practices and prepare athletes for competition. Volunteering as a coach is a hands-on commitment of a minimum of 6-8 weeks per sports season. If you love sports, are enthusiastic about helping athletes and have the time to give, coaching could be for you!

Learn More

Team Assistant

Great for those interested in supporting a local team but can’t commit to a coaching role or attend every practice. Team Assistants support head coaches with practice setup, drills, and activities, while also handling some administrative tasks. Team Assistant opportunities vary based on the specific needs of each area and offer flexibility for those who may not be able to attend every practice or game.

Requirements

Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, complete the online volunteer application, clear a background check (when over 18), and finish an online training course. This volunteer role is ideal for those who want to work with a team, supporting both athletes and coaches, and can attend at least four practices over an eight-week season.

Games Management Team

If you love sports but prefer to play a supporting role, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities for you! Join us as a part of the Games Management Team to set up the competition venues and provide logistics; keep the games on track as a referee/official; or use your professional background as a Medical Volunteer.

Learn More

Other Volunteer Roles (varies)

Use your personal or professional background to support Special Olympics as an office volunteer, photographer or in another capacity.

Learn More

Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)

Exclusively for members of the law enforcement community.

Learn More

Health & Wellness Volunteer (varies)

There are many ways to get involved and support our Health & Wellness movement! If you are a student, health, wellness or fitness professional, or interested in volunteering, fill out this brief Special Olympics Health & Wellness Volunteer Interest form for upcoming events, or email .

To learn more visit: sonc.org/health-wellness-volunteers

I volunteer for Special Olympics because I love the athletes. I hope I can teach them as much as they teach me.

Christine

Special Olympics Coach

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I. Volunteer Application

Which volunteer roles require completing the application process?

Any volunteer who will be working closely with athletes, or athlete information, needs to complete the application process. This includes Coaches, Unified Partners, GMT Members, Office Volunteers, and Medical Volunteers.

Event Volunteers, who may volunteer at a competition or special event for a singular shift, do not need to complete the application process, and can register for events individually through the Volunteer Event Calendar.

What is involved in the application process? How long will it take?

The application process involves completing a form through our online portal – which includes submitting for a Background check (if 18 years or older) and then completing an initial orientation and training module. The entire process should take 45 to 60 minutes. Background Check results may take several days to process, after which confirmation of volunteer eligibility will be sent by email.

Why do I have to submit for a criminal Background Check?
Special Olympics Northern California, under the guidelines of Special Olympics International, requires all adult volunteers working with athletes, or athlete information, to undergo a criminal Background Check screening every three years. This requirement is in place for the protection of Special Olympics NorCal athletes and their health and well-being.
What should I do if I am the parent of an athlete who needs my assistance at events and practices?
Parents and guardians who intend on attending practice regularly to help or supervise their children who are participating are required to complete the application process.
Is there training for volunteers?
There is an initial training and orientation module included as the final portion of the volunteer application process, and takes 30-40 minutes to complete. There are additional training and certification modules that are optional for volunteer Coaches, with some certifications to become required in the future.
What do I need when getting ready to apply?

To complete the application process, you will need:

  • A digital image of a current CDL or other government-issued photo ID that can be uploaded; minors can use a photo Student ID. Photo ID is a required component of all SONC volunteer applications.
  • A valid email address that you can access during the application process.
  • Approximately 45-60 minutes to complete the form (10-15 minutes) and the training/orientation portion (30-40 minutes). Completion of the form (along with submission for a Background Check report) and completion of the training piece are required components of the application process.
Do I need to complete the application process all at once?

You do not need to complete the application process in one sitting, though we recommend trying to do so to avoid any technical errors. You can save your progress on your application, though will need to create a second password in order to return to your application at a later time.

Applications will not be considered complete until all portions have been completed and submitted. Processing of applications may take several days; you will receive confirmation by email when your application has been processed and you are cleared to participate.

What happens after I submit my application?

After submission of the application form, you will receive a message prompting you to complete the application process via the orientation/training module offered in the SONC Trailhead. The application process is not complete until all portions of the application have been completed.

Once you have completed the training piece – and are awarded the “badge” for doing so – you can exit the process and close any windows or screens related to the application. You can also access the portal in which you submitted your application whenever you would like. You will receive notification by email once your application has been processed and you are cleared to participate.

How do I know that my application has been processed? What happens next?

You will receive notification by email once your application has been processed.
If you are not already connected with your local program/area, please find your program here and contact the local SONC Sports Staff member to do so.

Volunteer applications remain current for three years, at which time you will be prompted to renew your application. For applicants 15 to 17 years of age, your application will require renewal on your 18th birthday.

How do I renew my application? Does it involve the same process?
Renewing applications can be done through the same process and portal. Although you may choose to update your contact information, the renewal process will be quicker and involves less input of information.
What if I want to register multiple individuals (family)?

For adult applicants, each volunteer application needs to be submitted and electronically signed by the individual who is applying, and a unique email address must be used. The same email address cannot be used for multiple applicants.

For minor applicants, the applicant and parent/guardian should complete the application together. The minor applicant will also need to use a unique email address.

What if I have trouble using a computer? Can I submit a paper application?

Applying to volunteer through our online portal will be significantly quicker and easier.
If necessary, you can print and send a completed paper application, but please note that the processing of paper applications will be delayed by an additional period of up to two weeks. Also, please note that applicants will still be required to submit for a Background Check and complete the Training/Orientation piece through online platforms.

II. Volunteer Roles

How do I become a Special Olympics Coach?

To become a Special Olympics Coach, please complete the application process, which involves completing a form and submitting for a criminal Background Check (if 18 years of age or older), and then completing an introductory orientation/training module.

Do I need Coaching experience?
Coaching experience is welcome, but not necessary. New coaches will assist a Head Coach initially, and while expertise in a sport is not needed, coaches are expected to learn and help athletes progress in their skills and knowledge of the sport, as well as learn the Special Olympics Rules Modifications for the sport.
What is the time commitment for a coach?
Most coaches commit to being at practice once a week for an eight to ten week season. Practices often take place in evenings or on weekends, depending on facility availability, and run one to two hours in length. Most seasons also conclude with an end-of-season competition, which is typically a day-long event on a weekend.
What is the age requirement for coaching?
Coaches must be at least 14 years of age. Coaches who are minors will assist, and be supervised by, adult coaches. Certain events require coaches to be at least 18 years old, due to supervision and overnight requirements.
What sports are offered? Can I coach more than one sport?

Special Olympics Northern California currently offer 11 sports over four seasons of the year.

Coaches are welcome to coach multiple sports depending on their preference.

Can I participate in other ways besides coaching?

There are many ways to volunteer with Special Olympics besides coaching, including as a Unified Partner, a Games Management Team (GMT) Member, or as an Office Volunteer at our headquarters in Pleasant Hill, or one of our satellite offices.

If you would simply like to help at one of our events occasionally, you do not need to submit a volunteer application.

What is a Unified Partner?
Unified Partners are volunteers who compete alongside Special Olympics athletes as teammates. Unified Partners practice with the athlete(s) or team, are prepared to compete in the sport, and are expected be supportive of their teammates, regardless of disabilities or ability level. Volunteering as a Unified Partner is a great way to interact with athletes and have an enriching volunteer experience. Unified Sports opportunities are currently available for Tennis, Golf and Flag Football.
What is a Games Management Team (GMT) Member?
Games Management Team members are volunteers who have experience with Special Olympics events and can help organize and run competitions. The GMT works closely with staff at competitions, but may also supervise volunteers and/or particular aspects of an event. GMT Members typically agree to help support from two to four events during the course of a year.
What if I have trouble with the application? What if I need more information?

If you encounter any issues or errors with the application process, please submit a “Case” request through the application portal, which will be the fastest method to receive a response from a SONC staff member.

If you have questions about the application process or volunteering, please refer to this FAQ list for more information. For any other information, please contact .

Related Information

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