Resource Library

Coach and Volunteer Roles

Coach and Volunteer Roles   Volunteers are the backbone of Special Olympics Ontario. We have 11290 coaches and volunteers working to provide sport and competition opportunities to 23468 athletes in 116 communities around the province. Our volunteers organize, run and fundraise to provide our athletes the opportunity to participate in 2396 sport programs in schools and communities across Ontario.  

Special Olympics Ontario Code of Behaviour

Special Olympics Ontario Code of Behaviour   Review Date: January 1, 2019        Effective Date: October 18, 2018   The Code of Behaviour applies to all athletes, coaches, and volunteers participating in programs and events sanctioned by Special Olympics Ontario.   OFFENCES   The following actions of behaviours by participants in Special Olympics Ontario programs will be considered offences: illegal conduct refusal to respect the standard rules of acceptable behaviour in competition, practice, or operation of Special Olympics Ontario actions which interfere with the enjoyment of Special Olympics Ontario programs by other participants any action or behaviour which may bring discredit to Special Olympics Ontario   Guidelines for Dealing with an Offence   When any of the above offences is alleged against a participant (athlete, coach or volunteer) in a Special Olympics Ontario program, the following steps are provided as guidelines in dealing with such a situation:   Ensure that there is documentation of the incident, which caused the concern.

Code of Conduct

Special Olympics Ontario Volunteer and Coach Code of Conduct   Review Date: January 1, 2019        Effective Date: October 18, 2018   The Code of Conduct is designed to assist each volunteer and coach in abiding by the mission and philosophy of Special Olympics Ontario.  

Language Guidelines

Language Guidelines Words matter. Words can open doors to cultivate the understanding and respect that enable people with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives. The following language guidelines have been developed by experts for use by anyone writing or speaking about people with an intellectual disability to ensure that all people are portrayed with individuality and dignity. 

Volunteer Philosophy

Volunteer Philosophy   Special Olympics Ontario believes that all athletes within our organization deserve the best coaches and volunteer support we can provide. We are achieving this goal through minimum coach certification requirements and ongoing volunteer education programs   Special Olympics Ontario believes that our athletes have the right to participate in the safest environment possible.

Volunteer Registration

Volunteer Registration   Volunteers become members of Special Olympics Ontario by submitting a completed registration form to the head coach or community registrar. The registration process can also be initiated online through the Self Service Portal.   The registration process is a multi step process and an individual will not be considered a volunteer with Special Olympics Ontario until all of the following steps have been completed: Registration Form is completed Police Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Search has been received by SOO Reference Checks are completed by the local Community Council   Police Record Check   In addition to the registration form, volunteers are required to submit a current copy of a police record check and vulnerable sector search.