Volunteering

Volunteers are the lifeline of the Special Olympics Texas program. These volunteers serve as coaches, training assistance, fundraiser coordinators and helpers, and much more. Whether they participate for one day or for several years, volunteers make a difference in the lives of Special Olympics Texas athletes and in their communities.

Volunteer Opportunities

SPORTS TRAINING

This is where we currently need the most help. We are looking for individuals to help our athletes by becoming coaches and training assistants. A coach must become certified with Special Olympics Texas through the coaches' certification program. The certification requires that you:

• Attend a Special Olympics Texas general session and approved eight-hour sports specific clinic conducted by a certified area training director/manager.
• Complete 10 hours of practicum with a Special Olympics Texas athlete or team.
• Submit the certification/practicum form to the area office or training director/manager for approval.
• Maintain certification by attending the annual area conference and remaining active in the sport.

Training assistants do not require a certification. A training assistant would be assigned to an athlete for a specific sport. You would be required to attend all practices to help train the athlete and help on the day of the competition. Our practices run once a week for 8-10 weeks with one day of competition. There is no age limit for training assistants. High school students are welcome and can earn credits for school for their community service.

FUNDRAISING

Since we are a non-profit organization, fundraising is our only means of income right now. We would need volunteers to help coordinate scheduled events and volunteers to help on the day of the events.

SPECIAL EVENTS

We plan on having outings and fun activities planned for the athletes and their families. This would include, a picnic/awards party in May; field day event at a local church in June; night out at a baseball game; etc. We would need volunteers to help coordinate and volunteers to help on the day of these events.

Volunteer Code of Conduct

As a volunteer, you are expected to...

Fulfill the responsibility of your assignment:

• Carry out all aspects of your assignment.
• Attend all required meetings.
• Notify the volunteer coordinator if you cannot complete an assignment.

Set an example for the athletes:

• Refrain from smoking, consuming alcohol or using profanity when acting as a volunteer.
• Be discreet in your personal relationships with the athlete and avoid any behavior which may be misunderstood or misinterpreted.

Demonstrate good sportsmanship:

• Support the decisions of referees, judges and committees, and use proper dissent processes.
• Be respectful during ceremonies and help your athletes be the same.
• Praise the athletes for their efforts and encourage them to be happy for the success of other athletes.

Be continually vigilant and cognizant of the safety of the athletes:

• Never leave an athlete unattended.
• Report anything you observe, either in the physical environment or an individuals behavior, which you fell may cause potential harm.

Be loyal to your commitment and to Special Olympics Texas:

• Look for constructive ways to overcome obstacles.

Take advantage of the opportunities Special Olympics Texas offers you:

• Be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things.
• Become an active participant by extending your involvement to other roles of leadership and training.
• Delight in the change that your involvement makes in the life of someone you know and in the lives of those you never meet.

Volunteer Handbook

Get more information you need about being a volunteer in our Volunteer Handbook. If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, please contact Holly at (972) 821-6990 or volunteers@friscoflyers.org.

You may also click here for the Registration Forms and mail them to: