Volunteering
Volunteering
Class A – A long-term opportunity that involves having close physical contact with athletes on a regular basis or being in a position of authority, supervision and trust with athletes and within the organization.
- Print a copy and fill out the Minor Reference form (the form has a space for the delegation code--it is COP10) and email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.coppellso.org or bring to your first practice.
- View the Protective Behaviors slideshow (this is only required for volunteers in high school or older due to mature subject matter) and submit your responses to the quiz-you will NOT receive an email confirmation for completion of this step you must email a copy of the completion page--there is a "Print" button at the bottom of the page--to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.coppellso.org or print a copy of the completion page and bring to your first practice
- View the General Orientation slideshow and submit your responses to the quiz - you will receive an email with the subject line "Confirmation: General Orientation Quiz"-forward that email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.coppellso.org or print and bring to your first practice.
- Please print and fill out a copy of the Minor Reference Form (requires contact information and signatures for two non-family references) - email a copy to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.coppellso.org or bring a copy to your first practice
Following are the requirements for Class A volunteers ages 18 and over only:
- Complete the Class A Volunteer Form online (18 and over only). It will ask for a delegation ID--it is COP10. Upon completion you will receive an email that has the subject line "Thank You For Your Class A Volunteer Application"; forward that email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.coppellso.org or bring a copy of the email to your first practice.
- View the General Orientation Slide Show and submit your responses to the quiz-you will receive an email with the subject line "Confirmation: General Orientation Quiz"-forward that email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.coppellso.org or print and bring to first practice
- View the Protective Behaviors slideshow and submit your responses to the quiz-you will NOT receive an email confirmation for completion of this step you must email a copy of the completion page--there is a "Print" button at the bottom of the page--to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.coppellso.org or print a copy of the completion page and bring to your first practice
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Submit a request for a criminal background check and email a copy of the confirmation email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. criminal background check - see exceptions below:
Verified Volunteers is the official vendor for Special Olympics Texas. In order to devote more of our resources to providing a quality program for the athletes, we ask that our volunteers cover the $10 fee involved in their background screening. Background checks are good for 4 years.
Volunteer Background Checks FAQs
*Active duty and civilian employees of the military, and those employed by public safety sectors (police, fire fighters, EMS, etc.), are NOT required to complete a criminal background check for SOTX. Proof of employment must be submitted to SOTX to bypass this requirement.
- *If you are an ISD employee please contact SOTX at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. prior to completing this step.
- Minors under 18 do not need to complete a background check, but upon turning 18 this will be a requirement.
- If you are from a country outside the United States and do not have an assigned Social Security number, please fill out and send in the Reference Form for Class A Volunteers from Countries outside of the United States in lieu of the criminal background check required below.
Class B – A short-term opportunity that involves providing assistance and support at a competition or event, but not necessarily in close physical contact with our athletes.
Coppell Volunteer Opportunities
Coaches (Class A Volunteer)
Coaches are needed for each sport in which our delegation participates. A coach must become certified with Special Olympics Texas through the coach’s certification program. The certification requires that you:
Attend a Special Olympics Texas general session and approved eight-hour sport specific clinic conducted by a certified area training director/manager.
Complete 10 hours of practicum with a Special Olympics Texas athlete or team (can be with the team coached).
Submit the certification/practicum form to the area office or training director/manager for approval.
Maintain certification by attending the annual area conference (or by completing the online recertification course) and remaining active in the sport.
Coaches would be required to run practices (usually once per week) and coach the athletes at competitions. Practice seasons typically run 8-10 weeks culminating with one day of classification and one day of competition. Some sports may attend other practice competitions prior to classification and competition at the coach’s discretion.
Sports currently offered in Coppell are aquatics, basketball, bocce, bowling, soccer, and track and field. Coaches are currently in place but as the Coppell team grows more certified coaches are needed for some sports.
Sports our area supports (SOTX Area 10) are equestrian, golf, gymnastics, sailing, softball and volleyball. The Coppell delegation does not currently have certified coaches in these sports but supports are in place to assist coaches in forming a new team should a prospective coach have an interest.
Training Assistants (Class A Volunteer)
Training assistants do not require certification. A training assistant would assist the coach at practices or would be assigned to assist a particular athlete. Training assistants would be expected to attend practices and help on the day of competition. There are no age requirements for training assistants. Many middle and high school students are training assistants and earn credits for community service hours.
Fundraising Volunteers (Class A or B Volunteer)
We need volunteers of any age to help on the day of Special Olympics fundraisers. Current fundraisers that require volunteer help are our car washes, rummage sales, and the annual Coppell 5K.
Special Events Volunteers (Class A or B Volunteer)
We need volunteers of any age to help on the day of special events. Current special events include our annual athlete/volunteer banquet, Coppell Swim Meet and community parades.
Planning Committee Members (Class A Volunteer)
The planning committee is responsible for fundraising and decision-making within the delegation. We currently have committee members responsible for assisting the head of delegation,coordinating athletes, coordinating volunteers, fundraising, planning special events, publicity, bookkeeping, hospitality, coordinating uniforms, coordinating spirit wear and spirit items, and website maintenance. Additional planning committee members are welcome and are asked to attend a one hour meeting every other month in addition to their individual responsibilities.
Volunteer Resources
General Reference
SOTX Volunteer Code of Conduct
Volunteer Background Check FAQ
For more information on volunteering contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.coppellso.org .
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