COACH NOMINATION CRITERIA TO 2026 USA GAMES (Minnesota)

Once every 4 years, Special Olympics Nevada athletes, coaches, and unified partners are provided the opportunity to represent Nevada at the highest level of competition – USA Games! Undoubtedly, one of the highest levels of privilege and opportunity for any Special Olympics Nevada participant. In theory we would like to believe that consideration for selection for a USA Games event should be afforded to everyone in Special Olympics Nevada. However due to many factors and considerations there is a need to better screen those who are selected to ensure that each athlete, coach, management team member and volunteer can achieve the best experience possible.

FACTORS/CONSIDERATIONS THAT MAKE THE USA GAMES EXPERIENCE NOT ONLY UNIQUE BUT CHALLENGING

•    Length of Games – the USA Games experience can involve anywhere from 9-12 days. The length of time required depends on the location of the Games and the pre-Games experience. For many Special Olympics coaches, this length of time away from home, work, and family can prove to be a challenge.

•    Time Away from Family – Because of the structure of Team Nevada, coaches chosen can expect to be away from their families for extended periods of time without seeing them and at times, with very limited contact. For some participants this can cause stress and anxiety.

•    Adjusting to New Coaches – Coaches selected for the Team Nevada come from all across the state and there are times where athletes will not know these coaches prior to being selected. Can the coach adjust their coach style for all athletes?

•    Conform to the Group/Adaptability – In order for Team Nevada to function well, all members must adhere to team rules and the team schedules. Often times this means that a sport team/individuals may need to adhere to a schedule as a group – meaning a coach cannot direct his/her own schedule. There will be times when schedules change with little or no notice and participants must be able to adapt accordingly.

In addition, coaches must be able to make scheduled practices and events leading up to USA Games which better prepares everyone for situations like this as well as helping with bonding

NOTE:

Coach to Athlete Ratio – The coach to athlete ratio for Team Nevada is set for each USA Games by the host states Local Organizing Committee. In most instances, the ratio is one (1) coach per four (4) athletes.

•    Food/Diet – While accommodations are made for dietary restrictions such as diabetes, gluten-free, etc. special considerations should not be expected for “picky” eaters. Often participants will dine in settings which involve planned meals served to the group and while there will often be choices, it will be limited. There should be no expectations that special efforts will be made to provide certain types of food.

•    Selecting Coaches Who Are Appropriate for the Sport – Every effort will be made to ensure that every coach being considered for selection has proper training and experience in his/her sport being considered. Coaches must have a minimum of 2 years coaching experience in the sport they are considering

•    Travel and Long Days – Most likely the distance required to travel to USA Games destinations will be long . Many times this travel will involve many modes of transportation; airplane, bus and train. In addition to the travel days being long, the actual Games days will be long as well. It is realistic to expect 12-15 hour days – can you handle this for an extended period of time? Do you have a general fitness level that will allow you to walk for extended periods of time over various distances, multiple days?

Each of the factors and scenarios are based on past Games experiences and are a true reflection of what a USA Games trip will entail. It is expected that every person nominated will administer a vetting process that will allow Special Olympics Nevada to make the most qualified decision about final selections

REQUIREMENTS TO BE A USA GAMES COACH

• Must be a Certified Special Olympics Nevada Coach that has completed all Class A volunteer requirements.
• You must be a certified coach in the sport you are nominating for.
• Build a relationship with athletes on your team.
• Know their medical. Read it make sure you understand any medications they are on and things you must be aware of
• Good sportsmanship.
• Must attend the USA Games training camps (approximately once leading up to USA Games)
• Must attend virtual USA Games Meetings with Head and Assistant Head of Delegation

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A USA GAMES HEAD COACH

• Must practice at least once a month before June 2026. Most practices will be schedule by Team Nevada but standalone practices are highly encouraged to prepare your team
• Be able to effectively communicate with athletes, other coaches, as well as their local coach and families
• During USA Games you will make sure athletes/partners are taking their medications, showering, eating, drinking water, at competition when needing to be, and wearing the correct clothing for competition.
• That your team is ready for competition on one of the top stages of Special Olympics.
• HAVE FUN!!! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a majority of our athletes and partners. This is a dream come true that you get to be a part of. Make sure your team has fun!