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Peer Coach Checklist
Things Peer Coaches Should Know
- Similarities between themselves and the athletes (i.e. both enjoy sports, are same age.)
- Goals of the Motor Activity Training Program
- Concerns related specifically to the athlete's safety (i.e. limited range of motion, may tire easily, medication side effects).
- Need for peer coaches to be respectful and caring when working with the athletes
For a successful experience, the peer coach should:
- Make a commitment to his/her athlete
- Be on time and prepared for each training session
- Greet the athlete; "see" the person not the disability
- Stay with athlete throughout the training session or Motor Activity Training Program Activity
- Smile and be friendly
- Face the athlete when providing instruction
- Talk with the athlete about your interests when you are not involved in the activity
- Learn athletes' preferred forms of communication (speech, sign language, pictures or symbols, etc.)
- Encourage athletes with specific, positive feedback - name something they did well.
- Be patient
- Have fun — Enjoy the time spent with your athlete
- Demonstrate the activity correctly
- Give athlete time to learn one skill before starting a new sport skill
- Find ways athletes can perform the activity with maximum independence
- Ask for help, if needed
- Keep a positive attitude and be proud of your accomplishments with each athlete
- Say goodbye to the athlete and remind him/her of the next training session
- Talk with your friends and family about your experiences
- Attend a seminar to learn about Special Olympics mission and philosophy.
- Remember — Behind every great athlete is a great coach!
Remember that virtually every athlete participating in the Motor Skill Development Program is surrounded by a support network that includes parents, care givers, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Adapted Physical Education Teachers, Classroom Teachers, Social Workers, etc. All these people are potential resources on questions of what the athlete likes, dislikes, is interested in and capable of. Include as many of them as possible in the process of coaching.
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