Become a Volunteer

Special Olympics Indiana – Ripley Ohio Dearborn Counties would not exist today—and could not have been created—without the time, energy, commitment and enthusiasm of the more than 100 volunteers. Special Olympics relies on volunteers at all levels of the movement to ensure that every athlete is offered a quality sports training and competition experience.

Our volunteer pool is dedicated and diverse. Volunteers include civic and fraternal groups, high school and college students, amateur and professional athletes, business executives, Special Olympics athletes, family members, sports officials, coaches, teachers, retirees and corporate groups.

When you volunteer with Special Olympics Indiana you will have the opportunity to make a genuine impact in the lives of our athletes and their families. Whether you volunteer your time year-round, seasonally or simply for a single-day event, it is an experience you’ll be destined to remember forever.

Volunteers are classified in two ways.

Class A – any volunteer who has regular contact with athletes.  Examples include:

• Coaches
• Chaperones
• Unified Sports® Partners
• Volunteer Leadership / Management Positions

Class A volunteers are required to complete an interview with our Volunteer Coordinator and/or Program Coordinator and  an online application and training process.

Class B – any volunteer who has single day event responsibilities.  Examples include:

• Referee
• Scorekeeper/Timer
• Announcer
• Awards presenter

Class B volunteers register on an event basis.  Please visit the Events tab for opportunities.

MINORS:  Whether a coach, volunteer, or Unified Partner, all youth will register through VMS.

For youth ages 14-17:

• Youth applicants who have not reached their age of majority (age 18) may be accepted as volunteers in non-supervisory positions only.
• A background screening will not be completed. While some information pertaining to the background screening may be asked, that information will not be stored or utilized.
• A youth applicant must complete all five steps.

For youth ages 8-13:

• Youth applicants under age 14 must be chaperoned by an adult.
• A background screening will not be completed. While some information pertaining to the background screening may be asked, that information will not be stored or utilized.
• Parents and/or guardians of the youth applicant must complete the five steps for their dependent. This will allow the parent/guardian to understand the protocols taken by Special Olympics Indiana to ensure the safety of all participants, including their dependent.
• Youth ages 8-13 may find information in the Coach-Volunteer Orientation interesting and educational.
• Parents and/or guardians should review the information within the Protective Behaviors training and Concussion Awareness training before sharing with their dependent. This information may be sensitive in nature.