Becoming a Volunteer
There are TWO steps: Register & Sign-Up
Step 1 – Register
Be registered with Special Olympics South Dakota (SOSD)
A valid Class A Volunteer & Unified Partner Registration, which requires a background check. A link to complete this application will be sent to you by email from our Confidential Information Volunteer or Special Olympics South Dakota staff.
Complete the Sioux Falls Fireworks Volunteer Application
These forms should be completed as soon as you decide to become involved in SO and before you participate in SO events or practices.
The Fireworks form can be scanned and emailed to forms@sosiouxfalls.org
OR
Mailed to:
SO Sioux Falls Fireworks
Attn: CIV
PO Box 90127
Sioux Falls SD 5110-0127
OR
Form can be brought to first practice and handed into the coach
Four times a year, the Fireworks will announce Sign Up for a particular season or sport via email. To be added to our email list, Click Here. Email is our main form of communication, but we can also mail a postcard to the athlete with the information, if requested.
The Sign Up email or post card will let you know how to sign up. Please be aware that we allow two weeks for the athletes to get signed up. There is always a deadline and you must meet this deadline or the athlete will not get to participate.
Sign Up online by going to our website sosiouxfalls.org and clicking “Sign Up Now”
Or
Attend our in-person sign up. You will be informed of the date, time & place
If you have any questions, please call or text the Fireworks phone 605-336-0240. This phone is answered by volunteers so please leave a message and allow 24-48 hours for a response.
If you would like to volunteer with the Fireworks, we have other opportunities besides coaching sports.
Volunteer Positions with a Brief Description
Committee Members
• Three year term, attend monthly meetings
Fundraising Chair
• Oversee Fundraising Committee with various events
Sports Director
• Oversee the Sports Coordinators and organize sports and events
Sports Coordinator
• Assist Sport Director for a specific sport
Coach/Assistant Coach
• Coaching volunteers are required to complete on-line training
• Click here for more info on Becoming a Coach
Logistics Volunteer
• Assist Sport Director with transportation, meals and lodging
Chaperone Volunteer
• Chaperone Athletes when staying over-night
Uniform Volunteer
• Keep inventory of uniforms. Passes uniforms out to new athlete
Equipment Volunteer
• Maintains Storage Shed. Passes out equipment
Recruitment Committee
• Send out welcome packages to new athletes and volunteers
Webmaster & Data Infrastructure Volunteer
• Maintain Fireworks website and manage data
Volunteer Code of Conduct
As a Special Olympics volunteer, I agree that while serving as a volunteer, I will:
- Provide for the general welfare, health and safety of all Special Olympics athletes and volunteers.
- Dress and act in an appropriate manner at all times.
- Follow the established rules and guidelines of Special Olympics and/or any agency involved with Special Olympics.
- Report any emergencies to the appropriate authorities after first taking immediate action to ensure the health and safety of the participants.
- Abstain from the consumption or use of all alcohol, tobacco products and illegal substances while involved with any Special Olympics event, competition or training school.
- Not engage in any inappropriate contact or relationship with athletes, volunteers or other participants of Special Olympics.
Types of Volunteers
All Volunteers fall under one of three categories:
Class A Volunteers:
Those who have regular, close physical contact with athletes; are in a position of authority or supervision of athletes; are in a position of trust of athletes; and/or handle substantial amounts of cash or other assets of athletes. Examples include: Coaches, Chaperones and Unified Partners*. These volunteers are required to submit a signed, completed and truthful Volunteer Application at least every three years. The information submitted will be used to complete a criminal records check, and where applicable, a motor vehicle records check. Background checks will be completed at no cost to our volunteers and will help ensure the safety of our athletes.
Class B Volunteers:
Those who have limited contact with athletes or who have contact with athletes only when accompanied by coaches and chaperones. Examples of Class B volunteers include “Day of Volunteers”, i.e. timers, medical personnel. Class B volunteers must verify their identity via a photo ID upon arrival at the competition site. A formal application or background check is not required for these volunteers.
Unified Partners:
Unified Sports is an initiative that combines approximate equal numbers of Special Olympics athletes and athletes without intellectual disabilities (called Partners) on sports teams for training and competition.
