Coach Development
Coaching in Canada enables sport participation and development for all and contributes to the positive sport experiences of athletes. Discover valuable tools and insights to enhance coaching techniques and effectively guide athletes to success.
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Top 10 resources
- National Coaching Certification Program
- Understanding the Rule of Two Training Module
- SIRCuit Article: The state of coaching sport: Landmark report reveals new insights and data
- SIRCuit Article: The evolving role of coaches in athlete mental health
- SIRC Article: Ted Lasso: Coaching with Heart
- SIRC Article: Coaching Strategies to Maximize Long-Term Learning and Performance for Athletes
- SIRC Article: Coaching your own child – 5 tips for the parent-coach
- SIRC Article: Addressing gender inequities in Canadian university coaching
- SCRI: Towards the development of a coach mentorship training program in para sport
- National Coaches Week
Featured resource
Coaching Association of Canada
Featured resource
Jamie Bissett, University of Toronto
Featured resource
Leanne Elliott & Nick Wattie
Quick Facts
How can a coach become certified in Canada?
In Canada, coaches can become certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), a nationally recognized program that provides comprehensive training for coaches at all levels. NCCP training is managed and delivered by the Coaching Association of Canada in partnership with 65 National Sport Organizations and Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations. The NCCP offers sport-specific certification pathways and training streams designed to meet the needs of coaches working with athletes of various ages, skill levels, and competitive contexts.
Coaches can enroll in workshops and courses that cover essential topics such as sport safety, athlete development, mental health awareness, and inclusive coaching practices. These educational opportunities are tailored to the needs of both novice and experienced coaches, equipping them with the tools and knowledge required to effectively mentor and support their athletes. Continuous professional development is encouraged, ensuring that coaches stay current with the latest best practices and trends in the sports industry.
What is Safe Sport Training, and how can I access it?
As of April 1, 2020, all Sport Canada-funded organizations must provide Safe Sport Training for individuals under their authority, including decisionmakers such as board members, those with direct athlete contact like coaches, and those with no direct athlete contact like committee members. This training aims to ensure a safe and respectful sport environment. The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) offers a 90-minute Safe Sport Training program at no cost, available in both English and French, and compliant with accessibility standards. To access the training, log in to your Locker account and select Safe Sport Training. If you don’t have a Locker account, create one by visiting The Locker through the CAC website.
What are some effective strategies for coaches to foster inclusivity and diversity in their teams?
Coaches can foster inclusivity and diversity by implementing strategies such as:Â
- Promoting a culture of respect and openness within the team: This includes actively encouraging participation from athletes of all backgrounds and ensuring that all team members feel valued and included.
- Education and training: Coaches should educate themselves and their athletes about cultural competence and the benefits of diverse perspectives.
- Accommodating needs: Creating policies and practices that accommodate different needs and providing equal opportunities for all athletes are essential steps.
- Community Engagement and Outreach: Engaging in community outreach and collaborating with organizations focused on inclusivity can further enhance efforts to build a diverse and welcoming team environment.
Coaches can learn more about promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion and explore additional tools and training modules through the resources provided by the Coaching Association of Canada.
What is the role of a coach in athlete development?
Coaches play a pivotal role in the holistic development of athletes, guiding their physical, mental, and emotional growth. Beyond teaching technical skills and strategies, coaches help athletes develop crucial life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience. They also create an environment that fosters a positive attitude, self-confidence, and a love for the sport. Coaches support athletes through victories and setbacks, helping them navigate challenges both on and off the field, ultimately shaping well-rounded individuals who can excel in all aspects of life.
Why is it important for coaches to understand Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD)?
Understanding Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) is crucial for coaches as it provides a framework for nurturing athletes’ growth at each stage of their development. LTAD emphasizes a tailored approach to training that aligns with the athlete’s physical, cognitive, and emotional maturity, helping to ensure that training is age-appropriate and promotes sustainable progress. By adhering to LTAD principles, coaches can better prevent burnout and reduce the risk of injury by avoiding overtraining and fostering a positive experience in sport. LTAD also supports the idea of developing fundamental movement skills in younger athletes, which serve as the foundation for more specialized skills as they grow.
Video Resources
Project SCORE!
- Univeristy of Manitoba, University of Prince Edward Island, Queen's University, and SIRC
- 2014
I’m a Coach – Now What? – Understanding your Legal Obligations
- Sport Law and SIRC
- 2015
6A: Do you see what I see? Understanding talent selection in sport
- York University and SIRC
- 2022
SCRI: Description of the First years of Experiences of Novice Female Coaches (Part 2)
- University of Ottawa and SIRC
- 2011
Room 8 – Leadership, Coaching & Officiating | Salle 8 – Leadership, entraînement et arbitrage
- Cape Breton University, University of Toronto, University of Windsor, University of Manitoba, Ontario Tech University, and SIRC
- 2021
Effects of a Coach Communication Workshop on Youth Sport Participants
- McMaster University and SIRC
- 2013
Knowledge Nuggets
knowledge nuggets
How coaches can increase athlete enjoyment and commitment
How a coach interacts with athletes can be significant predictor of athletes’ enjoyment and intentions to stay in sport. A study of 202 elite-level artistic
How a coach interacts with athletes can be significant predictor of athletes’ enjoyment and intentions to stay in sport. A study of 202 elite-level artistic swimmers from 22 countries showed that athletes under the guidance of democratic-style coaches reported elevated levels of athletic enjoyment and expressed greater intent to pursue their athletic careers.
knowledge nuggets
Leadership behaviour of youth coaches
In youth sports, coaches wield significant influence on athlete development. A recent study explores why coaches use specific leadership behaviours and their intended outcomes. Results
In youth sports, coaches wield significant influence on athlete development. A recent study explores why coaches use specific leadership behaviours and their intended outcomes. Results reveal how different leadership styles correspond with distinct coaching objectives, aiding in enhancing our understanding of coaching practices for improved athlete experiences.
knowledge nuggets
Children’s swimming education
Aquatic safety is important, especially for youth looking to play water-based sport. Children’s swimming education programs have demonstrated significant improvements in aquatic readiness and motor
Aquatic safety is important, especially for youth looking to play water-based sport. Children’s swimming education programs have demonstrated significant improvements in aquatic readiness and motor coordination through assessments conducted before and after sessions. Children who focused on basic skills development exhibit enhanced aquatic competence, underscoring the value of personalized swimming instruction.
knowledge nuggets
Motivating players though the pre-game talk
In team sports, the pre-game talk is a pivotal moment intended to motivate players before they step onto the pitch. According to recent research, coaches
In team sports, the pre-game talk is a pivotal moment intended to motivate players before they step onto the pitch. According to recent research, coaches who balance game strategy with messages that support athletes’ autonomy (for example, facilitating athlete choice or opinions) and competence (for example, praising past performance) can enhance player motivation.
knowledge nuggets
Making the case for more women coaches in disability sport
Women bring vital skills to coaching but are often underrepresented in disability sport. Attracting qualified women coaches in disability sport enhances inclusivity and athlete success.
Women bring vital skills to coaching but are often underrepresented in disability sport. Attracting qualified women coaches in disability sport enhances inclusivity and athlete success. Flexible coach training opportunities, mentorship programs, and communities of practice for women are all ways to increase the number of women in coaching roles.
knowledge nuggets
Artificial versus natural grass in field sports
Have you ever wondered about potential performance differences between playing on artificial and natural grass fields? A study found that novice field hockey players showed
Have you ever wondered about potential performance differences between playing on artificial and natural grass fields? A study found that novice field hockey players showed better results on artificial surfaces compared to natural grass. However, they had more success with short distance hitting and pushing, and ball contact was higher on natural grass. Coaches and players can use this insight to tailor training sessions and focus on specific skills based on the playing surface to optimize performance.
knowledge nuggets
Leadership behaviour of youth coaches
In youth sports, coaches wield significant influence on athlete development. A recent study explores why coaches use specific leadership behaviours and their intended outcomes. Results
In youth sports, coaches wield significant influence on athlete development. A recent study explores why coaches use specific leadership behaviours and their intended outcomes. Results reveal how different leadership styles correspond with distinct coaching objectives, aiding in enhancing our understanding of coaching practices for improved athlete experiences.
knowledge nuggets
Boosting water sports performance
In a recent study, researchers explored ways to enhance the performance of swimmers and water polo players. Using video technology, athletes observed themselves (self-modelling) or
In a recent study, researchers explored ways to enhance the performance of swimmers and water polo players. Using video technology, athletes observed themselves (self-modelling) or adjusted their training based on personalized input (self-controlled feedback) during training sessions. Both methods helped athletes swim faster and perform better, but combining these approaches was especially effective.
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