Coaches - National Coaching Certification Program

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Terms used:

Category

The name for each level of competition within a discipline.  Examples of categories are STAR 1, STAR 2, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre-Novice, etc.

Club

A not-for-profit organization that is operating for the general purpose of providing Skate Canada skating programs and is managed by a volunteer board of directors.

Evaluator

An individual sixteen years of age or older who is responsible for evaluating assessments in the STAR 6-Gold structure.  Evaluators are qualified to assess in one or more disciplines.

Event

The name given to a group of skaters entered in a category.  There may be one event per category or several events per category depending on the number of total entries.  Each event is independent of the other events within the category. 

Events

The name given to a group of skaters entered in a category.  There may be one event per category or several events per category depending on the number of total entries.  Each event is independent of the other events within the category. 

Good Standing

The state or condition of a person who has paid all dues outstanding to Skate Canada, a Club, or a Skating School (as applicable) and whom the Board has not declared not to be in good standing and in the case of Members, a Member whose Membership has not been terminated pursuant to Article 3 hereof [of the bylaws].

International Competitions

Within Canada, these are defined as competitions/championships conducted according to the rules of the International Skating Union, where teams from at least one foreign country are invited by Skate Canada.

Member

Each person that meets the requirements of any of the three Member classes as defined in Article 3 hereof [of the bylaws] and that has been duly admitted as a member of Skate Canada.

 

Membership

That status of being in one of the classes as outlined in section 3.1 hereof [of the bylaws].

Qualifying Competition

A qualifying event is any competition or any event that qualifies skaters to the sectional championships and higher. These include, without limitation, Sectional Championships, Skate Canada Challenge, Synchronized Regional Championships, Canadian Figure Skating Championships and the Canadian Synchronized Skating Championships.

Registrant

Includes (i) an individual who is registered by a Club or Skating School with Skate Canada and who is subject to all applicable rules, regulations and policies of Skate Canada but who is not a Member; and (ii) an individual who is engaged in any activity provided, sponsored, supported, sanctioned or recognized by Skate Canada and registered directly with Skate Canada but who is not a Member.

Run

A step or sequence of steps in which the free foot passes the skating foot before is it placed on the ice, thereby bringing the new free foot off the ice trailing the new skating foot.

Section

An organization incorporated or organized in a particular province or territory (and in some cases, a combination thereof) strategically aligned with Skate Canada, that may receive funds from provincial or territorial Governmental Authorities and be subject to applicable sport recognition programs and transfer payment arrangements. Each Section is held to the governance and operating requirements of their respective province and / or territory(ies) and is responsible for skating in their respective jurisdictions.

Skate Canada Coach

A skating expert with the required National Coaching Certification Program qualifications to provide a remunerated service at Skate Canada sanctioned clubs and skating schools, both on- and off-ice. These individuals shall have registered, provided full payment and have met all professional coach registration requirements as set annually by Skate Canada.

Skating School

An organization other than a Club that is operating for the general purpose of providing Skate Canada skating programs.

Step

The visible tracing on the ice that is executed on one foot. A step is counted each time there is a change of foot.

Steps

The visible tracing on the ice that is executed on one foot. A step is counted each time there is a change of foot.

Tracking

The spatial relationship of two skaters moving together on a curve or a straight line.  The tracings left on the ice represent each skater’s tracking pattern.

Transition

A term used to describe sections of the program that occur within elements, during entrances and exits of elements and as connecting elements and executed in-between the required/optional elements.

National Coaching Certification Program

Launched in 1970, the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is a partnership between the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), and more than 60 national sport organizations. The NCCP is Canada’s recognized coach training and certification program and serves a wide range of coaches – from those who introduce beginners to sport to those working with high performance athletes.

Skate Canada’s NCCP model is in direct alignment with the Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model which allows coach training and certification to be specific to the development of an athlete as they progress through the sport.

Aspiring coaches begin coach training and certification at the CanSkate Coach context and work their way through to National Coach. Each Context contains three steps to certification:

CanSkate Coach Pathway

All aspiring Skate Canada coaches begin NCCP training at the Learn to Skate level teaching Skate Canada’s flagship program, CanSkate. The coach pathway is represented below. CanSkate Coaches are eligible to coach the CanSkate Program.

Certification Deadline

Coaches have three years from the date of the in-training course to certify as a CanSkate coach.

Pre-Requisites

In-Training Status

Prior to attending the CanSkate course, participants are asked to complete an online pre-course through Skate Canada’s eLearning site. This prepares candidates with a base level of knowledge leading into the course. The three-day CanSkate course introduces participants to the basics of coaching, which includes an introduction to Long Term Athlete Development, Teaching and Learning, Communication, Biomechanics, and all components of the CanSkate program.  Throughout this course, candidates will partake in an interactive learning environment and will reflect on their experiences as a skater and how they can transition into a coach role. Based on the following learning objectives, the CanSkate course will prepare coaches to:

CanSkate Coach Course Information

The CanSkate course is scheduled and delivered by each Section individually. Frequency of courses are offered by demand- please contact your Section Course Administrator. 

Trained Status

CanSkate coaches will earn a Trained status once they have completed the three-day coach course and have completed these four multi-sport courses and Locker eLearning:

Multi-sport Course Information and Locker eLearning

All multi-sport training is offered in partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada through Provincial and Territorial Coaching Representatives. Click here for more information. Locker eLearning is available through your Locker profile.

Certified Status

The CanSkate Certified Evaluation Portfolio provides a platform for coaches to display their ability to coach at the Learn to Skate level. Coaches are encouraged to gain some experience coaching CanSkate or mentor with another coach prior to submitting this portfolio. To assist with coach development, the portfolio consists of the following components:

Becoming a Certified CanSkate Coach

Upon enrollment, the following events will take place:

CanPowerSkate Coach Pathway

The CanPowerSkate Coach Program prepares coaches to develop hockey and ringette players at the Learn to Train stage of LTAD. The program serves as a transition out of CanSkate, to further develop sport specific skating skills. Coaches going through the CanPowerSkate pathway will explore the delivery of the program and can utilize what they have learned to customize an advanced delivery of power skating. CanPowerSkate Coaches are qualified to coach the CanPowerSkate program.

 

Certification Deadline

Coaches have three years from the date of the in-training course to become a Certified CanPowerSkate Coach.

Pre-Requisites

In-Training status

Prior to attending the CanPowerSkate course, participants are asked to complete an online pre-course through Skate Canada’s eLearning site. This prepares candidates with a base level of knowledge leading into the course. The 2-day CanPowerSkate course builds on concepts and topics introduced in CanSkate focusing on the Learn to Train stage of Long Term Athlete Development. The CanPowerSkate Coach course focuses on technique of skating, application of biomechanics, skill analysis and the delivery of the CanPowerSkate program. Throughout this course, candidates will partake in an interactive learning environment and will reflect on their experiences. Based on the following learning objectives, the CanPowerSkate course will prepare coaches to:

CanPowerSkate Course Information

The CanPowerSkate course is scheduled and delivered by each Section individually. Frequency of courses are offered by demand- please contact your Section Course Administrator. 

Trained status

CanPowerSkate coaches will earn a Trained status once they have completed the two-day coach course, have completed these three multi-sport courses and Locker eLearning:

Multi-sport Course Information 

All multi-sport training is offered in partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada through Provincial and Territorial Coaching Representatives. Click here for more information. 

Certified status

The CanPowerSkate Certified Evaluation Portfolio provides a platform for coaches to display their competency of coaching on a CanPowerSkate session. To assist with coach development, the portfolio consists of the following components: 

 Becoming a Certified CanPowerSkate Coach

Upon enrollment, the following events will take place:

Regional Coach Pathway

The Regional Coach Program prepares coaches to develop skaters at the Learn to Train stage in figure skating. Specifically, this context focuses on the STAR 1-5 program which is designed to prepare skaters for success at Learn to Compete. Regional Coaches are qualified to coach all Skate Canada figure skating programs and levels.

Certification Deadline

Coaches have three years from the date of the in-training course to certify as a Regional Coach

Pre-Requisites

In-Training Status

Prior to attending the Regional Coach course, participants are asked to complete an online pre-course through Skate Canada’s eLearning site. This prepares candidates with a base level of knowledge leading into the course. The three-day Regional Coach course builds on coach concepts and topics introduced in CanSkate preparing coaches to venture into their own coaching business. Focusing on the Learn to Train stage of Long-term Athlete Development, the Regional Coach course dives deeper into Biomechanics, skill analysis and skill technique.  Coaches are introduced to the STAR 1-5 program and explore the process of assessment. Based on the following learning objectives, the Regional Coach course will prepare coaches to:

Regional Coach Course Information

The Regional Coach course is scheduled and delivered by each Section individually. The frequency of courses is offered by demand.

Trained Status

Regional Coaches will earn a Trained status once they have completed the three-day coach course and have completed these five multi-sport courses:

Multi-sport Course Information

All multi-sport training is offered in partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada through Provincial and Territorial Coaching Representatives. Click here for more information.

Certified Status

The Regional Coach Certified Evaluation Portfolio provides a platform for coaches to show their ability to coach Learn to Train figure skaters. Coaches are encouraged to gain some experience coaching or mentor with another coach prior to submitting this portfolio. To assist with coach development, the portfolio consists of the following components:

Becoming a Certified Regional Coach

Upon enrollment, the following events will take place:

 Provincial Coach (TO BE REVISED)

The Provincial Coach Program (formerly Intermediate STARSkate/Provincial Coach – ISPC) gives coaches a taste of coaching all skating disciplines. Focusing on the Learn to Compete stage of LTAD coaches dive deeper into the importance of yearly planning and athlete management. The coach pathway is represented below. This NCCP context is next to be revised by Skate Canada. Notice Board: Provincial Coach Update. 

Pre-Requisites

In-training Status

Trained Status

Coaches must attend and complete all discipline courses and required workbooks to earn a Trained status. Please note that courses are not recorded in the Locker until the workbooks are completed. As we transition this program, coaches who have completed the Sport Science and Stroking and Skating Skills requirements (course and workbook) will be granted an In-training status. Coaches who have completed all discipline courses and workbooks will earn a Trained status.

 Certified Status

National Coach Pathway

The National Coach Program is designed for coaches working with Learn to Compete and Train to Compete athletes who will acquire the necessary skill set to improve athlete performance in preparation for provincial, national, and in some cases international competitions. 

Pre-Requisites

In-Training Status

In a multi-skating discipline environment, the ATTP 2-day course prepares coaches to refine advanced figure skating skills and strategize plans for helping their athletes reach their full potential. At the ATTP course, coaches will analyze technical skills at the novice-senior competitive levels. Based on the following learning objectives, the ATTP course will prepare coaches to:

Course Information

The ATTP course is scheduled and delivered by each Section individually. Frequency of courses are offered by demand- please contact your Section Course Administrator. 

Access to the National Coach Toolkit on Info Centre will be provided once you register for this course. In the meantime, interested coaches may review the ATTP Reference Material.

Trained Status

From Club Coach to National Coach, multi-sport training is key to the development of our coaches. By the time you reach National Coach level, all of the following multi-sport training modules must be completed to obtain a NC trained status:

  1. Make Ethical Decisions (Competition-Development)
  2. Managing Conflict
  3. Coaching and Leading Effectively
  4. Developing Athletic Abilities
  5. Prevention and Recovery
  6. Psychology of Performance
  7. Leading Drug-free Sport
  8. Advanced Practice Planning
  9. Manage a Sport Program
  10. Performance Planning

For further information, please review the following overview and module descriptions and contact a Provincial and Territorial Coaching Representatives (PTCR) to get started. Depending on the module, multi-sport training may be done in-person, on-line, or by correspondence. Please inquire with the PTCR in your area. 

Certified Status

Skate Canada has aligned the National Coach certification requirements with LTAD program philosophies at the competition-development level. To certify at this level, it is required that coaches work with novice-senior competitive athletes in at least one skating disciplines – singles, ice dance, pair skating or synchronized skating. National Coach evaluation will include a portfolio submission, online evaluations, and two observations done to determine your competency to manage your athletes while training and at a competition.

Step 1 - Coach Portfolio 

The coach portfolio is a compilation of tasks that will be reviewed by a Skate Canada National Coach Evaluator. It is comprised of the following six elements and must be completed prior to the one-hour training observation as a way to provide evidence that the you are ready to successfully meet the required evaluation standards.

  1. Complete the following three online multi-sport evaluation modules – coach.ca:
    • NCCP Competition-Development: Making Ethical Decisions (MED)
    • NCCP Competition-Development: Managing Conflict
    • NCCP Competition-Development: Leading Drug-Free Sport
    • Note: if you completed the multi-sport training of these modules, your evaluation modules will be free. Without the training, there is a $85 fee per evaluation module.
  2. Complete a yearly training plan (you may use the YTP template provided at the ATTP course or one you completed at Level 3).
  3. Describe your coaching philosophy.
  4. Submit a competition plan of your choice or use the template provided at the ATTP course.
  5. Submit information on an athlete tracking and reporting tool that you currently use or use the template provided at the ATTP course.
  6. Submit a program management and communications plan that you currently use or use the template provided at the Performance Planning / Program Management multi-sport module.

Once completed, coaches will need to complete the National Coach Evaluation Application Form, upload all of the portfolio documents electronically, and submit the $500 fee for the following evaluations:

Step 2 - Training Session Observation

Once your portfolio is evaluated, your assigned National Coach Evaluator will contact you to schedule the 1-hour session observation at your club or skating school. The format of this observation will consist of the following:

The purpose of this observation is to evaluate your skills to manage an athlete in a training environment.

Step 3 - Competition Observation

Once your training session observation is completed, your final step will be to arrange for your National Coach Evaluator to observe how you manage an athlete in a competitive environment. The competition you select (qualifying or non-qualifying event) for this observation must include novice to senior competitive categories. 

The format of this observation will consist of the following:

Action Plan 

Following completion of the Competition Observation, your National Coach Evaluator will create an individualized action plan with overall feedback and recommendations for future consideration. Upon finishing this program, you will also receive a Certificate of Achievement from Skate Canada.

Become a coach with Special Olympics 

For more information regarding Special Olympics coaching, please contact your local chapter.

Maintenance of NCCP Certification

The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and Skate Canada recognize the value of having certified NCCP coaches that are engaged in professional development programs which reinforce the values of lifelong learning and sharing amongst the coaching community.

Skate Canada Professional Coaches with an NCCP certification are required to obtain professional development (PD) points on a three-year cycle. PD points can be earned through a multitude of activities that coaches already participate in, including: national and provincial conferences and workshops, eLearning modules, NCCP workshops, coach mentorship programs, sport camps, and active coaching. In most cases coaches are already earning PD points -- Maintenance of Certification is simply tracking these points and recognizing coaches for their efforts. Cycle dates are individual to each coach and are based on the date a coach has earned a certified status. From the date of certification, a coach’s 3-year cycle will begin the following January.

Cycle dates are individual to each coach and are based on the date a coach has earned a certified status. From the date of certification, a coach’s 3-year cycle will begin the following January.  For example:

Tracking of all PD points are kept in your Locker. To determine your cycle dates, as well as your required points, log into your Locker profile.

Coaches Membership Responsibilities

Skate Canada Professional Coaches with an NCCP certification are responsible for renewing their certified NCCP status to be considered a registered member “In Good Standing” with Skate Canada.

Should a coach not reach the required PD points prior to their expiry date, their status will become “not renewed” and would therefore be considered “Not In-Good Standing” and unable to coach on a Skate Canada ice or at competitions, until they fulfill their required PD points.

Coaches who hold an In-training or Trained NCCP status are required to maintain the necessary PD points of their last NCCP Certified, certification. (i.e. A National Coach In-training must maintain PD points required for Certified Provincial Coach)

Professional Development Points

The amount of points required per cycle is dependent on your highest certified status.

NCCP Certification Professional Points Required
NCCP CanSkate Coach - Certified 6
NCCP CanPowerSkate Coach - Certified 12 
NCCP Regional Coach - Certified 12
NCCP Provincial Coach - Certified 12
NCCP National Coach - Certified 18

Note: Level 4 and Level 5 Certified Coaches must meet the PD points required of a Certified National Coach.

PD points are tracked in the Locker database.  All registered events put forth by CAC (i.e. Sport Leadership Conference), a Provincial/Territory Coaching Representative (PT/CR; i.e. Multi-Sport modules), Skate Canada (i.e. Ice Summit) or a Skate Canada Section (i.e. AGM) are tracked by the responsible host body. Skate Canada coaches are responsible for tracking PD points such as Active Coaching and any Self-Directed learning in their own locker.

More information on active coaching and self-reporting PD activities can be found here

How to Earn Professional Development Points

Events that are organized by CAC, PT/CR, Skate Canada and Skate Canada Sections will earn you PD points. 

Category Number of Points Maximum Points
NCCP Events 5 points per event No maximum
Sport-Specific Non-NCCP Events 1 point per hour (max. 3 points per event) No maximum
Multi-Sport Non-NCCP Events 1 point per hour (max. 3 points per event) up to 50% of required points
Active Coaching 1 point per year 3 points per cycle
Self-directed Learning 1 point per hour 3 points per cycle

PD Activity Examples

NCCP events:

Sport-specific non-NCCP events:

Multi-sport non-NCCP events:

Active coaching:

Self-Directed Learning:

Minimum NCCP Status for Coaching

Program, content or level of skater/team Singles Pairs Ice Dance Synchro NCCP status required for coaching Skate Canada programs, content or level of skater/team (In-training, Trained, Certified)  Minimum NCCP status for qualifying competition accreditation
CanSkate         CanSkate Coach, Regional Coach, Provincial Coach, National Coach  
CanPowerSkate          CanPowerSkate Coach  
STAR 1-5 X X X X Regional Coach, Provincial Coach, National Coach Regional Coach
STAR 6-Gold X X X X Regional Coach, Provincial Coach, National Coach Regional Coach
Beginner / Elementary       X Regional Coach, Provincial Coach, National Coach Regional Coach
Pre-Juvenile / Juvenile X X X X Regional Coach, Provincial Coach, National Coach Regional Coach
Pre-Novice X X X X Regional Coach, Provincial Coach, National Coach Provincial Coach
Novice X X X X Regional Coach, Provincial Coach, National Coach National Coach
Intermediate       X Regional Coach, Provincial Coach, National Coach National Coach
Open       X Regional Coach, Provincial Coach, National Coach National Coach
Junior X X X X Regional Coach, Provincial Coach, National Coach National Coach
Senior X X X X Regional Coach, Provincial Coach, National Coach National Coach