The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is a coach training and certification program for 65 different sports across Canada. NCCP workshops are designed to meet the needs of all types of coaches, from the first-time coach to the head coach of a national team. The NCCP is the recognized national standard for coach training and certification in Canada. As part of the program, all coaches are trained in ethical decision-making and sport safety.
The NCCP is currently in the midst of a transition to a new competency based certification model. For an overview of the transition to the new model click here.
The old (existing) NCCP model is based on 3 levels of competency each of which involves 3 parts or components. Each of the Levels (1,2,3) include the following components:
- Theoretical - common to all sports
- Technical - specific to Field Hockey
- Practical - an onfield evaluation in a paractice and/or game situation
The Theoretical components for Level 1 and 2 have already transitioned to the new NCCP model. See below for details. The Level 3 Theory course, common to all sports, is still available and up to date listings can be found on the Coaching Association of BC site by clicking here.
The Level 1 Technical course is currently being revamped by Field Hockey Canada and is currently unavailable. Please click here for more details. Level 2 and Level 3 Technical courses are offered by Field Hockey BC on a regular basis. Please check the NCCP Courses page of the Coaching section for the latest opportunities.
Practical evaluation forms for Level 1/2/3 are available on the Coach Resources page under NCCP. Please download and fill in the forms as appropriate. Level 1 is a self evaluation. Levels 2 and 3 need to be filled in by a certified coach at that level after an appropriate evaluation.
THE NEW NCCP MODEL
The new NCCP model is made up of three streams and a total of eight contexts, each with its own coaching requirements. Each sport is responsible for identifying how many of the eight contexts are relevant to their sport. For an overview of the new NCCP model click here. To download and view a Power Point presentation (with audio) explaining the new NCCP please click here (6.5 MB).
Stream 1 – Community Sport
Coaches in the Community Sport stream typically become involved on a voluntary (and often short-term) basis because their children participate in a sport. They tend to work with participants of all ages who are new to the sport. The Community Sport stream has two coaching contexts (levels): Initiation and Ongoing participation.
Community Coach Certification is aimed at coaches who are looking to:
- coach primarily young Juniors (10-12yrs) who are just being introduced to the game
- coach at the high school, middle school, elementary school or club level and have no desire or time to invest heavily in coaching
- coach on a short term basis with athletes of all ages who are new to the sport and have more of a recreational focus
- have a simple but comprehensive introduction to formal coaching certification to see if it might be a good fit for them
It's “one stop shopping” with no additional commitment required after the one and only course. It combines and consolidates the theory, technical, and practical components of more indepth certification and presents it all to you in one easy weekend. Take home resources from the course include a:
- Comprehensive full colour coaching manual
- World Hockey Promotional DVD - with highlight packages and presentations
- Fox 40 whistle and lanyard
The Community Coach Course has already been developed by Field Hockey Canada and is currently being delivered in BC. Initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. To view testimonials from course participants click here. For a list of upcomming certification opportunities click here.
Stream 2 – Competition
Coaches in the Competition stream usually have previous coaching experience or are former athletes in the sport. They tend to work with athletes over the long term to improve performance, often in preparation for provincial, national, and international competitions. The Competition stream has three coaching contexts (levels): Introduction, Development, and High performance.
Two general theory courses within this stream have already been developed by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and are being delivered on a regular basis throughout the province. For an up to date listing of course opportunities please click here.
Field Hockey Canada is currently developing the Competition Introduction context that will replace the existing Level 1 and part of the Level 2 Technical certification course. The new course is expected to be released in April 2009 at which point we will begin to train Learning Facilitators to help deliver it.
Stream 3 – Instruction
Coaches in the Instruction stream must have sport-specific skills and training, whether coaching at the beginner or advanced skill levels. Many are former participants in the sport. The Instruction stream has three contexts (levels): Beginners, Intermediate performers, and Advanced performers.
To view a fact sheet for existing coaches under the new NCCP please click here.
To view a fact sheet for new coaches under the new NCCP please click here.