What is it?
The Community Coach context is the newest level in Field Hockey Canada’s coach certification and accreditation program and the first course by FHC offered under the New NCCP. It is targeted to those who are working specifically with children to learn how to teach the fundamentals of the game based on cognitive, motor and skill abilities at this age. As Field Hockey Canada continues to work on the changes to the NCCP coaching certification levels and the new Long Term Athlete Development Model(LTADM), the benefits in a young or new coach having attended this course will pay dividends to the way we will be developing athletes through our sport.
Is it right for me?
It is especially beneficial for those coaches who may be working with junior clubs, within schools and/or the National Schools program, summer camps and/or university-sponsored events.
Do I need any previous experience?
No. There are no prerequisite courses or experience needed. The context has been designed to teach you all you need to know about the fundamentals of the game.
What do I learn?
Over the course of a minimum 10.5 hour workshop course, you will learn the following:
- How to make ethical decisions
- How to plan a practice
- How to provide support to participants in training and in games
- The Five Principles of FUNdamental Hockey
- The 3 Basic Rules
- The 6 variables for mini games of 3 versus 3
A COMMUNITY COACH WILL BE ABLE TO:
- Apply an ethical decision making process
- Plan activities in a safe practice environment
- Is able to plan a fun and safe practice that encourages participants when learning the sport and takes into consideration skills and abilities of the age group that is involved.
- Teach the Five Principles of FUNdamental Hockey
- Ball movement and control
- Passing and receiving
- Winning the ball from an opponent (Tackling)
- Scoring
- Identifying the concept of numerical advantage through mini and modified games of up to and including 3 vs. 3.
- Models exemplary behaviour at practice and during games
- Encourages a level of respect for all within the game and can communicate well with all parties involved including officials, parents, and spectators in addition to participants.
- Introduces modifications to activities based on varying skill levels
Will I need any more training?
No, the training provided over the course of the workshop will be sufficient for this level and for coaching children at this age.
How am I assessed?
Assessment is conducted during the workshop. It takes place through the following methods:
Completion of the workbook exercises in class
- Two (2) practical exercises consisting of teaching a skill and developing a modified practice plan
- Two self-assessments
- Feedback provided by fellow coaching participants and the Learning Facilitator
- Completion of the 10.5 hours of training
After the course weekend, you will be required to complete the online ethical exam posted on the Coaching Association of Canada’s (CAC) website. Upon passing the online exam you will then be awarded the status of “trained” as a Community Coach in the NCCP Database.
How do I move on in coaching?
You are not required to move on in FHC’s coaching accreditation program if you are working at the level and with the age of athletes you enjoy working with. All that is required is that you continue to renew your certification every five years by attending the required workshop(s).
If you wish to move on to the next coaching level, Competition – Introduction, you will need to attend a workshop for that context and complete the requirements set at that level. FHC will begin developing the Comp-Intro context in 2006 and hope to be able to roll this context out in Spring 2007.
Do I need to upgrade or retrain?
Your designation as a “trained” Community Coach will last for five years. There are two ways that you will be able to maintain your status as an active Community Coach;
1. By attending a specific Community Coach skills/games workshop within five (5) years of being awarded your designation.
OR
2. By attending another Community Coach workshop course within five (5) years of being awarded your designation.