| Coaching FAQ |
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What is the NCCP? |
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The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is the recognized coach training and certification program for 65 different sports (including ringette) 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 program has undergone a number of changes in recent years, including a shift in emphasis from "what a coach knows" to "what a coach can do". |
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How is the new NCCP model organized? |
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The new NCCP model is made up of three streams, each with it's own coaching requirements. There is the Community Sport Stream, the Competition Stream and the Instruction Stream. The Coaching Association of Canada website offers additional information on the organization of the new NCCP model. Certification in one stream is not a prerequisite in order to complete training and certification in another, and as an example, a new coach who has many years of playing experience may elect to skip the Community Sport Stream and go right to the Competition Stream. |
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How long is my certification good for? |
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Training and certification is valid for 5 years. The requalification process requires coaches to take training modules to maintain certification every 5 years. In 2008, Level 1 coaches under the old NCCP will need to requalify by taking the CSI course. In 2010, Level 2 coaches under the old NCCP will need to requalify by taking the Competition - Introduction, and Competition - Introduction Gradation courses and completing the necessary evaluations. In 2012, Level 3 coaches under the old NCCP will need to requalify by taking the Competition - Development courses (which are currently being developed). |
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This is my first year coaching and I've heard I don't need any coaching certification levels until my second year. Is this true? |
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Prior to the 2007 season this was true, but it is no longer the case. When you volunteer to coach you need to know that you are expected to attend a coaching clinic at the earliest opportunity in the season. |
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Is it true that only the Head Coach requires the certification level for the age division they are coaching and the Assistant Coaches do not? |
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No that is not true. Under the new NCCP since 2007 both Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches require the same training. Ringette Nova Scotia's coach training requirements can be viewed HERE. |
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I currently have Level 3 certification under the old NCCP. I've heard that Ringette Canada is developing a new training module that I will have to complete in the future. What is the training and when will it be available? |
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You are correct. Ringette Canada is currently developing a training/certification module called Competition - Development. It is not yet available, however information on it's anticipated date of completion will be provided as it becomes available. |
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I am not "officially" listed as coaching staff with my Association but I regularly help on the ice during practices. Do I need to take a coaching course? |
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To ensure that you are properly registered and insured, make sure your Association knows that you are on the ice during practices. Officially, you do not need to have a coaching coures as a practice "helper", but Ringette Nova Scotia highly recommends that you complete training so the players will benefit from your increased coaching knowledge. Also, without the proper certification you are not permitted to help on the bench during games. |
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I was granted an "exemption" one year so I could be on the bench for Provincials (or to coach a provincial team at the Canadian Ringette Championships). Is this exemption still valid? |
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Glad you asked! Under Ringette Canada rules, an exemption may be granted for a coach or assistant coach who was not able to get the necessary prerequisite courses and evaluations completed in time for the Provincial tournament or CRCs. The exemption is only good for the year in which it was requested. You must now get the appropriate courses to remain qualified. |
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Is is true that I can coach during the regular season without the necessary certification level and just choose to not be on the bench at Provincials? |
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This is not the case at all. RNS expects all coaches to obtain the certification level that they require at the earliest opportunity in the season with the final deadline being before the Provincials in March. If you choose not to complete the required training then you cannot be designated as a coach. |
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How do I get a Coaching Certification Number (CC#)? |
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When you complete a coaching clinic, the course conductor will complete the necessary paperwork and submit this information to both Ringette Canada and the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) on your behalf. They will then issue you a number and notify RNS so we can maintain this information in our coaching database. You will then be mailed a card from CAC with your CC# on it which then gives you access to your online coaching transcript which is available on their website. Your CC# never changes once issued. |
