National Coaching Certification Program Introduction to Competition – Part A

Structure of the NCCP COACHING STREAM Community SportCompetitionInstruction COACHING CONTEXT Initiation Ongoing participation Introduction Development High performance Beginners Intermediate Advanced

Community Sport Many work with young children only last a few weeks Many are parents with children involved First time coaches with little or no experience Recreational or low-level competitive programs Seek to foster a love of sport within a fun and safe, dynamic environment Promote participation and encourage participants, regardless of their ability level Competitive rules may be adapted to suit participants

Competition Programs where athletes seek to achieve performance Provide support to athletes (technical, physical, tactical, and mental) Support athletes in both training and competitive abilities Develop athletes of long term Teach values Help athletes be as good as they can be Create positive experiences in sport

Competition - Introduction Children, adolescents, or pre-adolescents Basic skills and tactics Low level competitions Seasonal basis Fun Specialization is not a priority

Competition - Development Adolescents or young adults Refine basic skills and tactics; teach more advanced skills and tactics Provincial/territorial or national competition Seasonal or annual basis (several times a week) Specialization is more important

Competition – High Performance Ages 20 to 35 Refine advanced sport skills and tactics National or international competitions High volume of specialized training on an annual basis to improve or maintain performance

Instruction Teach sport-specific skills Instruct participants at various proficiency levels Primarily non-competitive

Instruction - Beginners Teach basic skills to individuals with little or no experience in the sport or activity Deal with a limited number of participants at a time Focus on fundamentals of the activity with an emphasis on safety

Instruction – Intermediate Help participants refine basic skills and introduce a variety of more complex techniques to individuals with some experience and proficiency Customized instruction based on each participant Manage larger groups Fairly knowledgeable in all matters related to the selection and adjustment of equipment

NCCP Certification Must meet the requirements identified by their sport for the coaching context in which they seek certification: – Analyzing performance – Planning a practice – Designing a program – Managing a program – Providing support to athletes in training – Supporting the competitive experience – Making ethical decisions

Instruction - Advanced Extensive experience in the sport Demonstrate superior abilities in teaching skills and analyzing performance to help participants refine advanced skills Customized instruction based on each participant Manage larger groups Competent in all areas including equipment, skills, and techniques