Coaching Certification FAQ's
By Dave Showers
The BCLA has experienced almost every coaching scenario and question over years when assisting our coaches with the coaching certification program. Through considerable work, we are the leaders in Canada managing our coaches in reaching their certification goals and train our coaches to be the best coaches possible. We’d like to share some of the questions we’ve been asked in order to assist coaches and aspiring coaches, and offer some answers to help you along the way.
Q: What training do Assistant Coaches need?
A: Assistant Coaches need the same training as the Head Coaches. Box Community Initiation Online Module for any Coaches coaching U7 and U9, Box Community Development - Level 1 for any Coaches coaching U11 (Novice) to U13 (PeeWee), Field Community Development for any Coaches coaching from U7-U13 and Box Competitive Introduction - Level 2 for any Coaches coaching from U15 (Bantam) and up, Field Competitive Introduction - for any Coaches coaching U15-Senior.
Q: If I coach other sports, does that certification transfer to lacrosse?
A: No, lacrosse is lacrosse. Whether it is hockey, soccer, football – all are different sports and require different training. Box, Men’s Field or Women’s Field are all different disciplines and also require different training courses.
Q: How do I sign up for a course?
A: You will find the Coaching Clinic schedules on the BCLA website (Box schedule | Field schedule). Once you see a clinic that you would like to attend, let your local Coaching Coordinator know so that he/she can register you. Once this happens, you will receive an email with a confirmation (may not be immediate).
Q: As a new coach, what do I need to complete before attending my first coaches clinic?
A: All new coaches are now required to complete three online modules found in The Locker. Making Headway in Sport (Generic), NCCP Emergency Action Plan and Understanding the Rule to Two. The Locker is found at coach.ca.
Q: What do I need to bring with me to a clinic?
A: Bring a pen and some paper, bring a lacrosse stick and something comfortable to wear (no jeans), as you will move around the gym floor or field, practicing and learning some skills and drills.
Q: If I was an old coach that was correctly certified in the 80’s or 90’s, what do I need to do today to update my certification?
A: The old certification program is different from the present day program which follows the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD). It’s best to email your name, address and phone number to the BCLA Technical Director for further research.
Q: How do I get my NCCP Number?
A: First, coaches can check on the Locker (coach.ca) and clicking on 'Look up my NCCP#. Brand new coaches, who have never attended a coaching clinic in any sport, will not have a number. In this case, they can click on 'Don't have an NCCP#? Create one now!. If you feel you already have a number and can't find it, email the BCLA Technical Director and he will get your number for you. Also, he will be able to give you your login information to view your Coaching Transcripts.
Q: What requirements are necessary to be a fully trained Community Development (CMD or Level 1) coach?
A: All candidates must do the required pre-training modules and attend a clinic.
Q: What requirements are necessary to be a fully trained Competitive Intro (CPI or Level 2) coach?
A: All candidates must attend a 1 - 1.5 day clinic, complete the Making Headway In Sport online concussion training module + Making Ethical Decisions (**MED is a new requirement from Lacrosse Canada in 2023).
Q: What training do I require as a coach for youngsters from U7 (Mini-Tyke) to U13 (Pee Wee)?
A: Coaches and Assistant Coaches from the U7-U9 need to complete the Community Initiation Online Course on the Locker, U11 - U13 division, must be TRAINED, before the current season, Community Development (CMD) – Level 1 Coaches. This means that they’ve attended the CMD course.
Q: What training do I require as a coach for U15 (Bantam) to Senior levels?
A: Coaches and Assistant Coached from U15 (Bantam) to the Senior division, must be TRAINED Competitive Introduction (CPI) – Level 2 Coaches. This means that they’ve already been TRAINED at the CMD level and are now trained or being trained at the CPI level (clinic, workbook, Making Headway and Making Ethical Decisions Training completed).
Q: What is required to be correctly trained if a coach wants to coach at the U15 (Bantam) level or above, but has not taken any Coaching Course?
A: Coaches in this scenario are expected to take the Community Development (CMD or Level1) clinic during the current season, and then take the CPI clinic the following season, as Lacrosse Canada doesn’t expect coaches to take two clinics in one season (quite a bit of work and time).
Q: What is the difference between Certified and Trained for coaches?
A: Coaches need to be CERTIFIED, only when they are coaching or wanting to coach at a National Level (Team BC, Mann Cup, Minto Cup, Presidents Cup, Founders Cup, Victory/Ross Cup, First Nations/Alumni Cup). This requires a coach to be TRAINED at the CPI Level + In-Person Evaluation + Coaching Portfolio.
Q: What is in the Coaching Portfolio that I need to bring to an In-Person Evaluation?
A: The Coaching Portfolio includes three practice plans (one you are running at the evaluation), a proper Emergency Action Plan and a completed Yearly Plan.
Q: What age can a person start coaching at?
A: Coaches can start taking NCCP courses at the age of 14 years. 14 and 15 years old coaches will be designated as “Under 16” on their ‘Official Transcripts’ located on the Coaches of Canada site. Anyone under the age of 13 can attend a course, but they will not be given credit or an NCCP number.