Coaching Program

The National Coaching Certification Program (N.C.C.P.), an educational program aimed at upgrading the quality of coaching across Canada, caters to the needs of all coaches, from novice to master. Although it is a National initiative, the program is administered through each Provincial Association. The N.C.C.P. offers five levels of certification, the first three of which are geared towards coaches of developing athletes.

Each level comprises three components:

Technical: sport skills and techniques

Practical: evaluation of coaching application

Theory: general principles of coaching

The quality of coaching is an integral part of sport development. Parents, administrators, and athletes today are placing a greater emphasis on high standards of coaching education and leadership at all coaching levels. N.C.C.P. courses will build on your coaching knowledge and help you meet these expectations.

Coaching by certified coaches is also seen today by the Provincial Government as one of the key elements in the nurturing of young athletes, and it plays a pivotal role in the orderly development of Provincial and National Champions at the junior, senior and masters levels.

Each time a component is taken and passed, a record of progress is received. This is updated as more components are completed.

On successful completion of all three components at each level, an N.C.C.P. National Passport is received, acknowledging full certification.

The Theory component may be taken at any time, but the Practical must be taken after the completion of the Technical weekend.

Remember. . .

TECHNICAL + PRACTICAL + THEORY
= CERTIFIED & CREDIBLE

THEORY

LEVEL 1 THEORY
* steps to plan safe, dynamic practices;

* fair play and coaching effectiveness, developing positive coach-parent relationships;

* latest findings in area of growth and development of athletes; modifying games and activities to suit younger athletes;

*developing an Emergency Action Plan, 9 essential safety precautions, recognizing serious conditions and steps to protect from negligence;

* 4-step approach in observing a skill, knowing best position for viewing sport skills;

* critical factors in skill learning, 5-step process for improving teaching effectiveness, rules for practice drill selection;

* 3 energy systems, warm-up and cool- downs; 5 physical performance factors.

LEVEL 2 THEORY
* planning a season's training and understanding three phases of training;

* goal setting, effective feedback, motivation;

* skills, strategies, tactics, games and activities appropriate for athlete's development age and 5 related principles;

* overuse injuries and injury prevention;

*biomechanics; seven principles for skill analysis, 10 tips for more effective instructions;

* emotional and attentional control techniques, techniques to simulate competitive stress in practice;

* design of sport-specific training, summary charts for planning training programs, nutritional guidelines for peak performance, design strength training programs.

LEVEL 3 THEORY
* integrating technical, tactical, physical and psychological training in annual plan;

* effective leadership, communication and problem-solving skills;

* sport ethics and values, coaching strengths and weaknesses, 6 tips for successful athlete retirement;

* mental training programs and skills, pre-competition and competition plans, integration into yearly plans;

* error detection and correction, skills inventory for skill analysis;

* player profile development, monitoring skill progression, competitive drill guidelines;

* lab and field tests, training program assessment, thermal stress, nutritional action plan.

TECHNICAL
Technical courses, offer squash-specific information at each level on coaching techniques, skill development, drills, fitness and organizational skills. Courses generally run or Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday.

LEVEL 1
For novice players/juniors:

Very useful for parents and volunteers. At completion, participant receives "Ready" status (pass), indicating that the Course Conductor considers them ready to coach at this level. Must be 16 years old. Total of 16 hours classroom and on-court instruction.

LEVEL 2
For average club players:

Essential for part-time coaches to be able to provide developing competitors with the basic skills necessary for successful competition. Must be 16 years old. Total of 20 hours classroom and on-court instruction.

LEVEL 3
For top club players:

Essential for full-time club coaches to provide fundamental principles to high performance athletes. This level develops the high level of expertise required to coach advanced skills. Must be 16 years old. Total of 22 hours classroom and on-court instruction.

PRACTICAL
The Practical component gives coaches the opportunity to have their actual squash coaching experience evaluated. Success in this component provides an environment to "practice what you've learned".

LEVEL 1
(i) Receive an ongoing evaluation of "Ready" in all areas from the Technical Course Conductor;

(ii) submit log of 10 hours squash lessons with novice level players (after the Technical Clinic). Should be completed within 18 months of the Technical Clinic.

LEVEL 2
(i) Complete written lesson plan for group training session;

(ii) assess club "B"/"C" player;

(iii) attain officiating certification of D-4 or equivalency;

(iv) submit log of 25 hours of squash coaching at intermediate club level. Should be completed within 18 months.

LEVEL 3
(i) Prepare annual training plan;

(ü) evaluates an "A" player and determines needs;

(ii) demonstrate excellent racquet skills in drill session with "A" player;

(iv) submit log of 50 hours coaching;

(v) have 4 years playing and 2 years coaching experience. Should be completed within 18 months.