Coaches - National Coaching Certification Program

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Terms used:

Axel

An edge jump with natural rotation that takes off from a forward outside edge; listed in the Scale of Values according to the number of rotations. Unlike other single jumps which are one rotation, a single Axel has one-and-a-half rotations.

Board

The board of Directors of Skate Canada.

Category

The name for each level of competition within a discipline.  Examples of categories are STAR 1, STAR 2, Pre-Juvenile, Juvenile, Pre-Novice, etc.

Club

A not-for-profit organization that is operating for the general purpose of providing Skate Canada skating programs and is managed by a volunteer board of directors.

Clubs

A not-for-profit organization that is operating for the general purpose of providing Skate Canada skating programs and is managed by a volunteer board of directors.

Dance Spin

A spin skated by the team together in any hold. It should be performed on the spot around a common axis on one foot with or without change(s) of foot by one or both partners.

Evaluator

An individual sixteen years of age or older who is responsible for evaluating assessments in the STAR 6-Gold structure.  Evaluators are qualified to assess in one or more disciplines.

Event

The name given to a group of skaters entered in a category.  There may be one event per category or several events per category depending on the number of total entries.  Each event is independent of the other events within the category. 

Events

The name given to a group of skaters entered in a category.  There may be one event per category or several events per category depending on the number of total entries.  Each event is independent of the other events within the category. 

Good Standing

A person who has paid all dues outstanding to Skate Canada, a Club, or a Skating School (as applicable) and whom the Board has not declared not to be in good standing and in the case of Members, a Member whose Membership has not been terminated pursuant to Article 3 hereof [of the bylaws].

International Competitions

Within Canada, these are defined as competitions/championships conducted according to the rules of the International Skating Union, where teams from at least one foreign country are invited by Skate Canada.

Member

Each person that meets the requirements of any of the three Member classes as defined in Article 3 hereof [of the bylaws] and that has been duly admitted as a member of Skate Canada.

 

Membership

The status of being in one of the classes as outlined in section 3.1 hereof [of the bylaws].

Pivoting

A two-footed movement in which the toe picks of one foot are inserted into the ice by a skater as a central pivoting point while the other foot travels in a circular pattern around the pivot point.

Registrant

Includes (i) an individual who is registered by a Club or Skating School with Skate Canada and who is subject to all applicable rules, regulations and policies of Skate Canada but who is not a Member; and (ii) an individual who is engaged in any activity provided, sponsored, supported, sanctioned or recognized by Skate Canada and registered directly with Skate Canada but who is not a Member.

Run

A step or sequence of steps in which the free foot passes the skating foot before is it placed on the ice, thereby bringing the new free foot off the ice trailing the new skating foot.

Section

An organization incorporated or organized in a particular province or territory (and in some cases, a combination thereof) strategically aligned with Skate Canada, that may receive funds from provincial or territorial Governmental Authorities and be subject to applicable sport recognition programs and transfer payment arrangements. Each Section is held to the governance and operating requirements of their respective province and / or territory(ies) and is responsible for skating in their respective jurisdictions.

Skate Canada Coach

A skating expert with the required National Coaching Certification Program qualifications to provide a remunerated service at Skate Canada sanctioned clubs and skating schools, both on- and off-ice. These individuals shall have registered, provided full payment and have met all coach registration requirements as set annually by Skate Canada.

Skating School

An organization other than a Club that is operating for the general purpose of providing Skate Canada skating programs.

Spin

An element where the skater rapidly revolves, centred on a single point on the ice, while holding one or more body positions.  In singles and pairs, a spin must have at least three revolutions to be considered a spin. The minimum number of revolutions in a position is two without interruption.

Step

The visible tracing on the ice that is executed on one foot. A step is counted each time there is a change of foot.

Steps

The visible tracing on the ice that is executed on one foot. A step is counted each time there is a change of foot.

Tracking

The spatial relationship of two skaters moving together on a curve or a straight line.  The tracings left on the ice represent each skater’s tracking pattern.

Transition

A term used to describe sections of the program that occur within elements, during entrances and exits of elements and as connecting elements and executed in-between the required/optional elements.

Twist

A hand-to-waist lift in which a skater is lifted into the air on the take-off. At the top of the lift the lifted partner is released and completes a twist, rotating freely in the air, during which time the lifting partner turns a half turn to catch the lifted partner at the waist for an assisted landing. The twist lift is named after the basic solo jump take-off - Axel, Toe Loop, Flip or Lutz – and by the number of rotations the lifted partner completes in the air before being caught. 

National Coaching Certification Program

Launched in 1970, the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is a partnership between the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC), and more than 60 national sport organizations. The NCCP is Canada’s recognized coach training and certification program and serves a wide range of coaches – from those who introduce beginners to sport to those working with podium pathway athletes.

Skate Canada’s NCCP model is in direct alignment with the Long-Term Development (LTD) tool which allows coach training and certification to be specific to the development of an athlete as they progress through the sport.

Aspiring coaches begin coach training and certification at the CanSkate Coach context and work their way through to National Coach. Each Context contains three steps to certification:

CanSkate Coach Pathway

All aspiring Skate Canada coaches begin NCCP training at the Learn to Skate level teaching Skate Canada’s flagship program, CanSkate. The coach pathway is represented below. CanSkate Coaches are eligible to coach the CanSkate Program.

Certification Deadline

Coaches have three years from the date of the in-training course to certify as a CanSkate coach.

Pre-Requisites

In-Training Status

CanSkate Coach Course Information

The CanSkate course is scheduled and delivered by each Section individually. Frequency of courses are offered by demand- please contact your Section Course Administrator. 

Trained Status

CanSkate coaches will earn a Trained status once they have completed the two-day coach course and have completed these two multi-sport courses and Locker eLearning:

Multi-sport Course Information and Locker eLearning

All multi-sport training is offered in partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada through Provincial and Territorial Coaching Representatives. Click here for more information. Locker eLearning is available through your Locker profile.

Certified Status

The CanSkate Coach Certified Evaluation Portfolio provides a platform for coaches to display their ability to coach at the Learn to Skate level. Coaches are encouraged to gain some experience coaching CanSkate or mentor with another coach prior to submitting this portfolio. To assist with coach development, the portfolio consists of the following components:

Becoming a Certified CanSkate Coach

Upon enrollment, the following events will take place:

PowerSkate Coach Pathway

The PowerSkate Coach Program prepares coaches to develop hockey and ringette players at the Learn to Train stage of LTD. The program serves as a transition out of CanSkate, to further develop sport-specific skating skills. Coaches going through the PowerSkate pathway will explore the delivery of the program and can utilize what they have learned to customize an advanced delivery of power skating. PowerSkate Coaches are qualified to coach the PowerSkate program.

Certification Deadline

Coaches have three years from the date of the in-training course to become Certified PowerSkate Coach.

Pre-Requisites

In-Training status

PowerSkate Course Information

The PowerSkate course is scheduled and delivered by each Section individually. Frequency of courses are offered by demand- please contact your Section Course Administrator. 

Trained status

PowerSkate coaches will earn a Trained status once they have completed the two-day coach course, have completed these three multi-sport courses and Locker eLearning:

Multi-sport Course Information 

All multi-sport training is offered in partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada through Provincial and Territorial Coaching Representatives. Click here for more information. 

Certified status

The PowerSkate Coach Certified Evaluation Portfolio provides a platform for coaches to display their competency of coaching on a PowerSkate session. To assist with coach development, the portfolio consists of the following components: 

 Becoming a Certified PowerSkate Coach

Upon enrollment, the following events will take place:

Regional Coach Pathway

The Regional Coach Program prepares coaches to develop skaters at the Learn to Train stage in figure skating. Specifically, this context focuses on the STAR 1-5 program which is designed to prepare skaters for success at Learn to Compete. Regional Coaches are qualified to coach all Skate Canada figure skating programs and levels.

Certification Deadline

Coaches have three years from the date of the in-training course to certify as a Regional Coach

Pre-Requisites

In-Training Status

Regional Coach Course Information

The Regional Coach course is scheduled and delivered by each Section individually. The frequency of courses is offered by demand - please contact your Section Course Administrator. 

Trained Status

Regional Coaches will earn a Trained status once they have completed the three-day coach course and have completed these five multi-sport courses:

Multi-sport Course Information

All multi-sport training is offered in partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada through Provincial and Territorial Coaching Representatives. Click here for more information.

Certified Status

There are two certification options to choose from. Please select the option that best suits your coaching needs.

Option 1 - CanSkate and Regional Coach Hybrid Certified Portfolio

The CanSkate and Regional Coach Hybrid Certified Portfolio provides a platform for coaches to show their ability to coach Learn to Skate and Learn to Train figure skaters. Coaches are encouraged to gain some experience coaching or mentor with another coach prior to submitting this portfolio. To assist with coach development, the hybrid portfolio includes the Regional components listed below plus the following components from the CanSkate portfolio;

Option 2 - Regional Coach Certified Portfolio

The Regional Coach Certified Portfolio provides a platform for coaches to show their ability to coach Learn to Train figure skaters. Coaches are encouraged to gain some experience coaching or mentor with another coach prior to submitting this portfolio. To assist with coach development, the portfolio consists of the following components:

Becoming a Certified Regional Coach

Upon enrollment, the following events will take place:

Provincial Coach Pathway

Pre-Requisites

In-Training Status

Step 1: Successfully complete two Provincial Coach Pre-Course eLearning Modules in the disciplines of your choice as well as the Cross-Discipline Module prior to attending the discipline-specific virtual and in-person courses. 

Step 2: Successfully complete two Discipline Specific Virtual Courses and the in-person Cross-Discipline Foundational Training course

Provincial Coach Course Information

The Provincial Coach courses are scheduled and delivered by each Section individually. The frequency of courses is offered by demand - please contact your Section Course Administrator. 

Trained Status

Provincial Coaches will earn a Trained status once they have completed the pre-course eLearning modules, the Discipline Specific Virtual Courses and the in-person Cross-Discipline Foundational Training Course coach course, and have completed these multi-sport courses:

Multi-sport Course Information

All multi-sport training is offered in partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada through Provincial and Territorial Coaching Representatives. Click here for more information.

Certified Status

The Provincial Coach Certified Evaluation Portfolio provides a platform for coaches to show their ability to coach Train to Train figure skaters. Coaches are encouraged to gain some experience coaching or mentor with another coach prior to submitting this portfolio. Prior to enrolling in the portfolio, coaches are required to have athletes at the Pre-Novice/Novice level for Singles, Pairs and Dance. For Synchronized skating, teams must be at Novice, Intermediate or Open. To assist with coach development, the portfolio consists of the following components:

Becoming a Certified Provincial Coach

Upon enrollment, the following events will take place:

 

National Coach Pathway

The National Coach Program is designed for coaches working with Train to Compete athletes who will acquire the necessary skill set to improve athlete performance in preparation for provincial, national, and in some cases international competitions. 

Pre-Requisites

In-Training Status

In a multi-skating discipline environment, the ATTP 2-day course prepares coaches to refine advanced figure skating skills and strategize plans for helping their athletes reach their full potential. At the ATTP course, coaches will analyze technical skills at the junior or senior competitive levels. Based on the following learning objectives, the ATTP course will prepare coaches to:

Course Information

The ATTP course is scheduled and delivered by each Section individually. Frequency of courses are offered by demand- please contact your Section Course Administrator. 

Trained Status

National Coaches will earn a Trained status once they have completed the following multi-sport courses:

For further information, please review the following overview and module descriptions and contact Provincial and Territorial Coaching Representatives (PTCR) to get started. Depending on the module, multi-sport training may be done in-person, online, or by correspondence. Please inquire with the PTCR in your area. 

Certified Status

The National Coach Certified Evaluation Portfolio provides a platform for coaches to show their ability to coach Train to Compete figure skaters. Coaches are required to work with Junior to Senior podium pathway athletes in at least one skating discipline – singles, ice dance, pair skating, or synchronized skating. National Coach evaluation is broken down into three parts; Part 1 – Coach Portfolio, Part 2 – Observation of a training session at your club or skating school and Part 3 – Observation of a competition with a Junior or Senior level podium pathway athlete.

Part 1: Coaching Portfolio

Upon enrollment, the following events will take place:

The National Coach Portfolio includes:

Part 2: Observation of a training session at your club or skating school

Upon enrollment, the following events will take place:

The purpose of this observation is to evaluate the skills to manage an athlete in a training environment.

Part 3: Observation of a competition with a Junior or Senior level competitive athlete.

Upon enrollment, the following events will take place:

Becoming a Certified National Coach

 

Become a coach with Special Olympics 

For more information regarding Special Olympics coaching, please contact your local chapter.

Maintenance of NCCP Certification

The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and Skate Canada recognize the value of having certified NCCP coaches that are engaged in professional development programs which reinforce the values of lifelong learning and sharing amongst the coaching community.

Skate Canada Coaches with an NCCP certification are required to obtain professional development (PD) points on a three-year cycle. PD points can be earned through a multitude of activities that coaches already participate in, including: national and provincial conferences and workshops, eLearning modules, NCCP workshops, coach mentorship programs, sports camps, and active coaching. In most cases coaches are already earning PD points -- Maintenance of Certification is simply tracking these points and recognizing coaches for their efforts. Cycle dates are individual to each coach and are based on the date a coach has earned a certified status. From the date of certification, a coach’s 3-year cycle will begin the following January.

Cycle dates are individual to each coach and are based on the date a coach has earned a certified status. From the date of certification, a coach’s 3-year cycle will begin the following January.  For example:

Tracking of all PD points is kept in your Locker. To determine your cycle dates, as well as your required points, log into your Locker profile.

Coaches Membership Responsibilities

Skate Canada Coaches with an NCCP certification are responsible for renewing their certified NCCP status to be considered a registered member “In Good Standing” with Skate Canada.

Should a coach not reach the required PD points prior to their expiry date, their status will become “not renewed” and would therefore be considered “Not In-Good Standing” and unable to coach on a Skate Canada ice or at competitions, until they fulfill their required PD points.

Coaches who hold an In-training or Trained NCCP status are required to maintain the necessary PD points of their last NCCP Certified, certification. (i.e. A National Coach In-training must maintain PD points required for Certified Provincial Coach)

Professional Development Points

The amount of points required per cycle is dependent on your highest certified status.

NCCP Certification Professional Points Required
NCCP CanSkate Coach - Certified 6
NCCP PowerSkate Coach - Certified 12 
NCCP Regional Coach - Certified 12
NCCP Provincial Coach - Certified 12
NCCP National Coach - Certified 18

Note: Level 4 and Level 5 Certified Coaches must meet the PD points required of a Certified National Coach.

PD points are tracked in the Locker database.  All registered events put forth by CAC (i.e. Sport Leadership Conference), a Provincial/Territory Coaching Representative (PT/CR; i.e. Multi-Sport modules), Skate Canada (i.e. Ice Summit) or a Skate Canada Section (i.e. AGM) are tracked by the responsible host body. Skate Canada coaches are responsible for tracking PD points such as Active Coaching and any Self-Directed learning in their own locker.

More information on active coaching and self-reporting PD activities can be found here

How to Earn Professional Development Points

Events that are organized by CAC, PT/CR, Skate Canada, and Skate Canada Sections will earn you PD points. 

Category Number of Points Maximum Points
NCCP Events 5 points per event No maximum
Sport-Specific Non-NCCP Events 1 point per hour (max. 3 points per event) No maximum
Multi-Sport Non-NCCP Events 1 point per hour (max. 3 points per event) up to 50% of required points
Active Coaching 1 point per year 3 points per cycle
Self-directed Learning 1 point per hour 3 points per cycle

PD Activity Examples

NCCP events:

Sport-specific non-NCCP events:

Multi-sport non-NCCP events:

Active coaching:

Self-Directed Learning: