COACHES
A caring, passionate and well-trained coach can make a world of difference for our next generation of skaters. Learn more about the training, education and certification programs that provide coaches with the right knowledge and skills to help every skater reach their potential.
BECOME A COACH
Being a coach is a rewarding and exciting experience as you help athletes reach their full potential through training, preparation, analysis and evaluation. By coaching on the ice or in the weight room and teaching athletes new skills, you can access a wide range of career opportunities, including travel across Canada and around the world.
Coaching Pathway
Speed Skating Canada’s coaching certifications are recognized by the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). The required level of coaching certification depends on the age group and competitive level of the athletes being coached. There is a training course available for each level within the coaching pathway.
To learn more about each certification level or begin your journey as a speed skating coach, please contact your provincial and territorial speed skating association or local club.
Certification Program
As a coach completes training and evaluation activities for a particular certification level, they will be granted one of the following statuses:
- In-Training
- Trained
- Certified
To become Certified at a particular level, coaches must be evaluated on their demonstrated ability to perform the skills necessary within that context. Depending on the level, this may include areas such as program design, practice planning, performance analysis, program management, ethical coaching, support to participants during training, and support to participants in competition.
Once a coach has achieved a Certified status in their current certification level, they will be able to pursue further training to acquire or refine their skills and increase their breadth of knowledge.
COACH DEVELOPMENT
We are committed to the continued training and development of our coaches both on and off the ice, which is accomplished through clinics, workshops, professional development and educational opportunities, as well as national recognition initiatives.
Clinics and Workshops
Coaches have access to several opportunities for formal coach training that will lead to certification. These training programs are offered in workshop format by provincial and territorial organizations, or by Speed Skating Canada, depending on the certification level.
- Fundamentals Leader workshop is organized by PTSOs
- Fundamentals Coach workshop is organized by PTSOs
- Introduction to Competition workshop is organized by PTSOs
- Competition Development workshop is organized by SSC
Find a coaching clinic near you
Professional Development
Professional Development (PD) is important for coaches to maintain their status achieved through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). The NCCP Maintenance of Certification policy requires that coaches earn PD points through training and learning modules offered within or outside of the NCCP program.
The number of PD points required to maintain certification depends on a coach’s current certification level.
- FUNdamentals Leader: No PD requirements
- FUNdamentals Coach: 10 PD points every five years
- Introduction to Competition: 20 PD points every five years
- Competition Development: 30 PD points every five years
Link(s) to NCCP PD Opportunities or Modules
Link(s) to Non-NCCP PD Opportunities or Modules
Recognition
Alongside our partners, we have various programs in place to recognize the tremendous impact of our coaches, who dedicate countless hours of their time to help athletes reach their potential and develop valuable lifelong skills, both on and off the ice.
COACH RESOURCES
Documents
Canadian speed skating coaches can access relevant and up-to-date documents and tools through our Resource Library, which includes:
- Non-NCCP Training and Modules
- Practice Plans and Training Plans
- Coaching Forms
- Portfolio Form
- Red Book
Partner Resources
In addition to Speed Skating Canada resources, coaches can access more information and training tools through our partners’ websites:
- NCCP The Locker
- Make Ethical Decisions
- Making Head Way in Speed Skating
- Leading Drug Free Sport
- Managing Conflict
- Safe Sport Training
- Special Olympics Coach Training
- Women in Coaching
- Aboriginal Coaching
- Coaching Athletes with a Disability
- Working with LGBTQ+ Athletes and Coaches
Videos
Coaches can also access a variety of speed skating videos on Speed Skating Canada’ YouTube channel, including competition footage, athlete profiles and the Up to Speed series, which provides tips on how to master technical skills. You’ll also find educational videos listed on our channel from partners such as the International Skating Union.
Questions
If you are looking for a resource that is not available in the Resource Library, or if you have questions about coaching, please reach out to us.