Systemic National Coach and Official Certification Pathways – FHBC Strategic Investment and Support 2022

You can access the PDF version of this communique here.


Further to FHBC Communications circulated in October and November 2021 regarding FHBC’s investment initiative in formal NCCP Coach Education for BC Members, FHBC is delighted to announce an extension to such an investment initiative to include further subsidies for formal NCCP Coach Education and complete cost coverage for all levels of formal Umpire Education. All Umpire Certification Courses to the end of the current season and fiscal year (to August 31, 2022) will be offered FREE OF CHARGE to BC Members.

As a reminder, FHBC is supporting for the remainder of the 2021-22 season the following initiatives towards both formal coach education through the NCCP pathway, as well as towards umpire education through the National Umpire Certification Program. Extensions to this initiative are highlighted below:

  1. NCCP Safe Sport Context:
    • For FHBC to continue to subsidize in full the costs associated with FHBC Member Coaches accessing Safe Sport NCCP Making Ethical Decisions workshop (approximately $75 per coach candidate).
  1. NCCP Community Coach Context:
    • For FHBC to subsidize in full the costs associated with FHBC Member Coaches accessing NCCP Community Initiation Online Course ($15 per coach candidate).
    • For FHBC to subsidize in full the costs associated with FHBC Member Coaches accessing NCCP Community Coach Course – Technical Online Workshop ($50 per coach candidate).
    • For FHBC to subsidize in full the costs associated with FHBC Member Coaches accessing NCCP Fundamental Movement Skills Course – Practical Workshop ($70 per coach candidate).
  1. Competition Coach Context:
    • For FHBC to subsidize 100% of the costs associated with FHBC Provincial Program Coaches accessing NCCP Competition Introduction Online Module/Course Curricula (Full Stream cost approximately $600 per coach candidate – Modular costs range from $20-$250 per Module).
    • For FHBC to subsidize 100% of the costs associated with FHBC Provincial and Regional Program Coaches accessing NCCP Competition Development Online Module/Course Curricula (Full Stream cost approximately $1800 per coach candidate – Modular costs range from $90-$200 per Module).
  1. 4. Community Umpiring Course
    • For FHBC to subsidize in full the costs associated with FHBC Member Umpires accessing the Community Umpiring Online Course ($25 per umpire candidate).
  1. 5. Provincial Umpiring Course
    • For FHBC to subsidize in full the costs associated with FHBC Member Umpires accessing the Provincial Umpiring Course ($60 per umpire candidate).
  1. 6. Regional Umpiring Course
    • For FHBC to subsidize in full the costs associated with FHBC Member Umpires accessing the Provincial Umpiring Course ($80 per umpire candidate).
  1. 5. Umpire Assessors Course
    • For FHBC to subsidize in full the costs associated with FHBC Member Umpires accessing the Umpire Assessors Course ($55 per umpire candidate).

As the field hockey community looks towards 2022 Spring and Summer season delivery, FHBC encourages all BC Member Coaches and Umpires to take full advantage of this investment initiative opportunity. Should BC Member Coaches, Umpires, and/or Community Leads within the Club or League structure require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to FHBC for assistance.

For more information on the NCCP or Umpire Pathways please visit the FHBC website at https://fieldhockeybc.com/coaches/coaching-education/nccp-pathway/ and https://fieldhockeybc.com/officials/umpire-certification/ respectively. Alternatively, BC Members can reach out directly to FHBC’s Sport Development Manager, Katie Jameson, via phone (778) 227-0895 or via e-mail at katie@fieldhockeybritishcolumbia.com.

Yours in sport,

Mark Saunders
Executive Director
Field Hockey BC
March 16, 2022

Apply for the FHBC Foundation’s Bursaries & the Pat Hall Officials Development Award

FHBC is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the following bursaries:

  • Coaching Professional Development Bursary
  • Jenny John Officiating Professional Development Bursary
  • Allyn Murison Grassroots Bursary

Application deadline is April 29th, 2022, and recipients will be announced in May.

These bursaries are designed to contribute towards an individual’s professional development in the sport of Field Hockey and to to support female athletes under the age of 12 to access field hockey programming. The Coaching and Officiating bursaries are open to all levels of coaches and officials, with officiating including both umpires and technical officials.

Pat Hall Officials Development Award: This award is designed to promote the development of Vancouver Island umpires and technical officials with preference given to members active on the Island. Award nominations will remains open until all the available funds are utilized.

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IMPORTANT: applicants for all three bursaries and award must be a member in good standing with Field Hockey BC and an active official, coach or player within National, Provincial or Club base programming.

Go to www.fhbcfoundation.com for more information and to download the application forms.

Umpiring and Coaching Education Opportunities

Provincial Umpire Course

Ahead of the start of the Junior Leagues in both Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland, Field Hockey BC is planning on running a Provincial Umpire Course in March. We encourage all interested umpires to fill out the Waitlist Form so FHBC can plan the delivery of the course accordingly.

Access the Waitlist Form at https://fieldhockeybc.com/waitlist-form/

About the Pronvicial Course: Provincial Courses are $60 for FHBC members and $85 for non-members or members who are not registered for the current season. Courses are two sessions of 3 hours, including theory and exam. Participants are required to attend both sessions to be eligible to write the exam. Candidates must be a minimum of 13 years by the end of the calendar year to register.

NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport

Field Hockey BC is offering the opportunity for registered members to access the Coach Initiation in Sport course for free. To do so, please contact Katie Jameson, Athlete Program and Sport Development Manager, via katie@fieldhockeybritishcolumbia.com.

This is a eLearning course that introduces new or experienced coaches to the foundational skills of coaching, such as long-term athlete development, ethics, motivation, and athlete safety and wellness. It also teaches the key coaching concepts and educational tools that are the foundation of the NCCP.

The course takes about 60 minutes to complete and is a pre-requisite for the FHC Community Coaching course.

John Sacré steps down as FHBC Head Provincial Coach and Performance Manager

Field Hockey BC’s head provincial coach and performance manager, John Sacré is stepping down after three years at the helm. During his tenure with FHBC, John’s insight, leadership and expertise has helped field hockey programming across the province move become more accessible, consistent across regions and standardized.

A former Canadian men’s national team player, Sacré began his coaching experience with the Falcons field hockey club while still a junior. After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching, leading many BC senior and junior teams, as well as the U21 Junior National Team. He also took on the roles of National Team assistant coach and Interim men’s national coach over the years, and coached the Canadian men’s over 50 team at the World Cup masters in Barcelona, 2018.

At a club level, Sacré has coached the Surrey Sharks and Meraloma women’s premier teams, as well as the Surrey Lions under 18 boys team.

As a player, Sacré was a dedicated member of Canada’s men’s team for 12 years. Combining his playing and coaching career, he was involved in several international events: four Pan American Games, two World Cup Qualifiers and one World Cup, three Junior World Cup Qualifiers and Commonwealth Games. He conquered three Pan Am gold medals – two as player and one as a coach.

Sacré’s experience were valuable assets to Field Hockey BC.

“John has been an outstanding Provincial Head Coach and Performance Manager,” said Jennifer Taylor,  FHBC’s Athlete Program Director, who worked closely with Sacré through the High Performance programming re-structure in 2019. “From day one John took full ownership of his role and was 100% committed to improving the supports and systems FHBC provides to athletes and coaches. John is well known and respected in the Canadian field hockey and sport communities.”

The collaborative approach implemented by Sacré allowed different members and sectors of the field hockey community to be heard and help refine the organization’s plans, policies, procedures and systems.

“He is a trailblazer, always looking for new ideas and different ways of achieving success, and he is not afraid to take risks and try different approaches,” adds Taylor.

A strong advocate for coaches and the professionalization of coaching through mentorship and education, John Sacré helped create more opportunities for coaches to develop their skills and gain valuable experience.

“It has been nothing short of excellent,” added Kent McKinnon, a provincial coach who has worked closely with Sacré. “His knowledge and understanding of the game has taught me much throughout his time with our programming. He has given myself and many others the opportunity to grow and learn by being involved in the programming and coaching alongside many who have come before us.”

“I would personally like to thank John on behalf of all the coaches who have been involved, for his contribution and inclusivity. The opportunity has allowed myself and others to grow as coaches and further develop our ability to give back either at a provincial level or club level. The time spent with athletes in training and camp based environments has contributed greatly to exposing these athletes to structured training environments, with the aim to raise the level of hockey players and coaches. We thank you John very much for all you have done and look forward to what comes next for you”,  Kent McKinnon.

LEGACY

John Sacré was pivotal in the development of a comprehensive and systematic athlete evaluation tool named the Gold Medal Profile (GMP) in collaboration with Field Hockey Canada. Jennifer Taylor notes that all of the athletes in the FHBC Provincial and Elite Programs are now evaluated through the GMP “and other sports have developed their own athlete evaluation tool based on John’s work.”

“Not only is this good from a coaching perspective, but it also allows athletes to receive constructive feedback so they can further develop their field hockey skills,” added McKinnon, who also believes that the evaluation process employed has allowed coaches to more easily review and re-evaluate players throughout the seasons.

Sacré also played a leadership role in the FHBC Provincial Pathway Working Group. “His technical and strategic skills helped redesign the FHBC Provincial Athlete Pathway and Program model making it more responsive and flexible and better aligned with club and NSO pathways,” added Taylor.

“John’s significant contributions and achievements over the past 3 years will have a lasting impact on BC’s athletes and coaches for many years to come, and the systems and processes he has put in place will serve FHBC well into the future. We wish John all the best in his next adventure.”

ONE-ON-ONE WITH JOHN

What would you like the community to understand about coaching?

John: There is a lot of time and effort behind the scenes to prepare the athletes and team. There are many aspects that they must consider: technical, tactical, physical, mental, and athletes’ social development. It’s like being a movie director and you are working towards everyone having a great performance!

How should coaches approach their education?

John: Go out and watch other teams and training sessions. Work on being yourself and develop your own principles, tactics, and ideas. The best education is really to go out and ask questions of other coaches. Bounce your ideas around with others to get feedback. Try to stay original to yourself and ideas. The second piece is not to limit your coaching experience. Go out and coach other athletes you may not know. Learn to be a head coach as well as an assistant coach. Build out your experience by coaching all levels, genders, and age groups, from club to top high-performance programs. The more you challenge yourself, the more you will learn from others as well as yourself.

What are the lessons you take from your time in this role?

John: Over the past three years, it has really reinforced for me how dependent we need to be in our hockey community to functionally work together at all levels. From Club to Provincial to National organizations, we need clear roles and responsibilities.

After three years with as FHBC Head provincial Coach & Performance Manager, what are you most proud of?

John: The way all our Provincial Teams performed and getting FHBC back on top of the podium again during the 2019 Nationals before the pandemic, restructuring and the realignment of our HP Programming, and providing new opportunities by bringing in new talented coaches and athletes by opening up the process to everyone.

Competition – Development Context


The Competition – Development context is designed for coaches that are an experienced Club or Provincial U18 coach or Post-Secondary coach, who already have a good understanding of coaching. Coaches in this context may be a former or current National Team athlete. This context is most appropriate for coaches of senior development athletes or performance club athletes (16-19 years old) who are developing game skills and strategy.

The courses below are required to achieve Trained status:

Note: all Field Hockey coaches in Canada also need to complete Field Hockey Canada’s Safe Sport requirements.

NCCP Psychology of Performance

This 7 hour course prepares coaches to help athletes manage distractions and identify goals, as well as teaches coaches debriefing skills.

Course Delivery methods:

  • In-Person
  • Online Delivery
  • Home Study

Check viaSport.ca for course offerings.

Cost: $120 – $130

Note: This course is a pre-requisite for the FHC Psychology of Field Hockey course.

NCCP Design a Basic Sport Program

In this 5-hour course, coaches will learn how to build a program structure based on training and competitive opportunities.

Course Delivery methods:

  • In-Person
  • Online Delivery
  • Home Study

Check viaSport.ca for course offerings.

Cost: $70 – $90

Note: This course should be completed prior to FHC Manage a Field Hockey Program.

NCCP Manage a Sports Program

In this 5-hour course, coaches will learn how to manage administrative and logistic aspects of a program, including staff roles and responsibilities, camp/tournament finances and travel, and will learn how to report on athlete progress throughout a program.

Course Delivery methods:

  • In-Person
  • Online Delivery
  • Home Study

Check viaSport.ca for course offerings.

Cost: $90 – 100

Note: This course should be completed prior to FHC Manage a Field Hockey Program.

NCCP Developing Athletic Abilities

This 9-hour course prepares coaches to evaluate and identify athlete’s abilities, understand and prescribe training protocols specific to an athletes’ age and stage of development.

Course Delivery methods:

  • In-Person
  • Online Delivery
  • Home Study

Check viaSport.ca for course offerings.

Cost: $120 – $140

Note: This course should be completed prior to FHC Developing Athletic Abilities for Field Hockey.

FHC Psychology of Field Hockey

This 3-hour course is hosted by Field Hockey Canada.

Cost: $90

FHC Performance Planning for Field Hockey

This 4-hour course is hosted by Field Hockey Canada.

Cost: $110

FHC Developing Athletic Abilities for Field Hockey

This 4-hour course is hosted by Field Hockey Canada.

Cost: $110

FHC Manage a Field Hockey Program

This 3-hour course is hosted by Field Hockey Canada.

Cost: $90

FHC Performance Analysis for Field Hockey

This 6-hour course is hosted by Field Hockey Canada.

Cost: $150

NCCP Coaching & Leading Effectively

This 9-hour course prepares coaches to promote a positive image of sport, deliver clear messages to athletes and supporters, and identify opportunities to use feedback to improve performance.

Course Delivery methods:

  • In-Person
  • Online Delivery
  • Home Study

Check viaSport.ca for course offerings.

Cost: $120 – $140

NCCP Prevention & Recovery

This 8-hour course teaches coaches how to develop injury prevention and recovery strategies, as well as functional evaluations for athlete’s return to play.

Course Delivery methods:

  • In-Person
  • Online Delivery
  • Home Study

Check viaSport.ca for course offerings.

Cost: $120 – $140

NCCP Leading Drug-Free Sport

This course will help coaches fully understand and explain the consequences of using banned substances in sport, encourage athletes to take greater responsibility for their personal actions, and apply the NCCP Ethical Decision-making Model to keeping your sport and athletes drug-free.

This eLearning course takes about 1 hour to complete: https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#LDFS-E

Cost: $50

NCCP Managing Conflict

This 5-hour course helps coaches identify common sources of conflict in sport, learn important skills to help prevent and resolve conflict and develop skills that will empower coaches to listen and speak effectively in conflict situations.

Course Delivery methods:

  • In-Person
  • Online Delivery
  • Home Study

Check viaSport.ca for course offerings.

Cost: $90 – $110

NCCP Performance Planning

This 16-hour prepares coaches to perform a thorough analysis of demands on athletes’ at the elite (high performance) level, outline a program structure based on training and competition opportunities, organize and sequence training priorities and objectives on a weekly basis, and evaluate the ability of your athletes/team to perform up to their potential in competition.

Course Delivery methods:

  • In-Person
  • Online Delivery

Check viaSport.ca for course offerings.

Cost: $170 – $200

NCCP Advanced Practice Planning

This 6-hour course teaches coaches to ensure practice plans are consistent with the microcycles and phases that they are part of, including helping athletes taper before a competition. Coaches will also learn about recent research on exercise sequencing.

Course Delivery methods:

  • In-Person
  • Online Delivery

Check viaSport.ca for course offerings.

Cost: $120 – $140

Evaluation

To become Certified in the Competition-Development Context coaches need to successfully complete an evaluation, including a portfolio and on-field assessment.

Coaches must apply to Field Hockey Canada to be evaluated.

Competition – Introduction Context


The Competition – Introduction context is designed for coaches with 2+ years of experience coaching field hockey that are wanting to take the next step. This context is most appropriate for coaches of Club teams or a U15 Provincial team, that are introducing athletes to the skills of the game and to competitive hockey.

The courses below are required to achieve Trained status:

Note: all Field Hockey coaches in Canada also need to complete Field Hockey Canada’s Safe Sport requirements.

NCCP Emergency Action Plan

This short 15-minute eLearning module teaches coaches how to create and use an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in order to respond calmly, quickly and effectively if a sport participant is seriously injured during practice or competition. This course is a pre-requisite for the NCCP Planning a Practice course.

Complete the eLearning module here: https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#EAP-E

Cost: Free

NCCP Planning a Practice

This 5-hour course prepares coaches to plan safe and effective practices.

Course Delivery methods:

  • In-Person
  • Online Delivery
  • Home Study

Check viaSport.ca for course offerings.

Cost: $70 – $90

Note: This course needs to be taken prior to taking the FHC Competition – Introduction course.

NCCP Teaching & Learning

This 5-hour course helps coaches understand effective teaching methods, and prepares coaches to promote learning and self-esteem in their athletes.

Course Delivery methods:

  • In-Person
  • Online Delivery
  • Home Study

Check viaSport.ca for course offerings.

Cost: $70 – $90

Note: This course needs to be taken prior to taking the FHC Competition – Introduction course.

FHC Competition – Introduction Course

This Field Hockey specific course focuses on learning the game, practice planning and the basic analysis of performance.

Couse Delivery: Four 3-hour Online Delivery sessions followed by one 3-hour on-field session

Cost: $150-250

This course is hosted by Field Hockey BC. Course information will be posted here when registration is open.

NCCP Basic Mental Skills

In this 4-hour course, coaches will learn how to recognize and develop tools to help an athlete with goal setting, focus and anxiety control.

Course Delivery methods:

  • In-Person
  • Online Delivery
  • Home Study

Check viaSport.ca for course offerings.

Cost: $70 – $90

NCCP Design a Basic Sport Program

In this 5-hour course, coaches will learn how to build a program structure based on training and competitive opportunities.

Course Delivery methods:

  • In-Person
  • Online Delivery
  • Home Study

Check viaSport.ca for course offerings.

Cost: $70 – $90

NCCP Sport Nutrition

This course will teach coaches basic nutrition for athletes, as well as signs of dehydration and disordered eating.

This eLearning course takes about 1 hour to complete: https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#SN-E

Cost: $20

Evaluation

To become Certified in the Competition-Introduction Context coaches need to successfully complete an evaluation, including a portfolio and on-field assessment.

Coaches must apply to Field Hockey BC to be evaluated.

Community Coach Context


The Community Coach Context is designed for coaches working at the community level. This may include volunteer coaches that are new to the sport (i.e. a parent coaching their child’s team) or former athletes that need to learn how to coach. This context is most appropriate for coaches of athletes under 12 or recreational teams of all ages that will be learning the basics of hockey.

The following courses are required to achieve Trained status:

NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport

This eLearning course introduces new or experienced coaches to the foundational skills of coaching, such as long-term athlete development, ethics, coaching motivation, and athlete safety and wellness. It also teaches the key coaching concepts and educational tools that are the foundation of the NCCP.

This eLearning course takes about 60 minutes to complete: https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#CIS-E

Cost: $15

Note: This course is a pre-requisite for the FHC Community Coaching course.

FHC: Community Coaching

The FHC Community eLearning module which will introduce you to what it means to be a coach in field hockey and how to plan a session that supports the best practices of coaching and your own personal coaching philosophies.  By the end of the module, you will have the essential knowledge you need to develop athletes in sport and physical activities.

This eLearning course takes about 2 hours to complete: https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#FH-CC-E

Cost: $50

NCCP Fundamental Movement Skills

This workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to the Fundamental Movement Skills and the core-competencies of the NCCP, with the help of significant hands-on activities.

This in-person course is offered by viaSport BC and their coach education partners. Please visit https://www.viasport.ca/coaching/nccp-course-calendar for opportunities.

Cost: $50 – $70

Once the above courses + the Safe Sport requirements are complete, the coach will be a Trained Community Coach.

Safe Sport Requirements

All field hockey coaches in Canada are required to take the Safe Sport modules listed below.


NCCP Make Ethical Decisions (MED)

By successfully completing the 4-hour NCCP Make Ethical Decisions training, coaches will be fully equipped to handle ethical situations with confidence and surety. The training helps coaches identify the legal, ethical, and moral implications of difficult situations that present themselves in the world of team and individual sport.

Course Delivery methods:

  • In-Person
  • Online Delivery
  • Home Study

Check viaSport.ca for course offerings.

Cost: $70 (may vary). Includes access to the post-course online evaluation.

Note: This course is currently being offered to FHBC members for free. Contact Katie Jameson (katie@fieldhockeybritishcolumbia.com) for more information.

NCCP Making Headway

This concussion education course will teach coaches how to prevent concussions, how to recognize the signs and symptoms, what to do if you suspect an athlete has a concussion, and how to ensure athletes return to play safely.

This eLearning course takes approximately 60 minutes and can be completed through the Locker: https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#MHW-SP-E

Cost: Free to all coaches.

CAC Safe Sport Training

Safe, inclusive sport environments help make sport rewarding and enriching for all. By completing Safe Sport Training you will gain the knowledge and skills to create healthy and safe environments by recognizing, addressing and preventing maltreatment in sport.

This eLearning course takes about 90 minutes and can be completed through the Locker: https://thelocker.coach.ca/onlinelearning#SS

Cost: Free to all coaches.

NCCP Pathway


Systemic National Coach Pathway Support

FHBC is delighted to announce an investment initiative to include subsidies for formal NCCP Coach Education. To take advantage of these subsidies, members need to be currently registered with Field Hockey BC for the 2023-24 season. The see the complete list of initiatives supported by FHBC, please access our Systemic National Coach and Official Certification Pathways Support page.

National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP)

The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is a coach training and certification program for 66 different sports across Canada. NCCP workshops are designed to meet the needs of all types of coaches, from the first-time coach to the head coach of a national team. The NCCP is the recognized national standard for coach training and certification in Canada. As part of the program, all coaches are trained in ethical decision-making and sport safety.

Course Formats

There are several different delivery methods for NCCP courses. It is important for coaches to understand the different course formats when they are signing up for courses.

  • In-person Delivery – A course that takes place either in a classroom or on the field. Under the current PHO orders, classroom courses are prohibited and therefore not mentioned below.
  • Online Delivery – A course that takes place at a scheduled time over Zoom (or other online platform). These courses are led by a facilitator and coach participation is required.
  • eLearning – Online course available in The Locker that can be completed on your own time.
  • Home Study – Self-directed learning that can be completed on your own time and at your own pace. This method includes completing a workbook (PDF or Word Document) and submitting it to a tutor for marking. You have three months to complete a Home Study course. Should only be used as a last option.

In BC, most NCCP courses are delivered by viaSport BC.

The Locker

The Locker is the Coaching Association of Canada’s (CAC) online database, where coach transcripts are stored, and coaches can access eLearning courses.

All coaches engaging in the NCCP need to have a NCCP number and Locker account. If you do not have one, you can sign up by clicking here: https://thelocker.coach.ca/account/login?mode=login and then selecting “Don’t have an NCCP#? Create one now“.

Safe Sport Requirements

All field hockey coaches in Canada are required to take the following Safe Sport modules, regardless of what coach education stream they are in:

  • NCCP Make Ethical Decisions
  • NCCP Making Headway
  • CAC Safe Sport Training

For more information on how to complete these courses, click here.

Community Coach Context

The Community Coach Context is designed for coaches working at the community level. This may include volunteer coaches that are new to the sport (i.e. a parent coaching their child’s team) or former athletes that want to learn how to coach. This context is most appropriate for coaches of athletes under 12 or recreational teams of all ages that will be learning the basics of hockey.

The courses in this context include:

  • NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport
  • FHC: Community Coaching
  • NCCP Fundamental Movement Skills

For more information on how to complete these courses, click here.

Note: There is no evaluation for a Community Coach. Once all courses are complete, the coach will be Trained and their Community Coach Context complete.

Competition – Introduction Context

The Competition – Introduction context is designed for coaches with 2+ years of experience coaching field hockey that are wanting to take the next step. This context is most appropriate for coaches of Club teams or a U15 Provincial team, that are introducing athletes to the skills of the game and to competitive hockey.

The courses in this context include:

  • NCCP Emergency Action Plan
  • NCCP Planning a Practice
  • NCCP Teaching & Learning
  • FHC Competition – Introduction Course
  • NCCP Sport Nutrition
  • NCCP Basic Mental Skills
  • NCCP Design a Basic Sport Program

Note: This context includes a Coach Evaluation to become Certified

For more information on becoming a Competition – Introduction coach, click here.

Competition – Development Context

The Competition – Development context is designed for coaches that are an experienced Club or Provincial U18 coach or Post-Secondary coach, who already have a good understanding of coaching. Coaches in this context may be a former or current National Team athlete. This context is most appropriate for coaches of senior development athletes or performance club athletes (16-19 years old) who are developing game skills and strategy.

The courses in this context include:

  • NCCP Psychology of Performance
  • NCCP Manage a Sports Program
  • NCCP Design a Basic Sport Program
  • NCCP Developing Athletic Abilities
  • FHC Psychology of Field Hockey
  • FHC Performance Planning for Field Hockey
  • FHC Developing Athletic Abilities for Field Hockey
  • FHC Manage a Field Hockey Program
  • FHC Performance Analysis for Field Hockey
  • NCCP Coaching & Leading Effectively
  • NCCP Prevention & Recovery
  • NCCP Leading Drug-Free Sport
  • NCCP Managing Conflict
  • NCCP Performance Planning
  • NCCP Advanced Practice Planning

Note: This context includes a Coach Evaluation to become Certified

For more information on becoming a Competition – Development coach, click here.


Click on the images below to see the charts in full size.

For more details on each stage of the NCCP Pathway, click here.

ADVANCE NOTICE – Introduction of Systemic Mandatory National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) Standards 2021-2022

You can access the PDF version of this communique here.


Dear Field Hockey BC Members,

Earlier this calendar year and in partnership with Field Hockey Canada (FHC), Field Hockey BC (FHBC) along with each recognized Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) across Canada assessed a multi-year Mandatory National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) Standards Proposal presented to the PSO Community by the FHC Coach Education Committee. Following receipt of this Proposal, FHBC formed an NCCP Coach Education Working Group to review the Proposal relative to the BC Field Hockey Environment and provide associated feedback to the FHC Coach Education Committee, feedback that included outreach to club community coaches across BC.

The FHBC NCCP Coach Education Working Group submitted its feedback to FHC in April 2021 and has since followed up with the FHC Coach Education Committee to request the necessary clarification of expectations for 2021-22 (in particular) and for progression into 2022-23. This notice is sent at this time as an advance notice that Mandatory National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) Standards are expected to be implemented at ALL levels of field hockey participation utilizing a phased approach from the current seasonal year (2021-22) through 2024-2025.

As the field hockey community looks towards the traditional Junior Spring Season and into the Summer Event Season of 2022, it should be expected that coaches may not only be required to comply with Safe Sport NCCP requirements but may also be required to be ‘in-training’, ‘trained’ and/or ‘certified’ at specific levels within the NCCP Pathway. In anticipation of such requirement, FHBC has already committed to continue to financially subsidize Safe Sport NCCP requirements in full for all FHBC member coaches and FHBC has also committed to set-aside additional financial resources to support and assist FHBC member coaches to meet specific expectations during the 2021-22 season.

It is hoped that 2021-22 seasonal expectations for Mandatory National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) Standards will be made very clear in the very near future. In the interim, FHBC is preparing internally to assist FHBC member coaches to understand these expectations as they relate to the NCCP Pathway and to help plot a path to meet such expectation. FHBC remains committed to assisting FHBC member coaches in advancing their respective formal education and where possible assisting with the fundamental challenge of financial accessibility.

FHBC expects to be in a position to follow-up with more information on this initiative later this calendar month. For information on the NCCP Pathway please visit the FHBC website at https://fieldhockeybc.com/coaches/coaching-education/nccp-pathway/ or reach out directly to FHBC’s Sport Development Manager, Katie Jameson via phone (778) 227-0895 or via e-mail at katie@fieldhockeybritishcolumbia.com.

For questions regarding the FHBC NCCP Coach Education Working Group and associated due process to date, please do not hesitate to reach out to FHBC’s Coaching Director (Board of Directors), Michelle McNaughton at michellemcnaughton@fieldhockeybc.com.

Yours in sport,

Mark Saunders
Executive Director
Field Hockey BC
October 1, 2021