NATIONAL COACHING CERTIFICATION PROGRAM (NCCP)

 Certified Coaches
The Equine Canada Coaching Program was initiated in 1977, with a goal of developing standards by which those teaching horsemanship and equitation may be graded and recognized in both English and Western disciplines. It is based on national standards set by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) for all National Coaching Certification Programs (NCCP) in Canada. It is recognized as the most extensive and fundamental program affecting sport development in Canada, touching virtually every sport delivery system.

 The Program structures coaching development to standardize coaching levels across the nation and provides the framework for the development of progressive coaching. It was developed and implemented by the cooperative efforts of the National Sport Governing Bodies, Provincial Sport Governing Bodies, Sport Canada, the provincial sport-related government agencies, and the Coaching Association of Canada with the collaborative assistance of coaches who created and continue to use the program.

 The NCCP outlines multiple levels of coaching competence – from Instructor to Level 5 (international coach). To be certified and recognized at any given level, coaches must successfully complete all components for the level. The goal is to produce certified coaches with sound and well-tested coaching techniques to improve the performance of Canadian athletes locally, provincially, nationally and internationally.

 Equestrian is one of over 66 sports in Canada with an NCCP coaching program. Equestrian NCCP Coaching programs include English, Western, and Saddle Seat. Specializations are available in the English and Western programs at Levels 3 and above. 


Certification is available within the English Discipline at the following levels:

Instructor
Level 1 General - Capable of teaching beginner or novice riders including jumping
Level 2 General - Capable of teaching intermediate riders with emphasis placed on preparation for competition
Level 3 English specialization in Equitation, Eventing, Dressage, Hunter, Jumper (Provincial) 
Level 4 English specialization in Jumper (National) (Eventing in pilot)
Level 5 - Specialist (International or Olympic) 
 


The NCCP is currently undergoing a transition to a competency-based approach. The design of the new NCCP reflects the different types of coaches ("coaching streams") in the Canadian sport system and the specific environments ("coaching contexts") they work in. The new NCCP makes a distinction between coach training and coach certification. Coaches who need training will have opportunities to acquire or refine the skills, knowledge and attitudes deemed important to coach effectively in a particular context. Coaches who want to be certified will be required to demonstrate their ability to achieve the requirements identified for their coaching context. 

The transition of the Equestrian coaching programs is still under development. Two streams have been identified that will be developed under the new NCCP - Instruction and Competition. Details of the specific contexts within those streams have yet to be determined. During the transition, the Equestrian Coaching programs will continue with the existing structure and requirements until further notice.

Copyright:  Alberta Equestrian Federation
5/11/2008 : 9:50:52 PM