New NCCP unveiled at workshop held in November

The much anticipated redesigned NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) was unveiled to badminton’s new LFs (Learning Facilitators) at a three day training workshop held in Oshawa - November 19 – 21, 2014. LFs were formerly called Course Conductors in the now retired, old NCCP. The workshop was offered in conjunction with CAC (Coaches Association of Canada), and Badminton Canada. Joe Morissette, the Executive Director of Badminton Canada, invited coaches from across Canada through their PSO (Provincial Sports Organization).

The event brought together experienced coaches/course conductors to review the new materials, and be trained on the new process. 

The facilitation and classroom exercises were conducted by Barb Cooper and Kathy Brook of the CAC.  Eric Dufour, of Badminton Quebec, was tasked to undertake the lead in the development of the new NCCP by Badminton Canada, and Stephane Cadieux of Badminton Ontario was tasked to work with Eric, and to lead the roll out in Ontario.

“Facilitation” is to be the new guiding motif during future coach training, as well as during individual coaching sessions.   All coaches are expected to reflect on both the successes, as well as areas for improvement of each of their coaching sessions to ensure continued professional growth.

Here’s a summary of the way the new system works for the new Competitive Stream, which has been aligned with the LTAD (Long Term Athlete Development) in mind:

  • NCCP Level I is being replaced by Regional Coach (“Trained” status)
  • NCCP Level II is being replaced by Provincial Coach (“Trained” status)
  • NCCP Level III has been replaced by Competitive / Development (currently under development)

To become a Regionally "Trained" Coach you are required to take three modules:

  • Module 1 (4 hours)    Plan a Practice
  • Module 2 (4 hours)    Teaching and Learning (including Ethics)
  • Module 3 (8 hours)    Technical/Tactical Basics

To become a Provincially "Trained" Coach you are required to take two modules:

  • Module 4 (8 hours)    Design a Basic Sport Program and Basic Mental Skills
  • Module 5 (8 hours)    Technical/Tactical Foundations Provincial Coach

These modules synthesize the old Theory (Intro. to Competition A & B) and the Technical on court courses.  The courses can be run either individually as a module, or delivered as weekend packages.

*On completion of the required modules, coaches receive “Trained” status… but are not accredited as a “Certified” Coach (NEW!). To become a “Certified” Coach, coaches must complete an “Evaluation” which includes both written and on-court requirements. Part of the evaluation is submitted online and written tasks include a program planning portfolio (which is designed and developed by the coach for their on-court evaluation). On completion and validation of the portfolio, the coach is then evaluated on-court.  Feedback is offered in a reflective process reviewing both the positive areas, and a discussion on options to further enhance the program.  The focus is on continuous improvement and ongoing professional development.  Coaches wishing to embark on  comp/intro provincial must be fully trained at comp/intro regional.

The evaluation process involves the demonstration of competence of specific Evidences that support the Criteria for five Core Competencies:

  • Valuing, Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Leading, Interacting

While all LFs that attended the session are now both “Trained” LFs and “Trained” CEs’ (Coach Evaluators) they will likely not perform both roles for the same coaches after the roll out.   Being evaluated by a CE who is not the LF, enriches the learning, and will help to provide uniformity of excellence in coaching across the province and country.

The “Trained” LFs & CEs’ who attended the workshop will now be “evaluated” to become Certified LFs & CEs.  They work in pairs to present the NCCP modules in a co-facilitation process to earn their “certified” status.  Each province will designate a Master Learning Facilitator / Evaluator whose job it will be to train and examine the LFs and CEs.

WHEN can we expect this new system to be rolled out?

  • The manuals are currently being updated, and edited.
  • The logistics for on line registration and tracking are being finalized.
  • Data management, and uniform pricing structures are under discussion
  • Pilots within the Alberta is planned for early spring 2015
  • Full roll out will occur after the pilots have been reviewed and/or modified

Coaches who have completed NCCP Badminton courses for Levels 1/2/3/4/5  will be given an equivalency in the new NCCP for each course (Theory, Technical, and Practical). Coaches will need to complete their certification in the new NCCP stream if they have not completed all three of the old NCCP stream.

Coaches can check out their certification using the Locker at the Coaching Association of Canada website: www.coach.ca

Should members need further clarification on any part of the above document, please contact:

Dave McMaster  Director of Coaching / High Performance

60 Patterson Blvd SW, Calgary Alberta, T3H 2E1

Phone:  403.297.2065

Email:  coach@badmintonalberta.ca