NCCP Course Descriptions
1. Our Courses
2. Which NCCP Course is Right for you?
3. NCCP Status: In-Training VS Trained VS Certified
4. NCCP number and the Locker
5. Minimum Age Requirements
6. Course Calendar
Our Courses
Rather than progressing from level 1, 2, and 3, our courses are now context based, meaning you should attend a course that will teach you the skills and competencies relevant to your coaching needs (or context).
Watch this video explaining the NCCP coach education pathway
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A list of the NCCP (Nataional Coaching Certification Program) courses that we offer at BC Athletics are listed below. To find out which course is relevant to your context, click here.
Run Jump Throw Wheel:
RunJumpThrowWheel (RJTW) is our grassroots course covering how to teach fundamental movement skills of running, jumping, throwing and wheeling in a fun, game based way and thier progressions into track and field events. It is available in three workshops: RJTW for Athletics Leaders, for Community Leaders, and for Teachers (Pro-D). Visit the RJTW workshop page for more information.
Foundations of Coaching in Athletics
The Foundations of Athletics is a 5.5 hour course that covers the basic theory of Athletics. It is offered as modules in Sport Coach, Road Running, and Club Coach. If you have already taken the Foundations of Athletics courses in one of these courses, you do not need to repeat them in the other course.
Sport Coach (Track and Field)
An introduction to Track and Field. This two day course teaches the basic skills of all events in track and field as well as how to plan a practice and a month. It is ideal for the generalist coach that may be coaching introductory-intermediate level athletes in a multiple events, often in a school or club, at a junior high –high school level.
Sport Coach (Road Running)
An introduction to Road Running Instruction. Whether you are coaching road runners to competition or leading in-training running groups, this 1.5 day workshop will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to help you with your programs and how to plan a season.
Club Coach
This is an event/specific 2.5 day course that teaches a more in-depth technical analysis for one event group and how to plan a season. Coaches can sign-up for either sprints, endurance, jumps, and throws (including para-throws). It is ideal for the school coach/educator, club coach or parent coaching intermediate level atheletes at the high school level and would like to learn more about a specific event group rather than all events.
If you have already taken Foundations of Athletics (the theory courses in Sport Coach, Road Running, and Club Coach) either in Sport Coach, Road Running or another event in Club Coach, you can sign-up for just the techincal and seasonal planning (2 days).
Performace Coach:
Performance Coach is a 4 day an event specific course ideal for coaches with U20 athletes or higher, specializing in one event group, training all-year round, and competing higher national level competitions. Coaches can sign up for ONE event group: sprints, endurance, throws, jumps, and wheelchair racing.
To take this course, coaches must be Club Coach Certified and coaching an athlete at U20 or higher who competes at the national championship. Exceptions may be applied. Eligibility will be determined by completing an intake form. Coaches will also need to first complete Athletics Performance Coach Pre-Learning. These can be completed at any time prior to the course.
Teachers Course:
This course teaches the basics of track and field. It is ideal for the school/educator coaching introductory-intermediate level athletes at the junior high or high school level. It is offered as either 2 day course covering all event groups (run (sprint/edurance), jumps, throws), or schools can choose just to offer one or two events. The course is 4.5 hours of theory/planing + 3 hrs per event group.
Which NCCP Course is Right for you?
Our courses are context-based. You choose the course that best suits your coaching needs based on the athletes and events you coach, and your coaching environment! See the chat below our visit Athletics Canada's site for more details
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NCCP Run Jump Throw Wheel
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NCCP Sport Coach*
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NCCP Club Coach
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NCCP Performance Coach
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NCCP Stream
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NCCP Community Sport
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NCCP Instruction – Beginner
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NCCP Competition Introduction
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NCCP Competition Development
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Athletes
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Grassroots athletes being introduced to all events.
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Introductory - intermediate level competing in a range of events at a local level.
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Intermediate level athletes specializing in one event group,
competing at the provincial level
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Elite level athletes specializing in one or two events and competing at the inter-provincial or national level
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Coaching Environment
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Grassroots programs, elementary schools, or community and recreation programs for children.
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School or club, often at a middle school setting.
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School or club, often at a high school setting.
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University or club setting.
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Events Covered
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Fundamental skills of all events through fun, skill based games and activities.
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Overview of all Track and Field events.
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Event group Specific: sprints/hurdles, jumps, throws and para-throws, endurance
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Event group Specific: sprints/hurdles, jumps, throws, endurance, wheelchair
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Additional NCCP Multi-Sport Course Requirements for TRAINED status
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Make Ethical Decisions
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Make Ethical Decisions
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1. Make Ethical Decisions
2. Managing Conflict
3. Coaching and Leading Effectively
4. Psychology of Performance,
5. Leading Drug Free sport
6. Manage a Sports Program
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Additional NCCP Multi-Sport Course Requirements for CERTIFIED status |
Make Ethical Decisions |
Make Ethical Decisions |
Make Ethical Decisions |
1. Make Ethical Decisions
2. Leading Drug Free Sport
3. Managing Conflict |
*Sport Coach is also available as a Road Running Instructor Course and as a Teachers Course.
The NCCP multi-sport course requirements are additional courses that are required to be fully Trained or Certified in their respective context. See the NCCP Status below for details
NCCP Status: In-Training VS Trained VS Certified
There are three levels of NCCP qualifications for any context (Run Jump Throw Wheel, Sport Coach, Club Coach or Performance Coach): In-training, Trained, Certified.
1. In training = Taken an athletics course (Run Jump Throw Wheel, Sport, Club or Performance)
2. Trained = Taken the athletics course and any multi-sport requirements:
- All context require Make Ethical Decisions (MED) for all contexts
- Performance Coach requires MED plus Leading Drug Free Sport, Managing Conflict, Prevention and Recovery, Psychology of Performance, Coaching/Leading Effectively for Performance Coach
Click the following links for a calendar of multi-sport courses offered in-person courses around BC or as online webinars across Canada.
3. Certified: Completed the Athletics Evaluation plus any multi-sport NCCP evaluations necessary
- Run Jump Throw Wheel = submit a portfolio
- Sport Coach = submit a portfolio and have an evaluator observe your practice
- Club Coach = submit a portfolio and have an evaluator observe your practice
- Performance Coach = submit a portfolio and have an evaluator observe your practice and competition at a national level or equivalent event
Note coaches can choose to skip the course and go straight to evaluation. However if the coaches skips the course and does not pass the evaluation, they will need to take the course before repeating the evaluation.
See our Certification page for more details
To take the multi-sport evaluation, login to the https://thelocker.coach.ca/ and click the e-learning tab to find your respective evaluation (all are online)
- Note, if you take the multi-sport course first, the evaluations are free with unlimited attempts to pass with 75% or higher
- If you skip the course, and go straight to evaluation, the cost is $85.00 with 3 attempts to pass with 75% or higher
NCCP Number and the Locker
Note that all courses require a NCCP Number.
This number gives you access to the Locker, which is the Coaching Association of Canada's database system for all sports. All of your coach education will be tracked on the Locker.
You can login to the Locker to view your coach educaiton transcript, course history, professional development points, as well as take online courses and multi-sport evluations.
Sign up for an NCCP number, or look up your number, at https://thelocker.coach.ca/. It's free and takes two minutes!
Minimum Age Requirements
The minimum age to be Trained (i.e., take the course) is 14.
The minimum age to be Certified (i.e., take an evaluation) is 16.
Certification
Use the links below to naviagate to the respective section
1. What Does Certification Mean?
2. Certification Requirements
3. Marking Rubrics
4. Why Become Certified
5. Steps to Register for Evaluation
6. Maintenance of Certification
What Does Certification Mean?
There are three levels of NCCP qualifications for any context (Run Jump Throw Wheel, Sport Coach, Club Coach or Performance Coach):
- In training = Taken an athletics course (Run Jump Throw Wheel, Sport, Club or Performance)
- Trained = Taken the athletics course and any multi-sport requirements:
- All context require Make Ethical Decisions (MED) for all contexts
- Performance Coach requires MED plus Leading Drug Free Sport, Managing Conflict, Prevention and Recovery, Psychology of Performance, Coaching/Leading Effectively for Performance Coach
- Certified: Completed the Athletics Evaluation plus any multi-sport NCCP evaluations necessary (See chart below)
- Note coaches can choose to skip the course and go straight to evaluation. However if the coaches skips the course and does not pass the evaluation, they will need to take the course before repeating the evaluation. Details below:
Certification Requirements
Context
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Run Jump Throw Wheel
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Sport Coach
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Club Coach
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Performance Coach
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Evaluation Fee:
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$45.00
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$210.00
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$295,00
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$500.00
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Evaluation Requirements:
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-Portfolio
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-Portfolio
-Practice Observation
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-Portfolio
-Practice Observation
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-Portfolio
-Practice Observation
-Competition Observation (1)
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Multi-Sport Evaluations (2)
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-Make Ethical Decisions
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-Make Ethical Decisions
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-Make Ethical Decisions
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-Make Ethical Decisions
-Leading Drug Free Sport
-Managing Conflict
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1. The Performance Coach Competition Observation must be completed at a National or equivalent level meet
2. Multi-Sport NCCP evaluations are also required for each context. These can be completed online at https://thelocker.coach.ca/ under the e-learning section. Coaches who complete the respective multi-sport course workshop first can take the evaluation for free with unlimited attempts to pass. Those who do not complete the workshop can take the online evaluations for $85.00 with three attempts to pass with 75%.
4. The preferred order to complete your evaluation is it complete your portfolio prior to your practice and/or competition observation. However, this order is not required.
Marking Rubrics
Makring Rubrics are available for all contexts to help you prepare for your evaluation. You can used them as a checklist before uploading your portfolio or in preparing for your observations.
Follow the steps below to access the most up to date rubrics:
Why Become Certified?
Certification Ensures Professional Standards:
- Coaching is a profession (designated by Coaches of Canada) that touches every community across Canada. It's not just enough to take a course. As in any profession, Canadian coaches must also show their competency through an evaluation of their coaching tools, practices, and competitions.
- The Coaching Association of Canada and its partners, 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.
Profession Development Opportunity
Please remember, the evaluation process is meant to be a shared learning experience similar to a mentorship rather than a pass/fail one-time interaction.
- Coaches who use this opportunity to work with experienced coaches (evaluators) and share ideas with others often gain incredibly valuable and practical knowledge through this process.
- The evaluator is not judging you or your coaching techniques. They are there to offer advice, answer questions, and ensure you are safe, ethical, and meet the standards set by either Athletics Canada or the Coaches Association of Canada.
However, certification is NOT REQUIRED and may not be for everyone.
Those who should think about certification might include:
- Coaches who coach as a full-time job
- Coaches who coach 40+ weeks a year
- Each club or group may want to have at least 1 certified coach on site at all times
- Coaches wishing to be Provincial or National Team Coaches
- Coaches wishing to be Learning Facilitators, Mentors, and/or Presenters
Steps to Register for Athletics Evaluation
- Create an account on Athletics Canada’s evaluation site: https://athletics.ca/coach/ (this is where you will upload your portfolio). This requires:
- Under the Status tab find the context you which to be evaluated in and click register and pay.
- Once this is done you will be assigned an evaluator and you can upload your portfolio!
Maintenance of Certification (PD Points):
- The Coaching Association of Canada has mandated a Maintenance of Certification program for all sports starting January 1st, 2014.
- This applies to all coaches who are certified in Run Jump Throw, Sport Coach, Club Coach, and Performance Coach (Comp Dev)
- If you are certified in Level 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 you will not be required to complete professional development to maintain your certification until 2015.
- Maintenance of certification, through proof of ongoing learning (Professional Development) and active coaching is viewed as essential to athlete performance and the integrity of the NCCP.
- Find out more about PD points at:
Maintenance of Certification
How to preview your professional development points

On January 1, 2014 the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) launched the Maintenance of Certification program, which requires certified coaches to obtain Professional Development (PD) points.
Coaches can now use the Maintenance of Certification webpage to login to the Locker and view an updated transcript with the number of professional development points needed, and the amount of time left to earn them. PD points can be earned through a multitude of activities including: national and provincial sport organization conferences and workshops, eLearning modules, NCCP workshops, coach mentorship programs, and active coaching.
Learn more by visiting CAC's Maintenance of Certification webpage and make sure you are on the right track!
Maintenance of Certification (PD Points):

- The Coaching Association of Canada has mandated a Maintenance of Certification program for all sports starting January 1st, 2014.
- This applies to all coaches who are certified in Run Jump Throw, Sport Coach, Club Coach, and Performance Coach (Comp Dev)
- If you are certified in Level 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 you will not be required to complete professional development to maintain your certification until 2015.
- Maintenance of certification, through proof of ongoing learning (Professional Development) and active coaching is viewed as essential to athlete performance and the integrity of the NCCP.
Minimum Professional Development Credits Required:
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Course (Context):
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Within a 5 year renewal period:
(starting January 1st, 2014)
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Run, Jump, Throw (Community)
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10 points
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Sport Coach (Intro to Comp)
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20 points
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Club Coach (Intro to Comp)
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20 points
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Performance Coach (Comp Dev)
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30 points
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PD Frequently Asked Questions:
How can I accumulate Professional Development (PD) points?
There are many ways to accumulate points. Events that are organized by the CAC, Athletics Canada, and BC Athletics will advertise the number of PD points associated with the event.
In General:
- NCCP training or evaluation events are worth 5 points;
- Non-NCCP events are worth 1 point for each hour they last, up to a maximum of 3 points;
- “Active coaching” will give you 1 point per year;
- Through “Self-directed learning” you can earn a maximum of 3 points per five-year PD cycle.
What will I have to do to ensure that my PD points are recorded on my transcript?
Simply indicate to the organizer of the event that you wish to receive PD points for attending. The organization that is coordinating or hosting the event or activity is responsible for entering into The Locker the names of participating coaches. You will automatically receive the PD points assigned to that event.
How can I check how many PD points I have?
Your PD points will appear on your transcript as long as your profile information (name, CC#, etc.) has been recorded correctly with the organizer of the event, and your profile is up-to-date on www.coach.ca. You can check your profile and points by logging into coach.ca and using your CC# to check your transcript. Remember that PD points will only appear on your transcript after the data has been entered in the Locker.
What if I don't collect enough PD points?
If a coach does not collect the required number of points in the 5 year period, their status will be changed to trained. Once the required number of points are acquired, the coach will return to certified status.
Is there any limit on the number of PD points I can accumulate?
No. You only need to earn the required number of points to maintain certification; however, you can accumulate as many PD points as you want. Please note that you cannot carry forward any points into the next cycle. Once the five year cycle ends (or any lesser period depending on your sport), PD points are re-set to 0.
Find Out More about Maintenance of Certification and PD Points:
NCCP Multi-Sport Courses
Live Multi-Sport NCCP Webinars:
Many NCCP Multi-Sport courses are now offered online! These webinars are offered at scheduled to time for live interaction with the learning faciliator. NCCP multi-sport courses that are worth 5 NCCP Pro-D points each towards your NCCP certification maintenance. Some are required to for NCCP Athletics Certification (*see notes below).
Calendar
Online:
You can take online multi-sport courses from any province. Go to https://thelocker.coach.ca/calendar for a full calendar of online courses ion the locker.
- Note: Use the filters "all prov/terr" and "multi-sport" and check out the the list of courses on the right hand side for a full list of avilable course
- If you need approval for any course from anthoer province, please email jennifer.brown@bcathletics.org.
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In Person Courses
In person courses in BC can be found at https://www.viasport.ca/coaching/nccp-course-calendar when they are safe to be offered.
List of Multi-sport Courses
Note, the courses with an * are required for NCCP Athletics Certification.
- Making Ethical Decisions (*required for all courses
- Managing Conflict (*required for Performance Coach)
- Coaching and Leading Effectively (*required for Performance Coach)
- Psychology of Performance (*required for Performance Coach)
- Leading Drug Free Sport (*required for Performance Coach
- Manage a Sport Program (*required for Performance Coach)
- Advanced Practice Planning
- Basic Mental Skills
- Coaching and Leading Effectively
- Design a Basic Sport Program
- Developing Athletic Abilities
- Empower +
- Mentorship
- Planning a Practice
- Performance Planning
- Prevention and Recovery
- Teaching & Learning
*Courses Required for NCCP Athletics
- NCCP Making Ethical Decisions is required for ALL coaches to be NCCP Trained or Certified in Atheltics (or any sport!)
- NCCP Performance Coach also requires the following five multi-sport courses: (1) Leading Drug Free Sport, (2) Manage a Sport Program, (3) Managing Conflict, (4) Coaching and Leading Effectively, (5) Psychology of Performance
Professional Development Webinars
Webinars to Complete at Anytime:
Below is a comphrensive list of webinars for both track and field and multi-sport to complete at any time. For NCCP multi-sport webinars click here; these webinars are live with a faciliator and happen at sceduled time
NEW:
Use the links in the table below to navigate to the topic of your choice:
Athletics Canada Webinar Series
Free webinars are offered every Wednesday! Click here for information under the webinar tab. Past webinars are also available to watch.
Athletics Canada Para Specific Resources
Click here for information under the Para-Specific Resources Tab including:
- Coaching Athletes' with a Disability
- Coaching Kids of All Abilities
- Para Throws Coaching Manual
- Making Sense of Classification
- Becoming Para Ready Webinar
- Beomcing Para Ready Resources
- CPC Diversity and Inclusion Resources
- Wheelchair Racing Coaching Manual
Training During COVID-19:
- Detraining and Performance Residuals: Minimal Effective Dose – CSI Pacific – Free
- Disruption by COVID-19: A Conversation on Mental Wellbeing in the World of High Performance Sport – CSI Pacific – Free
Track & Field Specific Courses:
BC Throws Project
- 2020 BC Throws Summit Recording - $100.00 for BC Athletics & Athletics Canada Members
- 15 hours of content from expert Coaches: Don Babbitt, Boris Obergfoll, Ashley Kovacs & Ryan Whiting
ALTIS Digital Courses
- ALTIS Essentials - 12 modules, $149.00
- ALTIS Foundation Course - 12 modules, $499.00
- Coaching the Horizontal Jumps by Irving “Boo” Schexnayder - 12 modules, $129.00
- Coaching the Short Sprints - 24 hours of content, $129.00
- Coaching the Pole Vault - 24 hours of content, $129.00
- Coaching the Shot Put and Discus by Don Babbitt - 18 hours of content, $129.00
- Coaching the Javelin & Hammer by Don Babbitt - 18 hours of content, $129.00
- ALTIS Performance Therapy Course - Open for A Limited Time - $499.00
- How to Really Make Decisions – Dr. Andy Galpin - Free
- Reinventing the Wheel: Application’s to Modern Training Theory – Free
- You can subscribe to ALTIS 360 with a 14 day free trial for access to many more videos, articles, etc!
School Sport - Free
- Fundamentals of Athletics: Track Events
- Fundamentals of Athletics: Jumping Events
- Fundamentals of Athletics: Throwing Events
- Legal Course for Coaches
EvalTrackSport
- Bondarchuk System – 61 Lessons, $299.00
- Programming and Training Organization for High School and Youth Development Coaches - $19.99
Sprints:
- 2019 ICAE Sprint/Hurdle Q & A with Caryl Smith-Gilbert - $19.99
- 2019 ICAE Block Starting Practical Demonstration – Carly Smith-Gilbert - $16.99
- 2019 ICAE Velocity Based Training – Mike Young - $19.99
- 2019 ICAE Power Development Solutions with Carly Smith-Gilbert – $19.99
- 2018 ICAE Sprint and Hurdle Lectures by Dan Pfaff & PJ Vazel - $29.99
Endurance:
- 2019 ICAE Running Technique and Drill Sequences for Endurance Athletes (Practical Sessions) –$19.99
- 2019 ICAE Endurance Training – A Contemporary Approach with Terrence Mahon - $24.99
- 2019 ICAE Strength Training for Endurance Athletes –$19.99
Jumps:
- 2018 ICAE Jump and Plyometric Training Lectures by Alex “Fuzz” Cann and Dan Pfaff –$29.99
- 2018 ICAE The Mechanics of the Horizontal Jumps with Dan Pfaff –$19.99
Throws:
- 2019 ICAE Discuss Throw Mechanics, Techniques and Drills (Practical Sessions) – $19.99
- 2019 ICAE Discus Throw Mechanics & Technique with Vesteinn Hafsteinsson - $19.99
- 2018 ICAE Essential Elements in Technique: Discus throw Nick Garcia –$19.99
- 2018 ICAE Rotational Shot Put Learning progressions with Nick Garcia –$19.99
Strength:
- 2019 ICAE Strength Periodization and Strategies with Vesteinn Hafsteinsson – $19.99
- 2019 ICAE Developing Strength That Transfers to Sport Performance with Dr. Mike Young $24.99
Safe Sport:
- NCCP Make Ethical Decisions Online – viaSport - $65.00
- Respect in Sport for Activity Leaders: Strategies to respond to bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD) – Respect Group Inc
- Commit to Kids – Understanding boundaries, sexual misconduct, and reporting inappropriate behaviour – Commit to Kids - $12.00
Anti-Doping:
- Avoid the Traps of Inadvertent Doping and Know Your Rights if it fails - CSI Pacific – Free
- Anti-Doping: Do’s & Don’ts - CSI Pacific – Free
- Anti-Doping: Mistakes Can Happen and How We Can Avoid Them - CSI Pacific – Free
Coaching & Leadership:
Inclusion:
Injury Prevention & Recovery:
Mental Performance:
CSI Pacific Mental Performance Webinars – Free
- Focus Plans: Tools Athletes Can Use to Enhance Focus
- Can WE Talk? Guidelines for Effective Communication in Sport
- Competition Phase: Performance on Demand – Any Time, Any Place, Any Conditions
- Specific Preparation Phase: Competition Planning and Objectives for Success by Design
- General Preparation Phase: establishing the Mental Performance Building Blocks
- Transition Phase: Debriefing and Decision-Making for Health, Wellness, and Performance
- Goal Setting for Success in High Performance Sport and Life
- Conflict Management: Navigating the Athlete Coach Relationship
- Successful Habits of the Highest Performing Athletes
- Preparing for Major games: The Fundamentals
- Managing Anxiety and Stress
- Growth Mindset: Unlocking the Pathway to Performance Success
- The evolution of Motivation for a Long, Satisfying Athletic Career
- Dealing with Disappointing Results and Failures
- The High Performance Athlete’s Passport to Effective Mental Performance Strategies While Travelling and Competing Abroad
- Optimizing Performance Consistence
Nutrition:
NCCP Sport Nutrition – Coaching Association of Canada - $20.00
CSI Pacific Nutrition Webinars – Free
- Travel Nutrition: Optimizing Nutrition During Travel and at your Destination
- Competition Phase
- Preparatory Phase A: Supporting the Volume and/or Increased Intensity
- Preparatory Phase B: Supporting the Breakdown
- Transition Phase: Off Season Nutrition
- Individual fueling Needs and Meal Planning
- Nutrition and Recovery
- Fueling in a Flash
- Caffeine for Sports Performance: Friend or Foe?
- Optimizing Nutrition When Travelling
Performance Analysis:
CSI Pacific Performance Analysis Webinars – Free
- Green Means Go? Using Athlete Data to Inform Training Decisions
- Changing the Game: Performance Analysis 101
- Enhancing Sport Training Through Video Analysis
- Tips and Tricks for Testing Success
Physical Literacy:
Strength & Condition:
CSI Pacific Strength and Conditioning Webinars – Free
- Strength & Conditioning
- Force-Velocity Profiling using New Technologies
- Strength and Conditioning for High Performance Athletes
- Periodization: What it is, and How it Wins Medals
- Avoid the Pitfalls of the Gym
Other: