The NCCP (National Coaching Certification Program) has transitioned to a competency-based approach, in which a coach is trained and may achieve certification to coach specific ages in a particular coaching environment.  As of January 1, 2013 the old certifications (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3)  are no longer offered and Community Coach, Introduction to Competition, and Competition Development have replaced the old courses.

The definition of a "good" or competent coach is no longer just based on "how much he or she knows" about their chosen sport.  With the new NCCP program, the focus is on proper use of effective teaching methods combined with an understanding of what activities and expectations are reasonable and appropriate for specific age groups.  A description of the three "streams" adopted by Football Canada is explained further down the page.

There are three mandatory courses that are required in Manitoba for all tackle football coaches, regardless of the age of their athletes:

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Safe Contact is designed for all coaches who currently coach tackle football.  Techniques and drills to teach safe contact are highlighted, in addition to learning how to analyze and correct athletic performance.  Upon completing this module coaches will be able to:  (not required for Flag coaches at this time)

1. Address Fear of Contact
2. Teach Safe Tackling
3. Teach Safe Blocking
4. Teach Safe Contact for Ball Carriers
5. Analyze Performance

The Safe Contact course generally consist of a one day workshop.  It is mandatory for coaching all ages of athletes who participate in tackle football. The goal of this module is to provide coaches with the tools required to create a safer environment for their athletes, while improving overall skill level.

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Making Head Way in Football is a free, online concussion awareness course offered through the NCCP designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills required to ensure the safety of your athletesand will make you concussion smart!.  Approximately 60-90 minutes.   TAKE ME THERE

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Respect in Sport  is an online course required by all coaches in Manitoba (not just football coaches).  This course helps promote proper understanding and values through a simple and convenient online training course for coaches and sport leaders. It is designed as a tool to assist coaches in identifying and dealing with abuse, neglect, harassment, and bullying in sport.  Approximately 2.5 hours - Free   TAKE ME THERE

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Make Ethical Decisions - Online Evaluation is an online course required by all coaches in Manitoba who have completed any of the Coach Stream courses (below).  This Evaluation is designed to reinforce the content covered in the Intro to Comp, and Competition Development programs.  Need help registering?   INFORMATION HERE

Not required for Community Novice coaches as of 2017
 

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COMMUNITY SPORT        

Required for anyone coaching athletes from age 8-13 years of age

Coaches the fundamentals of football with a recreational focus. This workshop will give you skills and confidence in the key areas of practice planning, making ethical decisions, and fundamental technical football skills. The skills you will learn are ideal for voluntary coaches who have children who participate in football, or who wish to assist participants of all ages who are new to the sport.  Coaches must attaned an 8 hour workshop.
 

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COMPETITION INTRODUCTION       

Required for anyone coaching athletes from age 14-18 years of age

Coaches will be taught basic and intermediate skills required to become a trained position coach in offensive, defensive or special teams position skills by an expert coach. The expert coach will also provide drill progressions, and will demonstrate how to incorporate these tools into practice plans.
Upon completing this module, coaches will be able to do the following:

1. Plan a Practice
2. Analyze Performance
3. Provide support to athletes in training
4. Make Ethical Decisions (MED)
5. Position-specific technical material

After completion of the 8 hour classroom portion of the Intro to Competition course, coaches will also attend a 4-5 hour Position Module session at an on field workshop with a elite level coach at their specific position. Upon completion of the 14 hour course the coach will have achieved TRAINED status.  To become CERTIFIED the coach will need to be evaluated during a practices by a Coach Evaluator. When approved, the coach is considered to be an Intro to Competition - Positional Coach "Certified".

Additional coaching levels Introduction to Competition - Coordinator, Introduction to Competition - Head Coach
 

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COMPETITION DEVELOPMENT

Required by those coaching athletes at the University, Junior, inter-Provincial, National and International competition level.
Restricted entry - contact Football Manitoba for requirements.

This stream trains coaches at the highest possible levels on preparing their athletes to perform at the elite level of competition.  Coaches receive the highest level instruction from Expert Coach Facilitators whoc are currently involved in this level, ususally ecperienced professional or univeristy coaches.  Courses on advanced Managing Conflict, Leading Drug Free Sport, Mentorship, Nutrition, Prevention and Recovery and Athletic Abilities, combined with advanced Technical and Tactical components all conbine to prepare coaches to teach athletes at the highest level competitions.