softball ontario

coach

Welcome to the Coaches Section of Softball Ontario

Softball Ontario realizes that as a Softball Coach you are the front-line ambassadors of our sport. Your interaction with the players of all ages and in many cases with their parents serves to influence these young persons’ love for the game and their future participation in our great sport. This is an awesome responsibility particularly in these times of declining registration, due to the vast variety of activities people can choose from to occupy their leisure time. It is important for you as a Coach to be knowledgeable not only in the skills of the game itself but also in how to present and teach those skills while making the player’s experience worthwhile and fun.The pages of the revamped Softball Ontario web site have been designed with you in mind. It is hoped that you will take the time to browse through our resources. The intent was to help you improve your coaching skills and knowledge, provide you with updates on the programs and services. We hope to inform you of clinics, symposiums, camps and link you with other coaching service providers throughout the province and around the country.

Host a NCCP Clinic

STEP 1Decide which clinic(s) you wish to host

NCCP

NON NCCP

Apply to Host Clinic

responsibilities of host

helpful hints

STEP 2Read the Host Responsibilities

NCCP

NON NCCP

Apply to Host Clinic

responsibilities of host

helpful hints

STEP 3Complete the Clinic Bid Application Form On line noting the deposit required

NCCP

NON NCCP

Apply to Host Clinic

responsibilities of host

helpful hints

STEP 4Register your bid below and pay online

NCCP

NON NCCP

Apply to Host Clinic

responsibilities of host

helpful hints

STEP 5Complete Hosting Responsibilities will be forwarded to you after receipt of a Clinic bid and appropriate deposit

NCCP

NON NCCP

Apply to Host Clinic

responsibilities of host

helpful hints

**PLEASE NOTE: Softball Ontario is no longer accepting 2020 Coaches Clinic Bids for Comp-Intro Weekends 1 & 2

DUE TO THE ON-GOING COVID-19 CIRCUMSTANCES, ALL COACHES CLINICS FOR THE 2020 SEASON HAVE BEEN CANCELLED

Coaching Pathway

SEE ALL STEPS

High Performance Coach

NCCP Competition-Development, Softball

-Delivery Through Softball Canada-

A coach’s primary role in this context is to refine fundamental softball skills and basic tactics, develop advanced softball skills and tactics, and develop all-around athletic abilities. The Competition – Development Clinic(s) is comprised of two weekends of softball-specific training & multi-sport module training.

step 1

STATUS | In Training

Comp-Dev Softball Weekend #1

step 2

STATUS | Trained

Comp-Dev Softball Weekend #2

complete six multi-sport modules

step 3

STATUS | Certified

On Field Evaluations

SEE ALL STEPS

Competitive

NCCP Competition-Introduction, Softball Certification

-Delivery Through Softball Ontario-

This context can be an entry point for coach education and training in Softball’s NCCP or it can build on the training from the Grassroots level. It is comprised of two weekends of training. Weekend #1 sets the stage by teaching you the ‘What’ of coaching softball, while Weekend #2 teaches you the “How”.

step 1

STATUS | In Training

Comp-Intro Softball Weekend #1

step 2

STATUS | Trained

Comp-Intro Softball Weekend #2

Make Ethical Decision On-line Test /Evaluation/ submit portfolio

step 3

STATUS | Certified

On Field Evaluations

SEE CLINIC LISTINGS

Grassroots Coach

- Delivery Through Softball Ontario-

This context will give any Softball Coach all the tools they will need to hit the field with confidence as a first-time children’s Softball coach.

STATUS | In Training

Learn 2 Coach

Community Softball Coach

more info

Independent Study
Certification

For stakeholders with high degree of expertise in Softball click the link below to see if you qualify for the NCCP Independent Study Certification.

Competition-Development, Softball

Competition-Introduction, Softball

National coaching certification program (NCCP)

Minimum Requirements to retain NCCP Certification

Community Stream, Learn2Coach and Community Softball Coach

Points
N/A
Competition-Introduction, Softball

Points
20
Competition-Development, Softball

Points
30

PD point opportunities

SOFTBALL

Category	Points	Limitations
Actively Coaching	1 point/year for every season coached	To a maximum number of points equal to the number of years of the certification renewal period: 5 Years
Actively Coaching	1 point/year for NCCP Learning Facilitator/Evaluator activity	To a maximum number of points equal to the number of years of the certification renewal period: 5 Years
NCCP Activity	1 5 points/module	No maximum or minimum
Non-Activity*	3 points for approx. 3 hours of activity	No maximum or minimum
Coach self-directed activity*	3 points for the valid certification period	No maximum or minimum
Re-evaluation in context	100% of the points required for PD credit in the context	No other PD is required if a Coaches choose re-evaluation

MULTI-SPORT

Category	Points	Limitations
NCCP Activity	5 points/module	No maximum or minimum
Non NCCP Activity	1 point/hour of activity up to 3 point maximum	To a maximum of 50% of required PD credit for the context in a certification renewal period

Why do I need to maintain my certification?

The NCCP is asking Certified coaches to continue learning to help developing the best athletic performance from our athletes as well as and the integrity of the NCCP. This can be done through coaching professional development, as well as actively coaching.

How can I accumulate PD points?

PD points can be earned through a variety of activities that certified coaches already participate in including. These include conferences and workshops, coaching committees, e-Learning modules, NCCP workshops, coach mentorship programs, and active coaching and/or instructing. Please contact Softball Ontario (Steph Sutton via email: ssutton@softballontario.ca) for more details.

How long do I have to accumulate my points?

You will have five (5) years to get the required number of points for Softball. Your time to have this completed is tracked on your Locker profile. Please log into your Locker profile to determine the time frame you need have Professional Development points collected by.

FAQ’S

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, NCCP#, etc.) has been recorded correctly with the organizer of the event, and your profile is up-to-date on coach.ca. You can check your profile and points by logging into coach.ca and using your NCCP# to check your transcript. Remember that PD points will only appear on your transcript after the data has been entered in the Locker by Softball Ontario or Softball Canada. When you are on your NCCP transcript, on the left-hand side there is a section called ‘Maintenance.’ Click there and follow the prompts. It will show which events you have attended as well as your certification deadline, number of points attained, and number of points required.

What if I am certified in other sports and/or multiple contexts in softball?

The PD points you earn will apply to all sports’ requirements. The coach needs to accumulate the highest number of required PD points. You only need to earn the higher number of required PD points. For example, if you have “Certified” status in both Instruction contexts, you will need to acquire 20 points to maintain your Certification in both contexts.

What happens to my NCCP Certification if I do not complete the required PD in the time allowed?

Your transcript would show that your “Certified” status has not been renewed. Requirements to regain your NCCP Certification will continue to be worked out by Softball Ontario/Softball Canada through this first PD cycle (2014-2019).

How many years can I self-report that I am actively coaching to achieve PD Points?

Self-reporting for Active Coaching has been available since the CAC started tracking PD points in the Locker. A coach could go as far back as 2013 to declare active coaching (any earlier would not have mattered since Maintenance Cycles only started in 2014).

Competition-Introduction, Softball FAQ’s

Q: How do I know what clinic to take for the Team I am coaching?

A: Please visit your Member Association webpage for the listing of NCCP Requirements as follows:

PWSA:

http://www.ontariopwsa.com/CoachesPlayers/Certification.aspx

OASA:

http://www.oasa.ca/forms/2014_OASA_Operting_Rules_Rule_Variation_Chart.pdf

(Page 10)

ORSA:

http://www.ontarioruralsoftball.ca/images/stories/orsa_constitution_2014.pdf

Q: How many hours is Competition-Introduction, Softball?

A: Here is a breakdown of hours from In-Training to Certified status:

1st Weekend/What to Coach clinic 16 hours (usually two (2) eight (8) hour days 9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
2nd Weekend/How to Coach clinic 16 hours (usually two (2) eight (8) hour days 9:00 am – 5:00 pm)*must take Weekend #1/What to Coach to be eligible to attend
Make Ethical Decisions On-Line Evaluation 2 hours (this section is completed independently by the Coach on their own timelines on www.coach.ca)
Preparation Time for the On-Field Evaluation Clinic- 6 hours (this section is completed independently by the Coach on their own timelines prior to submitting their application for the On Field Evaluation/Clinic* must be two weeks prior to the actual OFE)
On-Field Evaluation/Clinic-2 hours (this includes a 15 minute entrance interview with the Coach and Evaluator; the Coach conducting a 45 minute practice based on the assigned skill with 9 softball athletes (U14 and above); a debriefing session (30 mins) and Skill Analysis portion (30 minutes))

Total: 40 hours

Q: Where do a find out where clinics are being offered?

A: To find a listing of NCCP Clinics and Competition-Introduction, Softball clinics, please check this link often:

http://www.softballontario.ca/english/our-programs/coach/softball-nccp/clinic-listing.html

Q: How do I get an NCCP number?

A: If you have previously attended an NCCP clinic, you will already have a NCCP #. Please log onto www.coach.ca- The Locker to look up your NCCP #.

If you have not attended an NCCP clinic before you will have one created for you by Softball Ontario once the clinic materials have been returned to the Softball Ontario office. You will receive an email from the Coaches Association of Canada letting you know that a profile has been created for you to track your NCCP education.

Q: Where do I complete the Make Ethical Decisions On-Line Test?

A: Please click on the following link: http://coach.ca/-p156128 and follow the steps as outlined.

Q: Which Make Ethical Decisions On – Line Test do I take?

A: Please take Competition-Introduction Make Ethical Decisions.

Q: What do I need to submit to schedule my On Field Evaluation?

A: In order to schedule your Competition-Introduction, Softball On Field Evaluation you need to submit:

Competition-Introduction, Softball On Field Evaluation Application Form
An Emergency Action Plan for your home field
A Practice for 2 hours with a Selected Softball Skill (please see the list on www.softballontairo.ca) to select from
Softball Canada Regional Portfolio

Q: Who schedules my On Field Evaluation if I am attending a Weekend #3 clinic?

A: Once your Coach Paperwork (EAP, Practice Plan and Softball Canada Regional Portfolio) has been submitted to the Softball Ontario office and met the requirements of the NCCP, your time will be scheduled.

Q: What does a day at the Competition-Introduction, Softball On Field Evaluation Weekend #3 clinic look like?

Day 1: Day 2:

9:00 am 9:00 am

10:00 am 10:00 am

11:00 am 11:00 am

Lunch Break Lunch Break

1:00 pm 1:00 pm

2:00 pm 2:00 pm

3:00 pm 3:00 pm

Q: What is the breakdown of what I need to do as a Softball Coach at the Competition-Introduction, Softball On Field Evaluation Weekend?

A: On-Field Evaluation/Clinic-2 hours (this includes a 15 minute entrance interview with the Coach and Evaluator; the Coach conducting a 45 minute practice based on the assigned skill with 9 softball athletes (U14 and above); a debriefing session (30 mins) and Skill Analysis portion (30 minutes))

Q: How many Softball Ontario NCCP Coach Developers are at Competition-Introduction, Softball On Field Evaluation – Weekend #3?

A: Softball Ontario assigns two (2) NCCP trained Coach Developers to each Competition-Introduction, Softball OFE- Weekend #3.

Q: When do I submit my Coach Paperwork (EAP, Practice Plan and Softball Canada Regional Portfolio) to Softball Ontario?

A: Each Competition-Introduction, Softball On Field Evaluation Weekend #3 will have a specific deadline as outlined in correspondence sent by Softball Ontario’s Technical Program Coordinator. The deadline is (2) two weeks prior to the scheduled Competition-Introduction, Softball – Weekend #3 clinic.

Q: What am I being evaluated on?

A: Here is a link to the Softball Observation Toolkit that Softball Ontario’s NCCP Coach Developer’s use at the On Field Evaluation:

http://www.softballontario.ca/_uploads/media/51zd9op2t.pdf

Q: What age are the athletes I am being evaluated on at the Competition-Introduction, Softball OFE- Weekend #3 clinic?

A: Softball Ontario Clinic Hosts are asked to gather softball athletes that are U14 and above. Coaches will be notified as soon as the Softball Ontario office knows the stage of development the athletes are.

Q: What if I Coach a U18 softball team and the U14 athletes that are provided at the Competition-Introduction, Softball OFE- Weekend #3 clinic?

A: Please note that the Softball Ontario NCCP Coach Developer will recognize that this is not typically the stage of development you Coach but they are evaluating based on the categories in the Softball Observation Toolkit. Please refer to the link provided above.

Q: What if I Coach a boys’ softball team and the athletes are provided at the Competition-Introduction, Softball OFE – Weekend #3 clinic are girls?

A: Please note that the Softball Ontario NCCP Coach Developer will recognize that this is not typically the team Coach but they are evaluating based on the categories in the Softball Observation Toolkit. Please refer to the link provided above.

Q: How do I get an exemption for my Team for this year?

A: Please contact your Member Association to ask for the procedure to ask for an exemption.

Q: When does my NCCP Transcript get updated?

A: Once the Softball Ontario receives the Clinic (Weekend #1, Weekend #2 and Weekend #3/On Field Evaluation) paperwork, the Coaches Association of Canada’s Locker will be updated.

Q: Do I need to take Learn to Coach or Community Softball Coach before taking Competition-Introduction, Softball?

A: The NCCP is now based on the level of athletes you are Coaching rather than a progress level system (1, 2, 3, etc). Competition-Introduction, Softball is geared for Coaches who are coaching Train2Train and above stage of development athletes and a Coach can begin to Coach at any age level and receive the proper Coach education.

Q: Can I take Competition-Introduction, Softball Weekend #2 before Weekend #1?

A: In order to be eligible to take Weekend #2 of Competition-Introduction, Softball, you must previously attend Weekend #1. You will receive all the resources you need to complete all three (3) weekends of Competition-Introduction, Softball.

Q: Do have to take Competition-Introduction, Softball Weekend #1 and Weekend #2 at the same location?

A: A Coach can take Weekend #1 and Weekend #2 in different locations. For example:

Weekend #1 in Acton
Weekend #2 in Lynden

Q: How do I complete the Softball Canada Regional Portfolio?

A: Here’s a short video to help explain the NCCP requirements of the Softball Canada Regional Coach Portfolio:https://youtu.be/PRcHSWUxkv4

Q: How do I Self Report NCCP PD Points?

A: Here’s a video that provides a step by step of how to Self Report in the Locker: https://bit.ly/2QMJ1DF

Coaching Developer

Become a Softball Ontario NCCP Coach Developer

Softball Ontario is always looking for enthusiastic Coach Developers (Learning Facilitators/Evaluators) to lead clinics for our Coaches program.
Most clinics are held on the weekends so your availability for at least two weekends during the winter and spring is very important to us. Softball Ontario pays an honorarium plus meals and mileage to all Coach Developers as per our policies. You will have a chance to meet interesting people, brush up on your knowledge and make an impact on the development of better softball in Ontario.

If you meet qualifications listed below and your interested in becoming of Softball Ontario’s Team, contact the Softball Ontario office.
Coaching Instructors:
Must be NCCP fully certified one level above that which they will be instructing. Must have an excellent knowledge of the basic skills and techniques of the game of softball. Should possess very good fault identification ability. Must demonstrate good teaching methodology. Possess the ability to work with other instructors in presenting a clinic. Having the ability to instruct and communicate effectively with adults is essential.