new coach information frequently asked...

New Coach FAQ – August 2014 1

New Coach Information

Frequently Asked Questions Dear CanSkate Course Participant, Thank you for your interest in becoming a professional Skate Canada coach! Shortly after the completion of your three day CanSkate course, you will be eligible to register with Skate Canada and begin your coaching career! The following Q & A has been put together to provide assistance with questions you may have during your first year of coaching. As always, the section and national offices are available to help guide and answer any additional questions you may have. Please note that the Skate Canada website and your Skate Canada section website are also great portals of information. Good luck with your coaching! Question: Once I have completed my three day CanSkate course, when can I start coaching? Answer: All participants will receive a letter from their section office indicating successful completion of their CanSkate “In-Training” status. Provided you have completed all other registration requirements (First Aid, Background Check, Make Ethical Decisions), you may submit your paperwork to Skate Canada and register as a CanSkate “In-Training” Professional Coach. Please log on to the Skate Canada website (www.skatecanada.ca /Members Only/ Coaches/Registration Documents & Forms) to review what supporting documentation needs to be submitted with your registration. Question: Can I be paid to coach with an “In-Training” status? Answer: Yes. Coaches who hold a CanSkate “In-Training” status are eligible to be hired by a club and be paid for their services provided they are registered coaching members with Skate Canada. Coaching fees are determined by each club independently. Question: What first aid course do I need to take? Answer: For complete details please refer to Skate Canada’s first aid policy. Courses must follow the following guidelines;

The course must be between 6-8 hours in length; The course must have an expiry of three years or less; The course must include a practical evaluation; The course must be emergency related. For further information this policy is posted on the Skate Canada website in Members Only/Coaches/Registration Documents and Forms/ First aid Certification Policy.


Question: I have already taken a first aid course as it was a requirement for another job that I hold. Will this be sufficient to submit with my registration? Answer: Yes, provided the course that you took fulfills all of the criteria outlined in the Skate Canada First Aid policy and that your certificate is still valid. Question: Do I need to complete a background check if I am under 18 years of age? Answer: Coaches under the age of 18 do not have to complete a background check. Please note, however, that you have 30 days from the day you turn 18 to complete the clearance check through BackCheck (www.backcheck.net/skatecanada). Question: How do I complete the Make Ethical Decisions online evaluation? Answer: The Make Ethical Decisions online evaluation module can be found by logging onto the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) database referred to as the Locker at www.coach.ca. You may only log on and complete this module once you have received an email from CAC following your course. This email will have your NCCP number (Coaching card number) and your password. You will need this number to log into your profile on the Coaching Associate of Canada website. Please note that you must complete the Instruction Stream module. Question: What is Member Services? Answer: Member Services is a department at the Skate Canada national office that is there to assist any member of our organization. Member Services Representatives will be able to assist you with issues pertaining to coach registration, problems with logging in to your coach profile in Members Only and any other questions that your section office may not be able to assist you with. They can be reached by email at: [email protected] or by phone at: 1-888-747-2372, ext.1. Question: What is Members Only? Answer: Members Only is a section of the Skate Canada website dedicated to members of the association. Members Only is password protected, so you will need your Skate Canada number and password (set as your last name unless you change it). You will find many pieces of valuable information to assist you with your coaching. Question: How do I manage deadline dates? Answer: It is your responsibility to manage and meet all deadline dates associated with your coaching career. You must ensure that updates to certifications are completed prior to the expiry date, otherwise your coaching status will become non-active and you will not be permitted to be on the ice coaching in any capacity. Deadline dates for NCCP courses are clearly outlined and communicated to participants in the course and in supporting documentation. Again, it is up to you as the professional coach to ensure that you are meeting all expectations associated with your certification. Our membership year runs from September 1st to August 31st each year. Membership renewals must be received by our national office before stepping onto the ice each season.


Question: What if I am past my deadline for achieving a CanSkate Trained or Certified status? Answer: In extenuating circumstances, coaches who do not complete the CanSkate Trained Evaluation Portfolio or CanSkate Certified Evaluation Portfolio within the required timeframes may apply in writing to their Skate Canada Section office for a one-time extension of up to six months to complete the necessary requirements. Question: If I have to update my certification, where do I send a copy of my new certificate? Answer: Send a copy of any updated certifications to both the section office and Member Services at the national office. Question: What is the Continuous Education Program (CEP)? Answer: Coaches are awarded Continuous Education Program (CEP) credits for a variety of activities that are completed within a two-year cycle. At the conclusion of each two-year cycle, coaches are responsible for submitting their CEP activities to the national office. Depending on the number of credits achieved, a status of Bronze, Silver or Gold will be awarded to the coach and a reduction/discount in the annual membership fee will be applied. Effective for the 2014-2015 season, all coaches must have accumulated a minimum of five CEP points to register for the season. If you have not accumulated a minimum of five credits you will not be permitted to register for the season. For more information on CEP, please visit the Skate Canada Members Only/ Coaches/ Registration Documents and Forms. Question: As a new coach registering for the first time, do I have any CEP points? Answer: Yes! As per the Eligible Activities chart, you will receive 15 credits (5 per day) for attending the CanSkate course. Question: How do I submit the credits I have accumulated in CEP? Answer: There is an electronic form available for coaches to enter their credits directly online. The form is available on Members Only / Coaches / Continuous Education Program Online Form. Question: I will be away at university or busy during the coming year. Can my mom or dad contact Skate Canada or the Section on my behalf for information? Answer: As a professional Skate Canada coach, you must take ownership of your role within the organization and contact us directly. Email is always an option if you are unable to make a phone call. We will only communicate with the coach on any matters concerning you status. Question: What competitions can I receive accreditation to with a CanSkate “In-Training” status? Answer: A CanSkate “In-Training” status only permits you to work with CanSkate level athletes. You are eligible to receive accreditation to an area competition for CanSkate events only. Please note that you must hold a valid coaching membership for the year in which the competition takes place, along with a valid first aid and background check. You must present your coaching card at the coach registration desk to receive accreditation.


Question: Can I cover another coach at a competition with a CanSkate “In-Training” status? Answer: You are only permitted to cover CanSkate events and accreditation will not be issued for categories higher than the CanSkate level. Question: Can I coach synchronized skating with a CanSkate “In-Training” status? Answer: No. Synchronized skating is not part of the CanSkate program; therefore you are not permitted to work with this level of athlete. To begin coaching synchronized skating you must hold at a minimum a Primary STARSkate “trained” status. Question: My friend took the CanSkate Coaching Course prior to 2013 and holds a different status than I do. Why is this? Answer: The CanSkate coaching course underwent significant changes and as a result, a new course was launched in the spring/summer of 2013. All participants who take the new CanSkate course are on a different certification path than those who took the course prior to 2013. Please be sure to contact your Section Course Administrator for any NCCP questions you may have about your coaching status to ensure you get the correct information. Question: Can I pursue any other NCCP courses with a CanSkate “In-Training” status? Answer: CanSkate In-Training coaches are eligible to take the CanPowerSkate course. Please remember that upon successful completion of your “In-Training” status, you must complete your “Trained” status within one year regardless of your attendance at the CanPowerSkate course. Question: Do I need to complete my CanSkate “Certified” status if I take the Primary STARSkate technical course within two years of achieving my CanSkate “Trained” status? Answer: No. If you only want to teach CanSkate, then you must certify at this level as you cannot remain in a “trained” status. If you would like to coach at a level higher than CanSkate, you need to take the Primary STARSkate technical course within two years of achieving your CanSkate “Trained” status. Question: I would still like to skate (try tests and compete) while coaching. Is this possible? Answer: Yes, however, you must hold a dual membership. Provided you meet the requirements to become a coach you must pay your annual coaching membership fee with Skate Canada AND also have your club register you as an associate member for the year.