Anyone can say they are a coach, but are they truly certified?

I am proud to say I am an NCCP Certified Level 2 Boxing Coach, but what does this actually mean? Anyone can become a coach, but those who want to do the best for their athletes want to make sure they are at their best when it comes to training. I am going to use Boxing as an example when it comes to certification since I can't comment on other sports in Canada.

When you pursue coaching you need to do a few things. All coaches must have an NCCP Number. NCCP is the National Coaching Certification Program for Canada. This number follows us throughout our careers and if you ask a coach for their number they will tell you. Why? Simple...there is a public access anyone can use to view a coach's certifications and credentials. Below is the link for the public access:

https://thelocker.coach.ca/access/account/public

When I started as a Level 1 Coach and then Level 2, the process was similar. I had to take the Level 1 (or Level 2) Boxing course through Boxing Ontario. I also had to take specific NCCP courses as part of the level I was working towards. The Boxing Ontario courses cover the general information regarding the sport directly, whereas the NCCP courses were more generic and varied since any coach might need to take them. As an example, Designing a Basic Sports Program was one I was required to take for my Level 2. Once all of the NCCP courses along with the Boxing Ontario courses were completed I was given the designation as "Trained" this means Not Yet Certified. In order to become a certified coach for Boxing, you need to complete your certification evaluation through Boxing Canada. You are put in touch with an evaluator who gives you specific tasks to complete that may need in person or video submissions.

Once all of those steps are completed and you pass the evaluation, you are given the designation of being a Certified Coach.

I bring this up since there seems to be some confusion when it comes to coaches who take the Boxing Ontario course then say they are a certified coach. This may not always be the case. Not saying that they are bad coaches, just that they are claiming a designation that may not be correct. Also as part of the certification we get Police Background Checks done. We also stay up to date with our CPR/AED/First Aid training (while these are not a requirement, they are important). We are also members of our sport organization (Boxing Ontario for example).

If you are ever in doubt, do some homework. Ask the coach for their NCCP number. If they refuse to give it to you, that may be a red flag. Those who have nothing to hide will happily share their number so you can view the public access to their profile. The best coaches stay up to date with trainings and education and never stop learning.